Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Nearly 40 middle and high school educators, along with representatives from 15 organizations, participated in Rhode Island’s first Financial Literacy Educators Forum on October 25 at Bryant University. The event was organized by General Treasurer James A. Diossa in partnership with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). The forum aimed to expand financial education access for students across the state.
“Our teachers are the foundation of financial education in Rhode Island,” said Treasurer James A. Diossa. “Every day in the classroom, they guide and inspire our students to think about their financial futures. To do that effectively, they need the right tools and support. I thank everyone who helped make this inaugural event possible.”
“Bringing together Rhode Island educators and community partners from across the state for the first-ever Financial Literacy Educators Forum is a powerful step toward ensuring all students have the tools and support to make informed financial decisions,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “This collaboration between the Office of the General Treasurer and RIDE reflects our shared commitment to innovation, high-quality instruction, and expanding access to financial education statewide.”
The forum included professional development sessions led by both national and local experts such as Alex Lamon from Intuit for Education, Katharine Amaral and Sara Schwartz from Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, and Joy Tavano from North Kingstown High School.
Attendees also had opportunities to connect with various community partners during a financial literacy expo featuring organizations like Navigant Credit Union, Centreville Bank, Coastal1 Credit Union, BayCoast Bank, the Rhode Island Council for Economic Education, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, Sin-cere Multiservice, among others.
The creation of this forum was influenced by recommendations from a report titled “Enhancing and Supporting Financial Capability for Rhode Island Students in the Urban Core,” which highlighted the importance of providing enhanced professional development opportunities for educators.
RIDE continues to review curriculum options and professional development offerings related to financial literacy. This ensures that instructional sessions promote collaboration among educators while equipping them with practical strategies that can be used immediately in classrooms.
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