My name is Sarah Stringer and I am running for the position of NEA Director. I am a proud 22 year veteran teacher in the Bristol Warren Regional School District. Over the past two decades, I have taught Special Education to grades 6-8, Grade five as a regular education teacher, and currently teach social studies at the middle school level. I am currently in my 6th year as the Co-President of the Bristol Warren Education Association. As the Co-President, I have gained great experience and knowledge as a leader by leading members through contract negotiations, fighting to preserve member rights while maintaining quality public education, and supporting the mental health of our PK-12 students.
During my tenure as Co-President of BWEA, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to meet and work at the state level with the many wonderful people at NEARI. I have served on the NEARI-PACE committee in which we have worked hard to endorse the right candidates for public office, attended meetings with RI Governors both past and present at the Statehouse as well as school buildings across the state. I have attended various functions, including fundraisers for endorsed candidates. When it comes to speaking to those elected officials in charge of making decisions, I am not shy to be sure that my and other educator voices are heard.
I have participated in additional events with our union brothers and sisters including; attending NEARI Leadership Conferences, working as a NEARI Member Organizer, testifying at the Statehouse, as well as attending several NEA Leadership Summits. I was excited by the amount of energy that was felt at NEARI’s 2nd annual Lobby Day. The energy that is felt when members come together to share their voices about what is important when it comes to public education and public educators is what keeps me invested in the work.
I am ready to take the next step in advocacy for public education and our union as NEA Director. As the NEA director, I will be an effective advocate and part of the open line of communication from the national to state to local levels. There is much work to be done, as we are all well aware. 2025 is an incredibly crucial time to stand together to continue and ensure that gains are made in both NEA’s Legislative Program and NEARI’s Legislative priorities. Our voices must be heard, we must continue to stand up for the rights of our members and most importantly our students. I am ready for the challenge and would be honored to serve as Rhode Island's next NEA Director.
