Jo Eva Gaines Honored for Leadership in Education

Why this matters: Jo Eva Gaines's recognition highlights the importance of diversity and leadership in education. Her contributions have paved the way for future generations of Black educators and students in Rhode Island.

Jo Eva Gaines's career is marked by her dedication to public education and community involvement. As a teacher and administrator, she has impacted countless students in Middletown and Newport. Her involvement in various boards and committees, including the Rhode Island Board of Education, demonstrates her commitment to shaping education policy at the state level.

Gaines's work with organizations such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the Rhode Island Commission on Women underscores her broader commitment to social justice and community development. Her numerous awards reflect the high regard in which she is held by her peers and the community.

Her career demonstrates a sustained commitment to collaboration and community involvement, paving the way for future generations.

Jo Eva Gaines received the Rhode Island Foundation's 2026 Black History Month Award.

She has been a classroom teacher, Director of Guidance for Middletown Public Schools, a member of the Newport School Committee, and serves on the Rhode Island Board of Education.

She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Women’s Newport League, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and an Alumnae member of Links Inc.

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