Cranston Teacher Named Financial Literacy Educator of the Year

CRANSTON, RI — A local elementary school teacher has been honored for his role in teaching kids how to understand and manage money. James Gemma, a teacher at Rhodes Elementary School, was named Financial Literacy Educator of the Year by Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner.

Magaziner surprised Gemma with the award in his classroom on Tuesday, saying he is helping set students up for success later in life.

"Teaching our students the skills they need to manage their personal finances responsibly leads to greater economic opportunity throughout their lives," Magaziner said. "Mr. Gemma understands that these are skills that all students need to succeed and that it is never too early to start learning."

Principal Erica Williams nominated Gemma for the award, making him the first elementary school teacher to earn the distinction.

"Parents tell me that their children are excited learn in his class," Williams said. "Students are also learning important skills around collaboration, accountability, and technology."

Earlier this year's Gemma's students made the top ten in the national personal finance competition Investwrite, which requires students to think critically and teaches personal finance knowledge.

Several city officials including Mayor Allan Fung, City Councilor Lammis Vargas and Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse, as well as Gemma's wife, children and father were on hand to present the award.

"All year Mr. Gemma has worked tirelessly to prepare my classmates and me for real life financials. He lets us figure out the consequences of buying of stocks and bonds, while having fun and learning," said on of Gemma's fifth grade students who co-nominated him.

Previous winners of the Financial Literacy Educator of the Year include Patricia Page from East Greenwich High School, Richard Garland from North Kingstown High School and Anthony Avicoll from North Providence High School.