Treasurer Diossa, Commissioner Infante-Green Host Inaugural Financial Literacy Educators Forum to Empower Teachers and Strengthen Student Success

Treasurer Diossa, Commissioner Infante-Green Host Inaugural Financial Literacy Educators Forum to Empower Teachers and Strengthen Student Success

Published on Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Providence, RI - On Saturday, October 25, close to 40 middle and high school educators and 15 supporting organizations from across Rhode Island gathered at Bryant University for the state's first-ever Financial Literacy Educators Forum: Innovation, Instruction & Impact. Hosted by General Treasurer James A. Diossa in partnership with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the event marks a significant step forward in expanding access to financial education for all Rhode Island students.

"Our teachers are the foundation of financial education in Rhode Island," said Treasurer James A. Diossa. "Every day in the classroom, they guide and inspire our students to think about their financial futures. To do that effectively, they need the right tools and support. I thank everyone who helped make this inaugural event possible."

"Bringing together Rhode Island educators and community partners from across the state for the first-ever Financial Literacy Educators Forum is a powerful step toward ensuring all students have the tools and support to make informed financial decisions," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "This collaboration between the Office of the General Treasurer and RIDE reflects our shared commitment to innovation, high-quality instruction, and expanding access to financial education statewide."

The forum provided hands-on professional development led by national and local leaders, including Alex Lamon from Intuit for Education (Real-world Money Skills); Katharine Amaral and Sara Schwartz from Junior Achievement of Rhode Island (Finance Park); and Joy Tavano, a North Kingstown High School educator (Next Gen Personal Finance's Mission 2030).

Educators also connected with community partners during a financial literacy expo featuring Navigant Credit Union, Centreville Bank, Coastal1 Credit Union, BayCoast Bank, the Rhode Island Council for Economic Education, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, Sin-cere Multiservice, and others.

The event was inspired by the report "Enhancing and Supporting Financial Capability for Rhode Island Students in the Urban Core" prepared at the request of Treasurer Diossa and the Financial Literacy Consortium. One of the report's key recommendations was to strengthen support for educators through enhanced, flexible professional development.

RIDE's ongoing review of high-quality curriculum and professional development opportunities for financial literacy ensured that the day's instructional sessions fostered collaboration, active engagement, and immediately applicable classroom strategies for educators to share back with students. The forum reflected RIDE's broader commitment to engaging communities and empowering educators with the tools and support needed to deliver relevant, meaningful learning experiences for all Rhode Island students.