Rhode Island Alternative Teacher Certification
Alternative teacher certification is a route designed by individual states, allowing teachers to be certified with an "alternative" diploma, which is slightly different from a standard teaching diploma. In Rhode Island, it is possible to achieve teaching certification through an alternate route if you already have a bachelor's degree. Many teachers today have begun their careers with an alternative certification.
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Earn a Bachelor's Degree
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The alternative route to teacher certification in Rhode Island requires that you have a college degree, but it doesn't matter what major your degree is in. This degree will need to be presented to the Rhode Island Department of Education in order to receive approval to attend one of Rhode Island's graduate schools. The school must have a specialized program for alternative teacher certification.
Register for an Alternative Teacher Certification Program
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Once the Rhode Island Department of Education has approved your request to participate in an alternative teacher certification program, they will provide you with a list of schools in the state that meet the necessary requirements. Acceptance is simply a matter of registering for the teacher certification program at the school of your choice because the state has already approved you for the program.
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Comply With State Requirements
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Rhode Island's teacher certification programs include coursework as well as hands-on apprenticeships that require you to work closely with a teacher in a school setting. In this arrangement, you are considered a teacher under the "alternative route program." You will not receive certification until completion of all required coursework and one year of internship classroom experience.
Pass the Certification Exam
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Following completion of the alternative teacher certification program and the required coursework and internship, you can sign up to take the Rhode Island teacher certification exam. You will need to mail your request for the exam to the Rhode Island Department of Education along with proof of program completion and internship fulfillment. The Department of Education will send you a reply letter accepting or denying your request to take the exam. If you have efficiently fulfilled all state standards thus far, the paperwork you receive from the state will tell you when your exam will be and where. Official certification follows successfully passing the state exam.
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References
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