Previously at North Providence High School in North Providence, former English teacher Janine Napolitano promoted literacy not only in her classroom and school, but throughout her district and community as well. She co-founded an interdisciplinary literacy team comprised of teachers and students aimed at promoting reading for pleasure—the only such program in the state. Starting with fundraisers, book drives and book talks at the school level, the literacy team has since expanded throughout the district and community, with book talks at senior and community centers involving parents and community members. Napolitano also implemented a self-selected reading program for students, with incentives for reluctant readers, as well as writer's notebooks and a writing workshop as part of the curriculum. Student achievement in English and language arts has improved each year since Napolitano began teaching at North Providence High School, with 70 percent of students performing at proficient levels. Napolitano was appointed chair of the English department, and is also on the executive board of the Rhode Island Writing Project and an instructor at Rhode Island College. Most recently, Napolitano was named Birchwood Assistant Prinicipal.
1992 Rhode Island College, B.A.
