Christine Rayhill
Christine Rayhill is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience serving as a classroom teacher with Warwick Public Schools. With a strong foundation in elementary and special education, she has committed her career to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that prioritize both academic growth and student well-being. Christine currently also serves as a Social Emotional Lead, reflecting her deep commitment to the whole-child approach to education.
Throughout her 24-year tenure, Christine has been recognized for her steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Her work emphasizes social-emotional learning as a critical component of student success, and she is passionate about helping children develop the skills needed to navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Rhode Island College. Guided by empathy, consistency, and a belief in the transformative power of education, she continues to advocate for learning environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Rhode Island College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships rooted in empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of how children learn. I believe academic growth follows emotional safety and trust, so I always focus on meeting students where they are—both academically and emotionally—before pushing performance. With 25 years in education, including recent work as a 5th-grade teacher and Social-Emotional Learning lead, my greatest rewards come from helping students build confidence and skills, whether that’s supporting a struggling reader to make remarkable progress or creating an inclusive environment where every child feels seen and supported.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from colleagues, administrators, and fellow educators who modeled collaboration, adaptability, and a true student-first mindset. Learning alongside others and engaging in reflective practice has continually shaped my growth and strengthened my approach to teaching.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering education to prioritize relationships, remain adaptable, and trust their instincts. Meaningful teaching goes beyond curriculum—it requires understanding and supporting the whole child, academically and emotionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is keeping students engaged amid increasing technology use and shorter attention spans. At the same time, I see a powerful opportunity in social-emotional learning and inclusive programming, which allow educators to support deeper, more meaningful growth and help students thrive both academically and emotionally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value compassion, inclusion, consistency, and a strong student-centered approach in both my work and personal life. I believe every child deserves to be seen as an individual and supported holistically—not just academically. I am especially passionate about inclusive education and student advocacy, and I carry that commitment beyond the classroom through my involvement in athletics, social-emotional learning initiatives, and extended learning programs.