CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Central Falls High School special education transition program and Career and Technical Education Business Entrepreneurship Culinary program teacher Briana Jones was named the nation's first 2026-27 Milken Educator Award recipient.
"As the crowd of students, teachers, local dignitaries and media gathered this morning at Central Falls High School, they prepared for what they thought would be an assembly with Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green," according to a media release.
"In a surprising turn of events, Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley joined Commissioner Infante-Green on stage to share exciting news"that Jones had won the prestigious honor, the release said.
"Surrounded by a roaring gymnasium, Jones proudly accepted the prestigious Award and its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize," according to the release.
Jones is Rhode Island's 86th Milken Educator Award-winner since the state joined the program in 1990, per the release.
"She is the sole Milken Educator Award recipient in Rhode Island this 2026-27 school year and the first-ever recipient in Central Falls School District," the release said.
"Briana Jones represents the very best of Rhode Island educators and is a fitting honoree for the 2026 Milken Educator Award," Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green said in the release.
"Through Briana's unwavering belief in every student's potential, she has created transformative opportunities that empower young people of all backgrounds and abilities to build confidence, develop career-ready skills, and achieve greater independence," Infante-Green said. "Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, enriching the lives of students and families while helping to strengthen the entire Central Falls community."
Jones has taught the transition program for students ages 18-22 at Central Falls High School for the last 15 years and recently began leading the Career and Technical Education Business Entrepreneurship Culinary program.
"Her hands-on curriculum builds confidence, independence, and real-world skills for her students to reach their potential," the release said.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Central Falls Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.