Department of Education

For more than 60 years, Salve Regina University's Department of Education has graduated highly qualified, well-prepared teachers who are active participants in the lives of children and schools. Our graduates work in classrooms from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in many states and foreign countries.

Our undergraduate programs integrate a content-oriented curriculum with practical field experience in diverse settings. We emphasize culturally responsive teaching and revise our curriculum to keep current with innovative practices in today's schools. Through their extensive student teaching assignments, our students develop skills that enable them to put theory into practice, observe cutting-edge methods and gain valuable experience in their discipline.

Our new graduate program in special education, now enrolling for fall 2026, prepares educators to address the unique needs of students with disabilities and diverse learning requirements. With concentrations in early childhood, elementary and secondary education, the program equips you with the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to provide effective and inclusive educational support across various age groups and settings.

Salve was great at gradually releasing education majors into schools to teach lessons and gain experience. This aspect of the education department is something that I will always be grateful for and remember.

Morgan McBrier '18, special educator, Pell Elementary School

Explore Our Programs

Our teacher education programs are all approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). In accordance with the Rhode Island Right to Read Act, our programs prepare teachers to meet the state's requirement of either proficiency in or awareness of the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction and structured literacy instruction, depending on the students' specific program. The essential components, as outlined in RIDE's revised LEA guidance document, as well as other instructional strategies, are embedded in the required coursework and field experiences of each program, ensuring that our graduates meet the requirements of the law.

Our early childhood education program prepares you to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades pre-kindergarten through 2. Accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education and grounded in a liberal arts tradition, our program integrates a content-oriented and comprehensive study of teaching methods with practical field experience in diverse settings.

Early childhood education program

Grounded in the liberal arts tradition and consistent with the University's mission of service, our elementary education program integrates a content-oriented curriculum with a comprehensive study of teaching methods and practical field experience in diverse settings. We emphasize culturally responsive teaching and attentively revise our curriculum to ensure that our students are implementing the most current, innovative and effective practices in the schools where they work.

Elementary education program

Our music education program fosters an understanding and appreciation of a wide variety of music through courses in music history and theory, individual instruction in voice or instruments and performing ensembles. You'll be well equipped to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades pre-K through 12 and teach at any level in a public or private school.

Music education program

Our secondary education program readies you to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in selected content areas for grades 7-12. Our majors develop the skills required to be an effective leader and the expertise to confidently move from being students in the classroom to teachers who will make a difference.

Secondary education program

Our special education programs prepare you to work with students impacted by mild and moderate special needs. You'll develop strategies that respond to students' behavioral needs while effectively managing your classroom and teaching practice.

Early childhood and special education major

Elementary and special education major

Special education master's

Our world languages education program develops your linguistic skills in either French or Spanish and readies you to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades K-12. Our majors master a modern language and gain the expertise to confidently move from being students in the classroom to teachers who will make a difference.

World languages education program

Meet Our Faculty

Comprehensive instruction and personalized guidance from our committed and experienced faculty ensures that our students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to put theory into practice, and to become exemplary practitioners and scholars.

See all Education faculty
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