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Scenes from the School of Education

School of Education


Prospective Applicants


Secondary Teacher Education Program

Student teacher in high school settingOverview
The Secondary Education Program is a fully accredited certification program preparing student to work in both high schools and middle schools. Secondary education majors complete requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Education and a major in the Arts and Sciences related to their certification (e.g., biology, chemistry, history-for social studies, English, foreign language, mathematics, physics). Therefore, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in education and a certification area. Requirements for certification are typically more specific than requirements for the related Arts and Sciences second major. Students should carefully review certification requirements to ensure they make progress toward certification and second major completion efficiently. For example, take courses that count for both certification and the second major.

As a student interested in secondary education and a major in one of the Arts & Sciences areas (English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Mathematics, Foreign Language, etc.), you are required to show evidence of knowledge and implementation of both the Rhode Island Beginning Teacher Standards (RIBTS) and content standards from your content area's professional association.

As you take education courses you will be submitting assignments for each class relative to the Rhode Island Beginning Teacher Standards. However, as you complete coursework in your Arts & Sciences dual major program you will be responsible to keep work samples that demonstrate your competencies in the RIBTS and in the content standards of your professional association(s). We recommend that you do the following to prepare for this performance-based assessment required by URI's School of Education:

  1. Purchase a copy of the content standards from your professional association(s) and become familiar with them.
  2. Begin a file system for work samples. Be sure to save course syllabi, instructor feedback, directions for all tests and assignments, criteria for grading, and to date your work. We recommend an accordion-style folder or a portable file box that you'd find at an office supply store.
  3. Soon after completing course assignments, look back at your work and consider which Rhode Island Beginning Teacher Standards and which content standards this work best demonstrates. Make note of this briefly for now. We suggest using post-it notes or clipping an index card to each sample.
  4. Meet with your University College advisor individually or in a group session each semester to stay up-to-date on program requirements and to share ways that others are organizing Arts & Sciences coursework.

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Admission to the Program Students generally apply for admission to the program at the end of their sophomore year; admission is competitive. Students interested in the program in Secondary Education are required to apply for admission to the Office of Teacher Education, 701 Chafee Building.

Sample admission portfolios are available on reserve in the library. In brief, the Admission Portfolio is a way for you to demonstrate your potential as a secondary teacher. You will present evidence that will be organized into four categories:

  • Interpersonal and communication skills 
  • Academic knowledge base
  • Work experience/community service
  • Knowledge/experiences working in a diverse society

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Test of Basic Skills
The PRAXIS I-PPST Academic Skills Assessments in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing are required for all applicants to teacher education programs unless you earned an 1100 or higher on your SAT test.  For details about the tests, visit PPST Basic Skills Test.

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Admissions Portfolio
  • Admission Portfolio presentation and interviews will take place at the beginning of February. Interviews are by appointment only. 
  • Sign up for portfolio interviews in person in the Office of Teacher Education, 701 Chafee Building, from January - February.
  • One copy of your application and a copy of your PPST scores must be turned in at the time you sign up. Undergraduates, please include a copy of your transcript.
  • As you are aware, admission to a teacher education program at URI is competitive. Candidates present an Admission Portfolio during an interview with program faculty that highlights their skills and accomplishments.
  • Those applying this year are strongly encouraged to attend a training session.

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Graduate Students: Important Information
In addition to the application to the School of Education which is completed and returned to The Office of Teacher Education, 701 Chafee Building, you must complete a separate application for admission to URI’s Graduate School.

Graduate School Applications are available online at http://www.uri.edu/gsadmis/gsform.html. Graduate School Application for students seeking teacher certification must be completed by January 22, 2008 and returned to Marsha Mott in the School of Education. 

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First Year Undergraduates: Important Information
All first year students must see an advisor before they will be allowed to register for classes this spring. Appointment times fill quickly. Appointments can be made at the advisement desk in Roosevelt Hall or by calling University College at 874-2993. University College’s web site is http://www.uri.edu/univcol.

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All Secondary Education Undergraduates
Please see the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Secondary Education. The BA in Education is a dual major program in which students complete a major in secondary education and a major in the Arts and Sciences related to their certification (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, History –for social studies, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Physics).

THEREFORE, STUDENTS WILL GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE WITH DOUBLE MAJORS IN EDUCATION AND A CERTIFICATION AREA.

Requirements for certification are typically more specific than the requirements for the related Arts and Sciences second major. Students should carefully review certification requirements to ensure they make progress toward certification and second major completion efficiently. For example, take courses that count for both certification and the second major. Please review Secondary Education Requirements and plan to meet with your advisor at least once each semester. Be sure to check the School of Education’s web site frequently. The content/certification requirements are available at http://www.uri.edu/hss/education/undergrad/secondary/default.html

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