Educational Opportunities

Bilingual/Dual Language & ESL

Project SEMBRAR (Sustaining Equity through Mentorship for Bilingual Teacher Recruitment and Retention) is a five-year initiative to strengthen Grow-Your-Own pipelines for bilingual and dual language educators in New England and Northern New Mexico through mentorship, professional learning, and community collaboration. Contact: phyllishardy@mabene.org

Pre-Service Teacher Opportunity:
Designed for bilingual staff (e.g., teaching assistants or teachers) working toward bilingual certification. Participants engage in monthly mentorship and communities of practice, dedicate time each week to building Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) competencies, and work toward licensure. The program provides financial support, academic guidance, and networking opportunities.
Stipend: $1,750/year. Apply Here!

Mentor Leader Opportunity
Designed for experienced bilingual educators who mentor pre-service teachers while completing the National Dual Language Certificate (NDLC). Mentor Leaders facilitate weekly mentoring sessions, participate in structured professional learning modules, attend summer institutes and a regional conference, and collaborate with a broader educator network. Participants earn a recognized certificate with professional development hours while supporting the development of future bilingual educators. Stipend: $3,500. Apply Here!

Preparing Rhode Island’s Multilingual Educators (PRIME) Scholarship supports multilingual adults pursuing full certification as Bilingual Dual Language, World Language, and/or ESOL educators in Rhode Island public schools. Scholarships provide funding toward tuition and fees to help candidates complete their certification.
Up to $5000 for BDL or WL, $2,500 for ESL
Applications Due April 10th
Contact: Larissa Guido Swenson, PRIME Navigator – larissag@multilingualri.org

ESOL & Bilingual Dual Language Programs

PPSD partners with a variety of local and virtual organizations for ESL & Bilingual Dual Language programming. Full details can be found here!

Special Education

Project SUSTAIN
(Supporting Special Education Teachers Toward Access & Inclusion Network)
This fully funded program supports paraeducators, teaching assistants, and other education professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming certified special education teachers. Up to 20 applicants will receive full tuition support to complete a Special Education MA, with a commitment to work in a high-need district for four years after completion.
Full Tuition! Applications due April 11th
Contact: adam_moore@uri.edu

Secondary Education

Providence College Teacher Certification Program (TCP)
Providence College, in partnership with Providence Public Schools, is offering a Secondary Certification TCP Cohort beginning Fall 2026. This program provides full initial certification at the secondary level in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies. PPSD employees are eligible for a 30% tuition discount* and can attend a TCP Virtual Info Session or start an online application here.
Contact: cmcmaho2@providence.edu

*A minimum of 10 PPSD employees must enroll to qualify for the discount.

Various Opportunities

Grand Canyon University Partnership
PPSD participants have access to scholarships, grants, and professional development through GCU’s Participants in Learning, Leading, and Serving (PLLS) program:

• 15% for paraprofessionals/classified staff in Education or Applied Management programs
• 10% for faculty/staff
• 5% for spouses and parents in education-related degrees.

Contact: Krisaki Liamas (University Development Counselor) or Elyano Nascimento (University Development Manager)

Educator Scholarship at Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University offers three graduate programs in education for in-service teachers: Math Education, Special Education (licensure and non-licensure option), and STEM Education. Starting Summer 2026, accepted in-service educators that indicate eligible employment on their application will be awarded a 15% tuition discount towards any of RWU's education graduate programs! All graduate education programs are offered in a hybrid or low-residency format and can be completed part-time or full-time with courses scheduled only in the evenings and weekends.

Contact: Set up a 1:1 Meeting with Allison in RWU's graduate admission office and have your application fee waived to apply for free!