Three Rhode Island Teachers Receive 2025 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award
Published on Wednesday, November 19, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI – In surprise celebrations today, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College (RIC), and Rhode Island Energy presented three teachers with the 2025 RI STEAM Educator Award.
The Award is presented to one elementary educator (grades K-5), one middle school educator (grades 6-8), and one high school educator (grades 9-12) whose innovative and engaging lessons spark curiosity and creativity in their students.
Rhode Island’s 2025 STEAM Educator Awardees are:
- Erin Giuliano, Park Elementary School in Warwick
- Christopher Colson, Goff Middle School, Pawtucket
- Tiffany Risch, Coventry High School
STEAM education integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into a cohesive learning approach that encourages students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. By blending analytical skills with creativity, STEAM helps students understand not just how things work, but why they matter.
“It is vital that every student have access to STEAM learning,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “The STEAM-centered learning approach used by Erin, Christopher, and Tiffany applies authentic, real-world problem solving, where creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking come together to inspire curiosity and innovation.”
The Rhode Island STEAM Educator Awards are presented in memory of Dr. Carol Giuriceo, who served as the RI STEAM Center’s director from 2013-2021. Each of the awardees receives a $1,000 grant to use in their classrooms, along with a $500 personal award, funded by PPL Foundation/RI Energy.
A calendar of statewide STEAM events can be found here: November is RI STEAM Month 2025! | RI Department of Education
What They Are Saying:
"As a former STEAM teacher, I understand both the challenge and the significance of the work Erin, Christopher, and Tiffany are doing,” said Doug Alexander, Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College. “When K–12 students are inspired to connect with STEAM in meaningful, relevant ways, it shapes the trajectory of their entire education and, we hope, leads them to rewarding STEAM careers."
"We believe that education, specifically STEAM education, is vital for vibrant communities,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy. “The Rhode Island Energy Foundation is proud to support the Rhode Island STEAM Center and their work to make STEAM education more accessible, user-friendly, and relevant to all Rhode Islanders.”
“Erin is a second-grade teacher with a profound passion for STEAM education. Her teaching philosophy embraces productive struggle and collaboration, encouraging students to think critically and work together to solve complex problems. Erin’s students thrive under her care, and their enthusiasm for learning speaks volumes about her impact as an educator,” said Lisa A. Schultz, Ph.D., Executive Director of Elementary Education, Accountability, and Compliance at Warwick Public Schools
“Tiffany is an experienced educator with nearly two decades of success teaching science to students in grades 6-12. Her expertise spans General Science, Biology, Physics, Oceanography, and Forensics, and she brings each subject to life through hands-on, inquiry-based instruction that reflects her deep commitment to integrated STEAM education,” said Anne Marie Labioski, Assistant Principal at Coventry High School.
“Christopher has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among his students. His ability to connect complex STEAM concepts to real-world applications has not only enhanced student understanding but also inspired many to pursue careers in these fields,” said Dr. Suzette Wordell, Principal at Goff Middle School.
