Rhode Island School for Progressive Education

The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to transforming education in Rhode Island. It is the state's newest educator preparation provider and the first higher education institution established with the explicit mission of diversifying Rhode Island's teacher workforce and promoting anti-racist education.

History and Mission

RISPE received unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education in March 2019. The institution aims to reshape the future of education by training a more diverse and culturally competent teacher workforce, emphasizing the power of diversity and the need for anti-racist education.

Academic Programs

RISPE offers several rigorous, accelerated certification programs and forward-thinking degree programs designed to meet the evolving educational landscape:

• PK-12 ESL Certification Program: This program equips educators to teach English to non-native speakers through a 13 or 15-month curriculum focused on immediate classroom application.
• Elementary Accelerated Teacher Certification Program: A 12-month intensive program combining rigorous coursework, practical teaching experience, and instructional coaching for aspiring elementary school teachers.
• Multilingual Learner (MLL) Endorsement Program: A synchronous program focusing on five key areas—Sociocultural, Literacy Acquisition, Linguistics, Curriculum, and Assessment—to effectively teach multilingual learners.
• Future Programs: RISPE plans to launch additional alternative certification programs, including Elementary, Secondary Math, and Secondary Science Education, as well as residency-style degree programs such as an MAT with dual certification in Elementary and ESL Education, and an MEd in Urban School Leadership.

Impact

By fostering a more inclusive and progressive educational environment, RISPE seeks to address the educational needs of diverse student populations. Its programs are designed to make education accessible and equitable, supporting educators in providing high-quality instruction to multilingual learners and developing culturally competent teaching practices.

[1] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/0da0d38ebfd644f397935bf86e0216ba-rhode-island-school-for-progressive-education-providence [2] http://rhodeislandspe.com [3] https://rhodeislandspe.com [4] https://app.candid.org/profile/9670120