PROVIDENCE, RI - General Treasurer Seth Magaziner today paid a surprise visit to the North Kingstown High School classroom of Richard Garland naming him the state's second-ever Financial Literacy Educator of the Year.
"Mr. Garland has brought his own experience in business to the classroom and regularly goes above and beyond to prepare students for personal and professional financial success," said Treasurer Magaziner. "It is my distinct pleasure to recognize Mr. Garland's contribution to Rhode Island with this year's Financial Literacy Educator of the Year award."
Garland, who left the private sector to begin teaching five years ago, was nominated for the award by both his students and colleagues. They point to Mr. Garland's effort in and out of the classroom including serving as advisor to the school's Business Club, helping students compete in the JumpStart RI Personal Financial Challenge, and partnering with People's Credit Union to fund the school's financial literacy curriculum.
"Mr. Garland takes a personal interest in his students sending lengthy emails to individual families on how to best assist their children and how he can partner with them. This is why everyone succeeds in his classes." said Principal Denise Mancieri.
"In everything he does, Mr. Garland refuses to let us feel trapped in the classroom," wrote one student in support of Garland. "His teaching style, full of his own experiences, hooked me on his classes. His own successes have made my goals appear to be in my reach."
The Financial Literacy Educator of the Year award recognizes teachers who excel in and out of the classroom to provide their students with the financial literacy skills they need to successfully navigate our complex financial system.
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