Three Rhode Island Teachers Receive 2023 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award

Published on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – In surprise celebrations on Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College (RIC) presented three teachers with the 2023 RI STEAM Educator Award. The winners are as follows: 

• Kristen Noonan, Visual Arts Teacher, E.G. Robertson Elementary School, Warwick 
• Michelle Conary Brittain, Computer Science Teacher, Chariho Middle School 
• Corinne Gelinas, Technology Engineering Educator, North Providence High School 

The annual award is presented during RI STEAM Month, observed in November, which highlights the importance of learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art+Design, and Mathematics.    

“Rhode Island takes great pride in educators who go above and beyond, shaping the future of our students and state. I extend my congratulations to Kristen Noonan, Michelle Conary Brittain, and Corinne Gelinas for their outstanding achievements as recipients of the 2023 STEAM Educator Award,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thank you for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and thinkers. Your achievements reflect the strength and promise of Rhode Island's educational community, and I am proud to celebrate your well-deserved success." 

“The exceptional contributions to STEAM education by the award winners not only empower our students with the critical 21st-century skills needed for success but also play a vital role in shaping Rhode Island's economic future. I commend their dedication to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, contributing directly to our state's workforce development,” said Board of Education Chair Michael Grey. “Their commitment to fostering innovation and cultivating talents aligns seamlessly with our vision for a thriving and dynamic Rhode Island. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition.”   

“Every student deserves an enriching STEAM education, and the contributions of Kristen, Michelle, and Corinne exemplify the dedication required to make this vision a reality,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “Thank you to the recipients who work diligently to prepare students for success in our ever-evolving world.” 

Kristen Noonan, a distinguished visual arts teacher and art team leader for Warwick Public Schools, has shown exceptional commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression in her students for nearly three decades. Through her leadership, Noonan has not only cultivated a love for the arts but has also integrated STEAM principles into elementary school curricula districtwide, providing a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. Additionally, Noonan worked diligently to design a state-of-the-art STEAM lab at E.G. Robertson Elementary School to meet the needs of all students. Lauded by district leadership for her “professionalism, hard work ethic, and positive demeanor,” Noonan also serves as Robertson’s after school program coordinator, a mentor for high school seniors, professional development lead, and cooperating teacher for Rhode Island College, among many other roles. Noonan is a graduate of Rhode Island College. 

"The recipients of the 2023 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award exemplify the spirit of excellence we strive for in Rhode Island, and I applaud their dedication to preparing our students for the future,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Kristen, Michelle, and Corinne have not only inspired their students but have fostered environments where students are eager to attend school and engage with their teachers and classmates. Thank you to these three educators for serving as shining examples of world-class talent in Rhode Island. Together, we will continue to strive for educational excellence and equitable opportunities for every student in Rhode Island." 

“As director of the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College, I am proud to see educators like Kristen, Michelle, and Corinne driving positive change,” said Dr. Lisa Bain. “We extend our gratitude to the recipients and RIDE for their continued partnership. It is an honor to sponsor this award and continue the legacy of Dr. Carol Giuriceo, the creator of this award, who was known for her dedication to all things STEAM.” 

Just ahead of National Computer Science Education Week, award recipient Michelle Conary Brittain is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to advancing computer science education in Rhode Island. Her dedication to inspiring young minds in the rapidly-evolving field of technology has had a profound impact on her students at Chariho Middle School. Conary Brittain has played an integral role in leading implementation of RIDE and CS4RI STEAM initiatives, with expertise in specialized robotics, computer literacy, and game design instruction, as well as program development, curriculum development, and standard development. Colleagues describe her classroom as an “open and inviting place” where she is “respected and loved by her students and held in the highest regard by her peers.” Conary Brittain is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. 

“On behalf of our entire team, I want to extend our congratulations to Kristen, Michelle, and Corinne. Preparing our students with the skills they need to excel in the STEAM areas is critical to Rhode Island’s clean energy future,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Through the PPL Foundation, we’re proud to support the Rhode Island STEAM Center and the outstanding teachers, who make their lessons in these fields a priority and an engaging experience for students.”

Corinne Gelinas, a distinguished technology engineering teacher at North Providence High School, has been instrumental in promoting hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and application. Her innovative approach to teaching technology and engineering has empowered her students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, preparing them for success in STEAM-related fields. Described as “motivated, innovative, ambitious, enthusiastic, self-directed and committed” by district leadership, Gelinas notably developed the Pre-Engineering Program at North Providence High School. The program, recently approved by RIDE, will provide students opportunities to face real-world challenges while building their confidence and gaining 21st-century skills and competencies. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE), Gelinas is committed to building industry partnerships and collaborating with middle school technology educators to ensure clear alignment between middle and high school education. Gelinas is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. 

Along with this recognition, the recipients will receive a $1,000 classroom stipend and $500 personal award courtesy of the PPL Foundation. Our three STEAM Educators were also presented with engraved awards courtesy of the RI Society of Technology Educators (RISTE). 

RI STEAM Educator Award nominations and applications are reviewed by a team from the RI STEAM Center, RIDE, RIC, and URI. The STEAM Educator Award is dedicated to Dr. Carol Giuriceo, who served as the center’s director since 2013 and organized the first STEAM Educator Award. Dr. Giuriceo passed away in 2021 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.