The Avon High School graduate was honored on Tuesday by Rhode Island's governor, as well as state and local school officials.
AVON, CT/NARRAGANSETT, RI – An Avon native daughter born into an educational family has achieved a massive honor in her own teaching career.
That's because 2008 Avon High School graduate Sarah Dully was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year in the state of Rhode Island this week.
The award was announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, at a special ceremony in Narragansett, R.I., where Dully teaches English at Narragansett High School.
There, Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green was joined by Narragansett School Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings, Narragansett High School Principal Conor McCloskey, members of Rhode Island’s General Assembly, as well as students, colleagues, friends, and family members, at an all-school assembly celebrating Dully.
Dully has been an educator since 2012 and joined Narragansett High School as an English Language Arts teacher in 2020.
In addition to teaching English, she is a National Honor Society advisor and was Narragansett High School’s Class of 2025 advisor.
“Congratulations to Sarah and the entire Narragansett school community on this honor,” said R.I. Gov. Dan McKee. “By all accounts, Sarah is joyous about teaching, and she brings her passion into the classroom every day. We wish you great success in the year ahead.”
Dully earned a bachelor's in English from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University.
Rhode Island state officials praised Dully's approach to education.
“I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Sarah over the past few months. Teaching is more than a job for her. Teaching is her calling,” said R.I. Educational Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Sarah understands the importance of keeping students engaged in their learning.”
As the Ocean State's top educator, Dully will work with the Rhode Island Department of Education throughout the 2025 - 26 school year to support education statewide.
She is also eligible to represent Rhode Island for the National Teacher of the Year.
As a surprise at the event, Dully was also awarded free coffee for a year courtesy of Dunkin'. Rob Batista, local Dunkin’ franchisee, attended the celebration to present the award.
Dully called her award "humbling."
“I am honored to be selected as 2026 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year,” said Dully. “It’s humbling to represent so many thoughtful, enthusiastic, and committed educators here in the Ocean State.
“Education isn’t defined solely by data points; it’s the soul of the school that lies in relationships, experiences, and connections. Every single day, it’s a privilege to be a teacher and to work with amazing colleagues and students. Thank you.”
Narragansett, R.I., school officials praised Dully.
"Sarah is an incredible teacher who expects the best from her students while providing the support, encouragement, and energy to make it possible for learners to meet her high expectations,” said Dr. Peter Cummings, superintendent of Narragansett Schools.
"The Narragansett Mariner Family is proud to celebrate Sarah Dully as the Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year. With a student-centered approach, Mrs. Dully engages every learner in rigorous academic content while fostering a classroom and school culture where students feel both challenged and supported. She is an exemplary member of the Narragansett High School faculty and a model of educational excellence," said Conor McCloskey, principal of Narragansett High School.
Of course, education is what Dully grew up with.
Her mother, Kathleen Dully, is a retired Avon Public Schools educator who taught in Avon for 35 of her 40 years.
Meanwhile, Dully's father, Robert Dully, is a retired communications director at Avon Old Farms School in Avon.