I rise, on behalf of myself and Senator Whitehouse, to congratulate Francis J. Flynn, president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, on his upcoming retirement and to thank him for his nearly five decades of service to Rhode Island students, educators, and working families. Frank's kindness, expertise, and commitment to lifting up educators and the communities they serve have made him an indispensable resource for public servants at all levels of government across our State. A proud graduate of Rhode Island College, Frank started his career in Cranston as a special education teacher. He served at all levels from elementary school through high school and worked to ensure that students with special needs had the supports necessary to fully participate in academics and the school community. Frank's devotion to his students and the community put him on a leadership path where he could focus his advocacy in support of students and educators. The skills and values he developed as a special education teacher--a focus on inclusion and the ability to address people's unique needs--served him well as he assumed a leadership role in the Cranston Teachers' Alliance, where he served as president for 8 years.…
On the recordNovember 19, 2024
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