We're getting to know the new, 2026-2027 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year, Michael Cook! Cook sits down with Commissioner Infante-Green in this episode to talk about his experience as a longtime math teacher at Coventry High School and what his goals are for the upcoming year. He also reminisces on the moment he found out that he had been selected as State Teacher of the Year.

Jo Eva Gaines joins Commissioner Infante-Green for this latest episode of Un Cafecito con la Comisionada Angélica Infante-Green.

A trailblazer and lifelong champion of education, the 90-year-old Gaines reflects on her remarkable journey in Rhode Island—from her early career as a music teacher and guidance counselor to her service on the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education. She shares personal stories, reflects on the people and experiences that helped shaped her career, and discusses the legacy she continues to build through her commitment to education and community.

Four North Providence High School graduates join Commissioner Infante-Green to talk about what it was like completing the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program and earning associate’s degrees before graduating high school. The students give details about their overall experience, talk about how the program helped them discover what they do—and don’t—want to pursue, and share what they’re planning to study as they head off to college this fall. 

In this episode, Commissioner Infante-Green chats with Jay Longley, a private pilot in Rhode Island who helped develop the new, RIDE-approved aviation CTE program. Jay shares how students can get started in aviation and the learning opportunities available to them here in Rhode Island. He also gives listeners a glimpse into the world of aviation and how math and science skills are used in the field.

Superintendent of Providence Public Schools Dr. Javier Montañez joins Commissioner Infante-Green to talk about the progress the district has made under his leadership, including key accomplishments and the collaborative efforts that have helped strengthen opportunities and outcomes for Providence students.

In part two of this two-part episode, Commissioner Infante-Green continues her conversation with two leaders of the Providence Public School District (PPSD): Dr. Paula Dillon, Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Zack Scott, Deputy Superintendent of Operations. Dillon and Scott reflect on PPSD's journey under state intervention and share concerns as the district returns to local control.

In part one of this two-part episode, Commissioner Infante-Green talks with two leaders of the Providence Public School District (PPSD): Dr. Paula Dillon, Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Zack Scott, Deputy Superintendent of Operations. Dillon and Scott reflect on PPSD's journey under state intervention, highlighting some of their key accomplishments, lessons learned, and the progress made to better support students in Providence.

Coventry High School Principal Brooke Macomber and CTE Director Timothy Chace join Commissioner Infante-Green to discuss the impact of Coventry's Unified Sports program and what it means for the school to be recognized for a second time as a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School. Macomber and Chace also reflect back on how the Unified Sports program got started at Coventry High School and how their school's overall commitment to inclusion has helped foster a supportive environment where all students are empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.

Executive Director of Feed RI, Rhonda Lapham, sits down with Commissioner Infante-Green for a conversation about food insecurity, expanding access to nutritious meals, and the critical role that reliable nutrition plays in overall student success. They also discuss ways that schools, community organizations, and local partners are working together to ensure that Rhode Island students and families have the resources they need to thrive.

Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Chief Operations Officer Dr. Mario Carreño sits down with Commissioner Infante-Green to discuss the impact of school construction projects across Rhode Island. From modern classrooms and innovative learning spaces to brand new school buildings, hear how these investments are transforming schools and creating learning environments built for the future.