Rhode Island - Teaching Pathways

• For students whose career goal is to become a certified classroom teacher. Reminder: CU does not certify teachers. The following recommended coursework is aligned to state requirements in RI.

• This Teacher Prep path is inclusive of students interested in CU’s Dual Elementary & Special Education certification pilot program (RI only), and students interested in pursuing an alternative route to teacher certification (either through Expert Residency certification or Emergency certification). See recommendations for each of these teacher prep subpaths below.

  • Expert Residency certification and Emergency certification are both preliminary certifications and still require attending a certification program after CU (post-BA) to obtain full teacher certification.

Dual Certification: Elementary & Elementary Special Education (RI Only)

• The Dual Elementary & Special Education certification program is in pilot mode only and requires a separate application. APPLICATION LINK - OPEN April 13, 2026 until April 27, 2026.

Teacher Certification Preparation (RI only)

Dual Certification: Elementary & Elementary Special Education (General Certification - RI Only)

• For students whose career goal is to become a certified classroom teacher. 

• This teacher prep path is inclusive of students interested in CU’s Dual Elementary & Special Education certification pilot program, and students interested in pursuing a route to teacher certification.

• For Rhode Island-based students, teacher-candidates can simultaneously earn their BA and take all the coursework and complete all the clinical requirements for Dual Elementary & Special Education Elementary Certification (grades K-6) through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). RIDE certification will require specific Praxis certification tests according to endorsement code, clinical student teaching hours and possible AIM Pathway requirements including RI Right to Read Requirements. 

• The Dual Elementary & Special Education certification program is in pilot mode only and requires a separate application.

Expert Residency Certification (RI only)

Expert Residency Preliminary Certification (RI only)

• In order to meet the requirements for Expert Residency Certification in RI, RIDE requires pedagogy courses in Teaching Reading, Teaching Math & Teaching differently-abled students; however, CU recommends the following 5 courses to build a good foundation for the classroom. 

• Expert Residency certification is still a preliminary certification and NOT a full teacher licensure. 

• Only granted when a Rhode Island LEA (Local Education Association) must attest to and recommend the candidate for the Expert Residency. 

Emergency Certification 

Emergency Preliminary Certification (RI only)

• In order to be eligible for emergency certification in RI, RIDE requires a minimum of 2 educational pedagogy courses. However, we recommend the following 3 (or more) courses to build a good foundation for the classroom. 

• Emergency certification is a preliminary certification and NOT a full teacher licensure. It is issued only at the request of the superintendent of schools if a certified and qualified applicant is not available. This certificate is valid for service only in the school district which submits the request. 

For more information about certification in Rhode Island, please take a look at RIDE's guidance on how to get certified. You also have access to the support provided by the Equity Institute through their Educator Preparation Pathway. Fill out this interest form to get more information on these resources.