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Teachers Like You

Because we need more multilingual teachers like you.

Let's do this!

Rhode Island has the fastest-growing population of Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in the country, and an incredible linguistic and cultural richness. Research shows that bilingual education delivers the strongest outcomes for all students, yet we’re facing a critical teacher shortage. That’s where YOU come in. We know Rhode Island is full of passionate future educators who just need the right support to get into the classroom. PRIME—Preparing Rhode Island’s Multilingual Educators—is here to break down those barriers and help you become the teacher our students need!

Multilingual adults who completed teacher education outside of the U.S.

For example, a teacher from Guatemala with a bachelor’s in elementary education or a teacher from Brazil with a bachelor’s in middle school science education.

Multilingual adults who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from the U.S. or outside of the U.S. in a non-education field

For example, a candidate from Mexico with a master’s in computer science or a U.S. candidate with a bachelor’s in communications.

Multilingual adults who do not currently hold a degree

For example, a multilingual adult working in a daycare who aspires to become a Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) or World Language (WL) educator, or a Teacher Assistant who wishes to grow into a BDL or WL teaching role.

CMRI and Rhode Island Reconnect

66Together, we’re knocking down walls, and building
a better Rhode Island. The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island is made up of 33 members and counting – from community based organizations to youth led groups, school districts, and more.

Together we share a vision of Rhode Island as a truly multilingual state that embraces, uplifts, and sustains its rich linguistic diversity by investing in the programs and educators that best serve the needs of all students.

And through our partnership with Rhode Island Reconnect, we support multilingual adults on their journey to becoming educators. Rhode Island Reconnect helps adult learners earn degrees, credentials, or training by removing some of the traditional barriers of entry.

Meet your navigator

Larissa Guido Swenson is a PRIME Navigator (Preparing Rhode Island Multilingual Educators) with the Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Larissa grew up speaking Brazilian Portuguese and later became fluent in English. She moved to the United States as an adult after earning her undergraduate degree in education.

After years of working in multilingual educational settings in Rhode Island — often in support roles — Larissa was able to have her degree recognized as a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Despite a system that was not always welcoming, she persisted, driven by her passion for language education and her commitment to helping others succeed.

Today, Larissa holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in World Languages Education and has dedicated over fifteen years to teaching and advocating for multilingual learners. She is committed to expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities to pursue careers in education while celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.

‶I am committed to supporting multilingual individuals in becoming certified educators in Rhode Island, helping make their journey through the system smoother, clearer, and more equitable than it was for me. Every talented multilingual educator who steps into the classroom strengthens our schools and empowers students to see the beauty in their own identities and languages.″

Like You!

So you say you’re interested in becoming a multilingual educator for Rhode Island’s K-12 public schools?! Great! We’re excited! Rhode Island is linguistically and culturally diverse, and we need more people like you in our classrooms! Please take a few minutes to complete this short form so we can learn more about you and help you get started.

We provide navigation support to Rhode Islanders who identify as multilingual/bilingual through multiple pathways to educator certification as:

  • Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) Teachers
  • World Language Teachers
  • ESOL/ESL Teachers
  • Paraprofessional/Teacher Assistant

Contact: Larissa Guido Swenson, PRIME Navigator – larissag@multilingualri.org