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NEARI members pose for a group photo on the interior State House steps on Lobby Day 2024. They are holding up scarves that have the NEARI logo and smiling.

Speak Up for Students Our Voice is Our Power

We’ll advocate for fully-funded public schools. We’ll dismantle unjust systems. We’ll give our students the opportunities they need to succeed. Help us make it happen.

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Together We're Stronger. Together We're Heard.

NEARI members make our union strong! You came to the Statehouse and spoke one-on-one with your legislators, you showed up at hearings to offer your personal testimony, you sent postcards and made calls. Because of your voice and your action, all of our priorities saw gains in the legislature in 2024: the 5-to-3 pension change PASSED, safe gun storage PASSED, targeted funding for multi-lingual learners PASSED, healthy school meals expansion PASSED.
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A picture of David Koutsogiane, the Vice President of the Teachers’ Association of Newport
Lawmakers want input from the public to guide their decision-making. They especially pay attention to those who testify in person.
Quote by: David Koutsogiane, Former Vice President, Teachers’ Association of Newport

Bills in the Legislature

Learn NEARI's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    H5840 webserver.rilegislature.gov

    Introduced on February 28, 2025

    This act would require all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

  • Support

    H5762 webserver.rilegislature.gov

    Introduced on February 26, 2025

    This act would recalculate the retirement allowance related to early retirement and pension benefits for teachers, state employees and municipal employees. The bill increases the pension accrual rate based on years of service.

  • Support

    S238 webserver.rilegislature.gov

    Introduced on February 26, 2025

    FREEDOM TO READ. This act would promote the free expression and free access of information by prohibiting the censorship of library materials. This act would require the creation of a model policy relative to library material within a public library and school library.

    Take Action

    Support the Freedom to Read

    Take the Pledge
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A labor union and professional organization.

Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!
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The NEARI is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

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