East Providence Teacher Featured in Statewide Campaign Highlighting the Lasting Impact of Public-School Educators

Chelsea Anderson recognized in NEARI’s “Legacy of Learning” campaign launching during Teacher Appreciation Week

Cranston, R.I. — An East Providence educator is being recognized statewide for the lasting impact she has on her students – and by the colleagues who nominated her for that recognition.

Chelsea Anderson, a middle school band teacher at Martin Middle School with seven years in the classroom, is featured in Legacy of Learning, a new ad campaign launched today by the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Anderson was nominated by fellow NEARI educators who were invited to identify teachers they believed would be powerful representatives of the profession.

Through a series of 60-second ads, the campaign highlights the voices of students reflecting on the educators who have shaped their confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging.

What follows are candid, unscripted reflections from Anderson’s students – recorded in advance and shared with her in a quiet moment – about the encouragement and inspiration she brings to their lives.

“Seeing and hearing such emotional, heartfelt statements from my students reminded me why I do what I do,” said Anderson. On my toughest days, that video will remind me of my purpose and the community we’ve built in our classroom.”

“Chelsea represents what so many educators across Rhode Island public schools do every day – create a space where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired,” said NEARI
President Val Lawson, a 32-year educator. “The fact that she was nominated by her peers speaks volumes about the respect she has earned and the impact she is making.”

The Legacy of Learning campaign is airing statewide in heavy rotation on major broadcast networks during news programming, as well as on cable networks and digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Made possible through a grant from the National Education Association (NEA), the campaign centers on a powerful message: Legacy isn’t what teachers leave behind – it’s what students carry forward.

Watch the videos at www.neari.org/legacy.