Brown’s one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares future educators to teach with purpose, deep content knowledge, and a commitment to equity in urban secondary schools. Designed in partnership with local educators, the program integrates rigorous coursework, hands-on teaching experience, and personalized coaching. Students work in a small, collaborative cohort and receive comprehensive preparation to become culturally responsive, justice-driven teachers. The MAT program offers certification in the following secondary subjects (grades 6–12): English, Social Studies, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Engineering.

Secondary Educator Certification, Multilingual Learner Endorsement

The Transformative Education Pathway at College Unbound is a BA degree program (in Organizational Leadership & Change) plus an Education Pathway. This pathway is designed for adults working in educational settings who wants to advance their career and make an impact in the field of education. Students can choose between pursing teacher certification at CU in Elementary & Elementary Special Education, pursuing teacher certification in another subject area with the support of our partners at Equity Institute, or pursuing other Education Professional roles. Students can also elect to work with our partners at ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy to pursue additional Multilingual Learner endorsements and certifications. Throughout, students will build their leadership skills, be part of a cohort of other educators, and receive holistic wrap-around supports.

Bachelors Degree, Elementary Educator Certification, Secondary Educator Certification, Other Certification paths available through our partnerships

ExcEL offers a competency-based program leading to TESOL and/or BDL certification. Most participants are currently certified teachers working in K12 classrooms but candidates may enroll while they are working towards initial certification as well (ie paraprofessionals, community educators, teachers on emergency certification).

Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) Teacher Certification, ESOL Teacher Certification

Inspiring Minds’ Explorers program is a paid internship for multilingual and multiethnic youth ages 14-24 to “explore” the pathway to becoming a teacher in Providence Public Schools.

The Explorers program has three components: work readiness skills training, group mentoring, and a work-based learning experience.

Explorers support Pre-K to grade 5 students in a Providence Public School. They are matched with students in small groups to develop a trusting relationship and to engage in structured activities, often around a classroom or homework-related topic. In addition to 80 hours of paid service learning, Explorers are paid to attend five individual mentoring sessions with the program director and attend a minimum of 20 hours of paid professional development annually.

Explorers must be 18 years old, identify as BIPOC or fluently speak a language that is spoken by students in Providence Public Schools. Explorers must submit to a state background check and be able to commit to a minimum of three hours per week from September 2025 to June 2026. Explorers must reside in Rhode Island and strongly commit to equitable education.

The program’s goal is to encourage multilingual and multiethnic youth to work in Providence Public Schools and to add another entry point to the education career pathway that will support an increase in the number of Providence Public School staff that is reflective of the Providence student demographics.

paid internship to gain classroom experience while enrolled or exploring an educator pathway

The Teacher Assistant (TA) Training Program is designed to prepare a diverse and qualified cohort of candidates to become Certified Teacher Assistants, addressing critical staffing needs within Rhode Island public schools.

This program strategically partners with multiple public school districts to deliver comprehensive TA training targeted at multilingual adult English Language Learners (ELLs), low-income youth aged 18 to 24 who possess a high school diploma, and unemployed or underemployed residents of Rhode Island.

Graduates of the TA program with college degrees and who have expressed interest in becoming teachers may be eligible for the Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching Program which serves as one of the pathways for participants aspiring to become teachers.

Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional Certification

Project SEMBRAR is a Grow-Your-Own (GYO) model that aims to increase the number of certified bilingual and Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) teachers, creating new supportive pathways for both pre- and in-service educators in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Mexico.

Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) Teacher Certification

The ESOL Certification at Providence College is a stand-alone graduate program composed of six required courses, each as a 3-credit course for a total of 18-credits designed for K-12 elementary and secondary in-service teachers who already hold a state-issued teacher certification in their content or grade-level.

Throughout the program candidates will I) build knowledge of second language learning theories, ESOL program models and the structure of the English language; II) identify and assess Multilingual Learners (MLLs)’ language proficiency and make recommendations for appropriate program placement; III) utilize content, knowledge, skills, and culturally responsive pedagogies to develop and implement an appropriate content-based
thematic unit during the 45-hour practicum experience to meet and monitor MLLs’ academic growth and success.

ESOL Certification Courses

EDU 600 Assessment of English Language Learners (online)
EDU 661 Culturally Competent Teaching (online)
EDU 665 English Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition EDU 667 English Language Teaching Methods (in person)
EDU 710 Bilingualism & ESL Program Models (online)
EDU 702 ESOL Teaching Practicum (in person at candidates school setting)

Director, secondary MAT program

Bachelors Degree, Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) Teacher Certification, ESOL Teacher Certification, World Languages Teacher Certification, Early Childhood Educator Certification, Elementary Educator Certification, Secondary Educator Certification, Special Educator Certification, Multilingual Learner Endorsement

The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE) prepares culturally responsive, equity-driven educators to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s diverse classrooms. Founded with the mission of increasing the number of highly effective, anti-racist educators—especially educators of color—RISPE offers accessible, practice-based certification programs that blend rigorous coursework with extensive clinical coaching and school-based mentorship. RISPE’s approved and emerging programs include the Accelerated Teacher Certification (ATC) for grades 1–6, the ESOL Certification Program for PK–12 educators, the Multilingual Learner (MLL) Endorsement aligned with RIDE’s competencies, and new Elementary and Secondary Special Education Certification programs (pending RIDE approval). Built in partnership with Rhode Island districts, RISPE’s programs stand out for their affordability, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to developing anti-racist educators who create inclusive, high-impact classrooms where all students thrive.

ESOL Teacher Certification, Early Childhood Educator Certification, Elementary Educator Certification, Secondary Educator Certification, Special Educator Certification, We also off MLL Endorsement

The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE) prepares culturally responsive, equity-driven educators to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s diverse classrooms. Founded with the mission of increasing the number of highly effective, anti-racist educators “especially educators of color.” RISPE offers accessible, practice-based certification programs that blend rigorous coursework with extensive clinical coaching and school-based mentorship. RISPE’s approved and emerging programs include the Accelerated Teacher Certification (ATC) for grades 1-6, the ESOL Certification Program for PK12 educators, the Multilingual Learner (MLL) Endorsement aligned with RIDE’s competencies, and new Elementary and Secondary Special Education Certification programs (pending RIDE approval). Built in partnership with Rhode Island districts, RISPE’s programs stand out for their affordability, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to developing anti-racist educators who create inclusive, high-impact classrooms where all students thrive.

The Educator Pathway Program (EPP) at ei is designed to support current teacher assistants on their journey to becoming certified classroom teachers.

We aim to provide comprehensive wraparound services that address common barriers to teacher licensure, such as time, cost, and test preparation. We provide support to participants for up to 4 years on their pathway. By investing in those already working in schools, EPP helps recruit, develop, and retain talented educators from the very communities they serve.

Career Services to support all teacher pathways

Whatever your vision, The University of Rhode Island’s programs will prepare you for all aspects of the education profession. Our community will welcome, support, and empower you in your own development as an educator ready to open new worlds to your students.

Bachelors Degree, Bilingual Dual Language (BDL) Teacher Certification, ESOL Teacher Certification, World Languages Teacher Certification, Early Childhood Educator Certification, Elementary Educator Certification, Secondary Educator Certification, Special Educator Certification, Multilingual Learner Endorsement, Educational Leadership, Ph.D. in Education