2024 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Aimée Couto Represents Ocean State at Teachers of the Year State Dinner at the White House

Published on Friday, May 03, 2024

East Providence educator Aimée Couto engaged with esteemed educators and national leaders during ‘Washington Week’ 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Aimée Couto proudly represented the Ocean State this week during a visit to Washington, D.C., where she attended the first-ever Teachers of the Year State Dinner at the White House. First Lady Jill Biden announced the dinner in April, held in honor of the country’s most esteemed educators: the National Teacher of the Year and 2024 State Teachers of the Year. 

"We are immensely proud to see Aimée representing our state with distinction and pride at the White House. Aimée’s dedication to excellence in education and her unwavering commitment to her students and the profession make her a shining example of the incredible talent and passion found within Rhode Island's educational community,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “As she stands among the nation's finest teachers, we celebrate her achievements and know that she will continue to inspire and uplift all those she encounters on this remarkable journey." 

The Teachers of the Year State Dinner took place during a week of events the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) hosts for the State Teachers of the Year on April 29-May 2, 2024, known as Washington Week. During Washington Week, teachers had the opportunity to participate in professional learning, visit with Members of Congress, and engage with the Smithsonian Institution and other education partners

“My week in Washington, D.C. with my 2024 National Teacher of the Year family was filled with growth, learning, and reflection,” said 2024 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Aimée Couto. “I proudly shared my story and my students’ stories in the belief that together we can move forward and give our students what they need and deserve.” 

Lauded by her peers as a “remarkable and inspiring professional,” and “mentor and collaborative educator,” Aimée began her career in education teaching preschool through second grade before joining the East Providence School Department. She has taught fourth and first grade for the past twelve years, currently teaching at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School. Couto serves as a leader in many capacities within her school, district, and state. Read more about Aimée here and view her Educator on Educator spotlight series here. 

CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program is the oldest and most prestigious educator recognition program in the country. Each year since 1952, the National Teacher of the Year has been recognized by the White House. To learn more about the National Teacher of the Year Program, please visit ntoy.ccsso.org.