Anticipated Special Education Certification Programs
Elementary (1–6) & Secondary (7–12)
At the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE), we believe every child deserves an excellent, affirming, and inclusive education. Our Special Education Certification Programs are designed for current Rhode Island educators who want to deepen their expertise, respond to urgent statewide needs, and stand as advocates for equity in classrooms.
These programs prepare teachers to meet Rhode Island’s certification standards and lead with an anti-racist lens. This means challenging disproportionality in special education placement, affirming our students’ cultural and linguistic diversity, and building partnerships with families and communities.
Why Special Education?
- 13 Months: Online + Onsite
- 15 Months: Online + Onsite
- Cost: $9,000
Why Special Education?
Special education has been identified as a critical shortage area in Rhode Island for over 25 years. Urban districts such as Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls report that nearly 1 in 5 students receive special education services. RISPE’s mission is to ensure that these students are taught by highly effective, anti-racist educators who reflect and respect their communities.
Program Highlights
13-Month Hybrid Program
- Runs from June to August of the following year; courses are scheduled during the summer and select weekends.
15-Month Hybrid Program
- Runs from January through the following June; courses are scheduled during the school year, with July and August off.
Curriculum
The Special Education Certification program consists of five virtual, synchronous courses designed for working educators who want to strengthen their skills in inclusive instruction and student support.
Throughout the program, participants engage in hands-on assignments such as lesson plan adaptations, reflective journals, and data-driven Student Impact Projects. Some coursework will require access to students with special needs, ensuring meaningful, real-world application of learning.
Courses include:
- Foundations of Special Education
- Behavior Supports and Assessment
- Literacy and STEM Strategies
- Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students
- Family and Community Partnerships
Support Systems
- A Supervising Practitioner in your school.
- A RISPE Clinical Coach with six yearly observations.
- A Clinical Supervisor linking coursework to practice.
- Structured performance tasks: SIPs, Field Experience Reports, and Family Engagement Plans.
- Faculty support
Equity-Centered Design
- Coursework explicitly examines cultural identity, disproportionality, and anti-racist practices in special education.
Admission Requirements
- Current RIDE certification:
- Elementary Education (for the Elementary program)
- Secondary (7–12) subject area (for the Secondary program)
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two professional recommendations (including one supervisor)
- Admissions essay reflecting on mission alignment, cultural competency, and leadership potential
- Passing Praxis (Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications, 5543) is required for certification recommendation
District & School Partnerships
RISPE’s programs are built in collaboration with Rhode Island’s schools. We have established partnerships with:
- Central Falls School District
- Providence Public School District
- International Charter School
- The Grace School
…and continue expanding with urban and suburban districts to ensure every candidate receives high-quality placements.
Cost & Financial Accessibility
- Tuition: $9,000 per candidate
- Flexible payment plans available
- RISPE actively secures philanthropic funding and district cost-sharing to reduce financial barriers
Commitment to Anti-Racism
RISPE was founded with a clear purpose: to increase the number of highly effective, anti-racist educators of color in Rhode Island’s public schools. Every element of these certification programs—coursework, clinical practice, and mentorship—is designed to prepare teachers who disrupt inequities, center student identities, and create inclusive learning environments where all children thrive.
