Rhode Island Honors Civic Education Teachers of the Year

Amarís García and Kathryn Jones recognized for excellence in teaching civics and government

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Rhode Island Secretary of State honored Amarís García of Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts and Kathryn Jones of Narragansett High School as the 2026 winners of the Rhode Island Civic Education Teacher of the Year award. The awards were presented at a State House ceremony, recognizing the teachers' commitment to making learning engaging and building the next generation of civic leaders.

Why it matters

Civic education is crucial for developing an informed and engaged citizenry. By recognizing outstanding teachers in this field, Rhode Island is highlighting the importance of hands-on, immersive approaches to teaching government, civics, and community involvement.

The details

The Civic Education Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who use innovative teaching practices and experiential learning to bring civics and American government to life for their students. Amarís García is a fourth-year culturally-responsive social studies and ethnic studies educator at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, while Kathryn Jones teaches at Narragansett High School.

  • The awards were presented at a State House ceremony on March 10, 2026.

The players

Gregg M. Amore

The Rhode Island Secretary of State who presented the Civic Education Teacher of the Year awards.

Amarís García

A fourth-year culturally-responsive social studies and ethnic studies educator at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, and one of the 2026 Civic Education Teacher of the Year award winners.

Kathryn Jones

A teacher at Narragansett High School, and one of the 2026 Civic Education Teacher of the Year award winners.

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What they’re saying

“Serving as a classroom teacher for nearly 30 years was one of my greatest honors – and I know firsthand how impactful teachers can be on their students.”

— Gregg M. Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State (Patch.com)

“Both Ms. García and Ms. Jones exemplify teachers who are committed to making learning fully immersive and engaging for their students, and I know they are building the next generation of civic leaders.”

— Gregg M. Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State (Patch.com)

The takeaway

By honoring exceptional civic education teachers, Rhode Island is demonstrating its commitment to developing an informed and engaged citizenry through innovative, hands-on approaches to teaching government, civics, and community involvement.