Rhode Island Teachers Unions

Rhode Island’s public K-12 teachers are represented primarily by two statewide organizations: the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) and the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP). Both organizations are affiliates of national unions and organize educators through local associations that handle district-level bargaining. Together, they represent nearly all public-school teachers and many education support professionals across the state.

National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI)

Leadership

• President: Valarie Lawson
• Vice President: Amy Mullen
• Treasurer: Kristin Chase
• Secretary: Sue Warburton
• Executive Director: Mary K. Barden

Organization
NEARI is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Founded in 1845, it represents approximately 12,000 members across more than 70 local associations, including classroom teachers, support professionals, and some higher-education and municipal employees.

Member Dues
Members of NEARI pay unified dues that are shared among their local association, the state organization, and the national union. The total amount varies depending on the local’s rate and any additional assessments, but most full-time teachers contribute around $800 to $900 annually. These funds support collective bargaining, legal representation, professional development, communications, and statewide advocacy on behalf of educators.

Meetings
NEARI operates under a representative governance system centered on its Delegate Assembly, which convenes annually to set statewide policy, elect officers, and approve budgets. Between assemblies, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors meet regularly to conduct business and coordinate support for local affiliates.

Requirements
Membership is open to public-school educators, support staff, and eligible employees working in NEARI-represented bargaining units. Members must maintain good standing by following union bylaws and paying dues. Joining is voluntary, and non-members remain covered under negotiated contracts but do not have voting rights or access to member benefits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• NEARI provides collective bargaining power that can help teachers negotiate for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions through formal contracts.
• The union offers legal representation and grievance support, which can be useful if disputes arise over employment or disciplinary issues.
• Through NEARI’s connection to the national NEA, members have a coordinated voice in education policy discussions at both state and national levels.
• Membership includes access to professional development opportunities, classroom materials, and various NEA Member Benefits programs.

Cons

• Membership requires paying annual dues—often several hundred dollars—which can feel burdensome, especially for teachers with tight budgets.
• Some members are uncomfortable with how union funds are used for political activities or lobbying that may not reflect their personal beliefs.
• Collective bargaining can lead to standardized contracts that reduce flexibility for individual arrangements or limit rewards for exceptional performance.
• Members are generally expected to align with union decisions and participate in collective actions, even if they personally disagree or prefer not to be involved.

Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP)

Leadership

• President: Maribeth Calabro
• Treasurer: Michael Cicerone, Jr.

Organization
RIFTHP is the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Established in 1947, it includes approximately 10,000 to 12,000 members from K-12 schools, higher education, healthcare, and public agencies. The federation connects local unions under a statewide Executive Board and biennial delegate convention. Each local maintains autonomy in bargaining and daily operations but collaborates with RIFTHP for legal, legislative, and organizational support.

Member Dues
RIFTHP members pay unified dues distributed among the local, state, and national levels. The total cost for a full-time teacher generally ranges from about $750 to $900 per year, depending on local assessments. Dues fund collective bargaining, grievance representation, legislative advocacy, communications, and professional-development programs. Locals may also collect small additional amounts to sustain strike or legal defense funds.

Meetings
The union governs itself through a Biennial Convention attended by delegates from affiliated locals, where officers are elected and statewide policies are set. Between conventions, an Executive Board composed of local presidents and statewide officers meets regularly to manage ongoing operations.

Requirements
Membership is open to employees within bargaining units represented by RIFTHP-affiliated locals. Members must be in good standing and pay required dues. Joining is voluntary under federal labor law, and non-members remain covered by union-negotiated contracts but do not receive union voting rights or benefits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• RIFTHP provides statewide coordination and experienced negotiators to represent educators during collective bargaining, helping ensure consistent contract terms across districts.
• The federation offers legal support and professional advocacy for members facing workplace disputes or disciplinary matters.
• Through its affiliation with the national AFT, RIFTHP connects Rhode Island educators to broader labor and education policy discussions at the national level.
• Members can access professional development, leadership training, and a range of AFT-sponsored insurance and financial programs.

Cons

• Annual union dues for full-time educators can amount to several hundred dollars, which some members find costly compared to the benefits received.
• A portion of dues often supports lobbying and political causes, which may not reflect every member’s personal or ideological views.
• Collective bargaining and seniority rules can limit flexibility in job assignments, pay differentiation, or performance-based incentives.
• Members are expected to adhere to union policies and collective decisions, even when they may personally disagree or prefer to handle issues independently.

Exercise Your Rights

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.