Rhode Island Teacher Education Certification

How Rhode Island Teacher Education (RITE) Certification Works

The RITE program is intended for those who wish to complete a certification-only program, without completing a degree, and teach secondary education (grades 9-12) in Rhode Island. Secondary education certification areas are: biology, chemistry, English, French, general science, history, mathematics, physics, social studies, or you can earn certification in world languages and teach at all grade levels.

Who Can Participate

If you hold a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and have majored in or completed substantial coursework in the certification area you'd like to pursue, then you should consider pursuing the RITE program.

What to Expect

This program is designed so that applicants, in most cases, can complete the required course work within four consecutive semesters. For the first year of the two-year program, you can take day or evening classes. You'll also participate in extensive field experiences, providing early immersion in the classroom. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach grades 9-12 in Rhode Island.

Application and Admission Details

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee (Please request an application by emailing the associate dean at fsehd@ric.edu.)
resume outlining educational and work experiences
written statement of educational philosophy
official transcripts of all undergraduate records
evidence of degree completion, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and evidence of specific content with the appropriate content GPA. (See appropriate department.)
2 Disposition Reference Forms in sealed envelopes. These forms must be completed by individuals in the following categories:
- college-level instructor
- supervisor of a child/youth-related activity
- work supervisor

Admission Process

Once all application materials have been submitted, the associate dean will send the following materials to the chair of the Educational Studies Department:
- original application form
- statement of philosophy rubric
- copies of all other application materials
The department chair will give the materials to the appropriate advisor for review.
The advisor will review the materials and create a plan of study with the applicant. When the plan of study is complete, the advisor will send the following back to the associate dean’s office:
- completed application form signed by the program advisor and the chair of the Department of Educational Studies
- scored statement of philosophy rubric
- completed plan of study, signed by the student, advisor and chair of the Educational Studies Department
Once these materials are returned to the associate dean’s office, the plan of study will be signed and an acceptance letter along with a copy of the plan of study will be emailed to the student, advisor, the chair of the Educational Studies Department and the Educational Studies assistant.

Who to Contact

Whether you have general questions about the RITE program or subject-specific questions, please reach out to us:

RITE Program Director, Janet Johnson
General Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Advisor: Rudolf Kraus
History Advisor: Tommy Ender
Math Advisor: Charles McLaughlin
Social Studies Advisor: Tommy Ender
World Languages Advisor: Erin Papa

Contact the Program Director

Feinstein School of Education and Human Development

The Feinstein School administers and coordinates all professional education programs at Rhode Island College. We offer a range of programs, including early childhood, pre-K-12, counseling, school psychology, youth development and health and wellness.

401-456-8110
Horace Mann Hall 241

Dr. Janet D. Johnson

Professor