Maribeth Calabro is the New President
of Rhode Island’s Largest Teachers Union

‘I’ve seen a lot,’ Calabro says as she exits the Providence public school district

Share
Maribeth Calabro is the New President
of Rhode Island’s Largest Teachers Union
Copy

After 30 years as a special education teacher in Providence, Maribeth Calabro is leaving the classroom to be the president of the R.I. Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

She’s seen a lot of change in three decades teaching at Nathanael Greene Middle School — “I’m older than the furniture,” she joked — where she also served as the Providence Teachers Union president before being elevated to the statewide union.

In an interview with “Rhode Island PBS Weekly” and the Rhode Island Report podcast, Calabro discussed the Providence schools’ financial crisis, her early thoughts on the 2026 governor’s race and this year’s RICAS scores.

This story is part of a collaboration between The Boston Globe Rhode Island and Rhode Island PBS. To access the Globe online for free for 30 days, sign up here (no credit card required).

This Black Friday, before you click ‘buy,’ it’s worth knowing that many retailers have quietly tightened their return policies
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s pantries and meal sites served some 100,000 people last month — the most in its history
With gubernatorial primary more than 10 months out many voters still undecided
Coalition claims Trump administration’s move to shift Continuum of Care funds toward transitional housing ‘will lead to predictably disastrous results’
From Warren’s town-wide celebration to artisan markets in Providence, Pawtucket and beyond, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip and support local this holiday season