Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
In Providence, three Rhode Island teachers were recognized with the 2025 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award in ceremonies held by Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College (RIC), and Rhode Island Energy.
The award is given to one teacher each from elementary, middle, and high school levels who demonstrate innovative teaching methods that encourage curiosity and creativity among students. The recipients for 2025 are Erin Giuliano from Park Elementary School in Warwick, Christopher Colson from Goff Middle School in Pawtucket, and Tiffany Risch from Coventry High School.
STEAM education combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into a single approach designed to help students think critically and solve problems creatively. This integrated method aims to connect analytical skills with creativity so students can understand both how things work and their significance.
Commissioner Infante-Green stated, “It is vital that every student have access to STEAM learning. The STEAM-centered learning approach used by Erin, Christopher, and Tiffany applies authentic, real-world problem solving, where creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking come together to inspire curiosity and innovation.”
The awards are presented in memory of Dr. Carol Giuriceo, former director of the RI STEAM Center. Each recipient receives a $1,000 grant for classroom use as well as a $500 personal award funded by PPL Foundation/RI Energy.
Doug Alexander, Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College said: "As a former STEM teacher myself, I am grateful for Erin, Christopher, and Tiffany’s work to engage students in transformative learning experiences. Their ability to connect complex STEAM concepts to real-world applications will continue to positively impact students throughout their academic career."
Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy added: "We believe that education, specifically STEAM education, is vital for vibrant communities. Rhode Island Energy is proud to support the Rhode Island STEAM Center and their work to make STEAM education more accessible, user-friendly, and relevant to all Rhode Islanders."
Lisa A. Schultz of Warwick Public Schools commented on Giuliano’s teaching style: “Erin is a second-grade teacher with a profound passion for STEAM education. Her teaching philosophy embraces productive struggle and collaboration, encouraging students to think critically and work together to solve complex problems. Erin’s students thrive under her care, and their enthusiasm for learning speaks volumes about her impact as an educator.”
Anne Marie Labioski of Coventry High School described Risch’s contributions: “Tiffany is an experienced educator with nearly two decades of success teaching science to students in grades 6-12. Her expertise spans General Science, Biology, Physics, Oceanography, and Forensics, and she brings each subject to life through hands-on inquiry-based instruction that reflects her deep commitment to integrated STEAM education.”
Dr. Suzette Wordell from Goff Middle School spoke about Colson: “Christopher has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a love for science technology engineering arts and mathematics among his students. His ability to connect complex STEAM concepts to real-world applications has not only enhanced student understanding but also inspired many to pursue careers in these fields.”
A calendar listing statewide events related to this initiative can be found on the Rhode Island Department of Education website.
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