What would students say about the educators who shape their lives every day?
Starting today, the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is bringing those voices to the forefront through Legacy of Learning, a new statewide advertising campaign launching during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The campaign features three Rhode Island public school educators: Justin Aromin, a social studies teacher at North Smithfield High School; Chelsea Anderson, a band teacher at Martin Middle School in East Providence; and Suzanne Pezza, a fifth grade English Language Arts teacher at Narragansett Pier School.
Each 60-second video captures a powerful moment: students reflecting – honestly and unscripted – on the educators who have influenced their confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging.
“Listening to my students’ reflections completely blew me away – I definitely shed a few happy tears,” said Pezza, a 26-year educator. “I was so honored that they see me not only as a teacher, but as someone they trust and can come to in any circumstance. Hearing them describe me as inspiring is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career. I’m beyond humbled to be their teacher.”
As their words unfold, the ads reveal a deeper truth about teaching: the most meaningful impact often shows up in ways that can’t be measured on a test.
“Teaching is about so much more than what happens during the school day – it’s about the relationships that help students grow into who they are,” said NEARI President Val Lawson, a 32-year educator. “This campaign brings those moments to life and reminds us all just how deeply educators shape the future.”
The campaign is airing statewide in heavy rotation on the three major broadcast networks during news programming, as well as during select high-profile shows. The campaign will also run on cable networks alongside a robust digital and streaming presence across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The campaign will run through early June, aligning with the close of the school year.
Made possible through a grant from the National Education Association, Legacy of Learning centers on a powerful message: Legacy isn’t what teachers leave behind – it’s what students carry forward.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.neari.org/legacy
The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is a union and professional organization with a proud history of serving Rhode Island since 1845. NEARI is nearly 12,000 members strong, we are classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; municipal and state workers; and retirees. We are affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and RI AFL-CIO. Learn more at www.neari.org.
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