RIDE Recognizes Cranston High School West Teacher During Computer Science Education Week

RIDE Recognizes Cranston High School West Teacher During Computer Science Education Week

Published on Friday, December 12, 2025

CRANSTON, RI - On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Rhode Island education officials visited the classroom of Aimée Duarte, Rhode Island's 2026 Computer ScienceTeacher of the Year. They were joined by educators and school leaders to highlight the importance of Computer ScienceEducation and to officially proclaim the weekNational Computer ScienceEducation Weekin Rhode Island.

In alignment with Rhode Island's Math Matters campaign which seeks to celebrate and elevate the importance of math statewide, Computer ScienceEducation is essential in preparing students for a world driven by technology, innovation, and rapid change. It equips young people with the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, and understand the digital tools that shape nearly every aspect of modern life. Computer ScienceEducation Weekhighlights the crucial role that computer scienceplays in transforming society and fostering innovation and economic opportunity.

This year, RIDE has awarded nearly $3.5 million in two rounds of Learn365RI grants to 38 communities to strengthen math and literacy skills and boost student attendance as part of the Math Matters RI and Attendance Matters RI campaigns.

Ms. Duarte, who has been an educator for nearly 30 years, is the Interactive Digital Media teacher at Cranston Area Career & Technical Center. She was selected as Rhode Island's 2026 Computer ScienceTeacher of the Year and was recently honored at Rhode Island Department of Education's WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators.

"As part of Rhode Island's Math Matters campaign, educators are emphasizing the importance of mathematics as a foundational skill for future success", said Governor McKee. "By teaching coding, data literacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Ms. Duarte is helping her students build on that foundation of math skills for their future success."

"Ms. Duarte is helping students develop technical proficiency, creativity and confidence," said Commissioner Infante-Green. "Her dedication to creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences ensures that all of her students - regardless of background - can become informed contributors in an increasingly digital society."

"Computer scienceeducation is essential in Rhode Island because it equips students with the skills and prepares them for their future", said Cranston Superintendent of Schools, Jeannine Nota-Masse. "Ms. Duarte's teaching ignites student curiosity and helps build their confidence, keeping them engaged in their education."