Kelsea Adams, elementary education and special education teacher for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District in California, was named the “10 Under 10” award recipient from the College of Education for 2024. 

Adams was named best teacher of the year award in 2022 by her school district.

She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education and biology from URI in 2016, and a master’s in special education 2017.

Her commitment as an educator is displayed inside of her classroom and in the community where she ensures that all of her students are exposed to equitable opportunities and new experiences. In her classroom, she aims to instill a love and passion for community service and exposes her students to a version of her own marine science education, hoping they will develop their own appreciation for the environment.

The 10 Under 10 Awards highlight young leaders who embody the true spirit and values of the University. Award recipients must demonstrate excellence in the core values of the University: creativity and scholarship; diversity, fairness, and respect; engaged learning and civic involvement; and intellectual and ethical leadership. They must have completed an undergraduate degree at URI within 10 years of the nomination date.

The 2024 recipients of the 10 Under 10 Award were recognized during the men’s basketball game at the Ryan Center on March 2.