Aimée Couto is a first grade teacher at Emma G. Whiteknact School in East Providence, Rhode Island, where she has been teaching for the past 12 years. Being raised in a military family, Couto frequently moved throughout the states: Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska and New Hampshire, to name just a few.

After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Rhode Island, Couto worked in business before returning to school to earn a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Rhode Island College. She spent her early years teaching preschool through second grade before joining the East Providence School District.

Growing up labeled a struggling reader, Couto has made it a focus not to label any of her students.  Her focus is to instill a positive growth mindset that all students can achieve anything with time and practice. She thrives on developing her knowledge of foundational literacy skills required for her students to learn and become lifelong learners. She continues to enhance her own abilities and knowledge in this area through professional development and by being the LETRS facilitator in her district. Couto believes her students have the greatest opportunity for success when they are learning within the context of a relationship or community of trust, care and respect. When we have a safe place to learn and grow, it’s a safe place to take risks and to share one’s own work and ideas.