Elementary and Secondary Education majors get direct experience working in classrooms in local schools starting in their first year.
Department of Education
Providing students with the foundation and experience to grow into successful educators
A statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We uphold the inherent dignity of youth. In doing so, we believe equity is central to the endeavor of educating, and that representation AND justice must work in tandem to improve outcomes for marginalized learners.
As a Department of Education, we seek to prepare up-and-coming teachers who:
- are committed to active social justice and anti-racism
- engage in humane interactions with all youth, in service of their well-being
- collaboratively work towards equity in our communities by listening, engaging, and exhibiting humility and courage in equal measure.
The Department of Education at Roger Williams University seeks to educate reflective leaders whose practice is grounded in a commitment to social justice, civil discourse, global citizenship and educational excellence for all students. The professional education that our students receive at RWU reflects cutting-edge educational research and practice.
We have a simple philosophy: The best place to teach a student how to be a teacher is inside a K-12 classroom. It's why our students spend an extensive amount of time inside elementary and secondary classrooms for all four years at RWU; working with students and learning from practicing teachers. You'll graduate well-prepared to educate the next generation of students and land your dream job in any educational setting.
- 100%Gain Hands-On Teaching Experience
- 92%Placement of 2021 Graduates
Even with the challenges of the pandemic, our 2021 graduates found success in employment or graduate school within six months of graduation.
- 4+1Accelerated Master's Degree
Our Education students have the option to efficiently earn a Master's degree in Special Education with only one additional year of study.
Degree Offerings
We offer undergraduate degree programs in Elementary Education and Secondary Education as well as a Middle School Endorsement and PK-12 certification in Dance Education. Secondary Education majors double major in a content area they wish to teach. Graduate programs include a master's degree in Special Education with a special 4+1 option for undergraduate teacher education students and a Middle School Endorsement graduate certificate.
Guiding Principles for Education Curriculum Development
Each year, our faculty evaluates, revises and further develops the curriculum to ensure students are receiving an education that is on the forefront of educational research and practice. Learn more about the core beliefs that are constantly shaping the curriculum development of our education programs.
Licensure
All teacher education programs at Roger Williams University are approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) agreement, our graduates are eligible for certification in Rhode Island and all other states with the exception of Alaska, Iowa and Minnesota.
Faculty and Staff
Meet the faculty and staff that make up our Education programs.
Clinical Experiences and Residency
Clinical experience is a crucial part of Roger Williams University's education programs where prospective educators gain invaluable experience teaching in a variety of diverse environments.
Performance Assessment System
Learn more about the Performance Assessment System that Roger Williams University uses as just one of its measures to ensure students are working towards meeting the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS).
Explore the Performance Assessment SystemTaskStream
TaskStream™ is an online data management system that the Roger Williams Department of Education uses to assist candidates, faculty, and staff with the various performance assessments and diverse field experience requirements for all programs.
Log In and Learn More About TaskStreamRecent News
Special Education Grad Fosters Inclusive Education in Rhode Island Classrooms
Megan Pomeroy ’23 credits the M.A. Special Education 4+1 program and faculty mentors with helping her find her passion for creating supportive learning environments.
RWU Students Guide Fourth Graders Through Wind Energy Exploration and the Engineering Design Process
KidWind, which has reached more than 1,000 fourth graders, pairs Engineering and Education majors to teach young students about renewable energy through designing and testing their own model-scale wind turbines.
Get Ready to Explore, Create, and Connect at RWU's Inaugural Dream with STEAM Conference for K-12 Educators and Leaders
RWU offers professional development opportunity in STEAM education for K-12 educators that will help shape the future of learning for students