Office of Educator Field Placement and Certification
Office of Educator Field Placement and Certification
This office serves students interested in obtaining teacher certification through the Rhode Island Department of Education. We provide consultation to students seeking teaching credentials in other states. The office also coordinates field placements for education programs across the college.
Each education department at PC establishes its own criteria for successfully completing their program of study. Students should be familiar with the expectations as indicated in the department’s student handbook. Handbooks are regularly updated or changed to remain up to date with state requirements for teacher certification.
The Office of Educator Field Placement and Certification provides support services to education candidates for student teaching and field placement experiences in local schools. By fostering collaborative relationships between PC and surrounding schools this office seeks to enrich the experience of our pre-service educators and faculty. Our office works in collaboration with faculty, college education department administration and local schools to coordinate partnerships that enrich and enhance our program to ensure equity, excellence, and engagement.
Educator Certification
Eligibility for Rhode Island teacher certification is dependent on two conditions:
- successful completion of your undergraduate or graduate education program and qualify to obtain your degree
- obtain passing scores on all required state certification testing for the certification you seek. These are offered through PRAXIS
The undergraduate and graduate education programs at Providence College are accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education and aligned to the Rhode Island Professional Teacher Standards. Rhode Island is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. This interstate agreement allows Providence College graduates to transfer their Rhode Island teaching credentials to 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.
Transferring your Rhode Island teaching certificate to another state is possible due to the interstate agreement however individual states may have additional requirements that must be met in order to become credentialed as a teacher. Some states require students to pass state-specific teacher exams.
Students should check with the Department of Education in the state where they want to teach to familiarize themselves with the state-specific requirement for licensure or certification. Students may also consult with the Providence College Office of Educator Field Placements and Certification for assistance.
Please click the following link for a copy of the Elementary/Special Education Student Handbook.
Professional Licensure/Certification
Elementary Special Education
Professional Licensure Certificate/Disclosure
The Elementary Special Education program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in the following states:
States with Inter-State Flexibility
Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Providence College has not made a determination regarding whether the Elementary Special Education program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in any other states.
Prospective or current students should contact Dr. Jill Souza, Assistant Dean for the School of Education and Social Work, jsouza4@providence.edu or the Office of Assessment Services, 401-865-2409, if they intend to work in a location (e.g., state) other than in Rhode Island. The Office of Assessment Services will provide an assessment as to whether or not the program leads to licensure or certification in that location.
Secondary Education
Professional Licensure Certificate/Disclosure
The Secondary Education program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in the following states:
States with Inter-State Flexibility
Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Providence College has not made a determination regarding whether the Secondary Education program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in any other states.
Prospective or current students should contact Dr. Jill Souza, Assistant Dean for the School of Education and Social Work, jsouza4@providence.edu or the Office of Assessment Services, 401-865-2409, if they intend to work in a location (e.g., state) other than in Rhode Island. The Office of Assessment Services will provide an assessment as to whether or not the program leads to licensure or certification in that location.
Teacher Certification Program (TCP)
Professional Licensure Certificate/Disclosure
The Teacher Certification Program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in the following states:
States with Inter-State Flexibility
Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Providence College has not made a determination regarding whether the Teacher Certification Program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in any other states.
Prospective or current students should contact Dr. Jill Souza, Assistant Dean for the School of Education and Social Work, jsouza4@providence.edu or the Office of Assessment Services, 401-865-2409, if they intend to work in a location (e.g., state) other than in Rhode Island. The Office of Assessment Services will provide an assessment as to whether or not the program leads to licensure or certification in that location.
Please click the following link for the Professional Licensure/Certification page.
Host a PC Student-Teacher
If you’re a school district leader interested in hosting a Providence College student-teacher at one of your schools, you can contact us directly using the contact information on this page.
Jill Souza
Assistant Dean
Harkins Hall 328B
401-865-2505
jsouza4@providence.edu
Terri Laplante
Director of Placements and Partnerships
Harkins Hall 328F
401-865-2792
tlaplante@providence.edu
Diane Comerford
Director of Assessment/ Certification Officer
Harkins Hall 328G
401-865-2409
dcomerfd@providence.edu
