Department of Education

​Providing students with the foundation and experience to grow into successful educators

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

    Elementary and Secondary Education majors get direct experience working in classrooms in local schools starting in their first year.

  • 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+1
    Accelerated 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.

Student teacher talking to student.

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. 

Learn More About RWU's Guiding Principles
Student teacher talking to students.

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.

Learn More About Licensure
Professor lecturing in class.

Faculty and Staff

Meet the faculty and staff that make up our Education programs.

Meet the Faculty and Staff

Field Experiences and Residency

Field 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.

Explore Field Experiences and Residency

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 System

TaskStream

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 TaskStream

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