Rhode Island Honors Civic Education Teachers of the Year

PROVIDENCE, RI — Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore honored Amarís García of Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts and Kathryn Jones of Narragansett High School as the 2026 winners of the Rhode Island Civic Education Teacher of the Year award.

The awards were presented at a State House ceremony. Secretary Amore was joined by the Rhode Island Department of Education, administrators from TAPA, the Narragansett School System and students.

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"Serving as a classroom teacher for nearly 30 years was one of my greatest honors – and I know firsthand how impactful teachers can be on their students," Amore said in a media release.

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"Both Ms. García and Ms. Jones exemplify teachers who are committed to making learning fully immersive and engaging for their students, and I know they are building the next generation of civic leaders," Amore said.

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The Civic Education Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding teachers who have shown a commitment to and expertise in teaching civics or American government. Special consideration is given to teachers who use innovative teaching practices and experiential learning.

García is a fourth-year culturally-responsive social studies and ethnic studies educator at TAPA.

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Jones is in her 12th year of teaching social studies at Narragansett High School.

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