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Be a part of our Educator Pathway Program

Our Educator Pathway Program is designed to support dedicated teacher assistants on their journey to becoming certified classroom educators. We aim to provide comprehensive support through personalized coaching, financial stipends, licensure test preparation, and a collaborative cohort experience. By addressing financial constraints and offering consistent guidance and peer support, we are committed to fostering the success of aspiring teachers and enriching the educational opportunities for all students.

Important Dates

Info Sessions will be held:

Wednesday, August 6th , 2025 at 6pm

Application open from June 16th -July 31st 2025

Accepted applicants will be notified by Aug 8th, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Educator Pathway Program is designed to support current teacher assistants on their journey to becoming certified classroom teachers. The program provides personalized coaching to meet all individual licensure needs, financial stipends, licensure exam prep, and a cohort-based learning experience to help mitigate barriers to teacher certification. 

    • Individualized Pathway Coaching: Monthly one-on-one support and guidance from experienced pathway coaches to navigate their career journey.

    • Financial Stipends: Up to $1,250 dispersed for attendance when convening with your pathway coach annually. 

    •  Test Prep and Support: Access to licensure exam study material, preparation courses in Elementary and Special Education, and vouchers to cover the cost of up to $260 for test registration.

    • Cohort Support: Opportunities to connect with and learn from a supportive group of peers in person and online, who are also pursuing teacher certification.

  • To be eligible, you must be currently employed as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in a Rhode Island public or charter school, possess a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate a strong interest in becoming a certified teacher, and commit to the program requirements. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for any prior undergraduate coursework.

  • Participants can apply to our program at any point in their professional journey when they are interested in and ready to pursue teacher certification. We encourage participants to attend an information session to learn more about our program.

  • Participants accepted into the program are expected to adhere to their commitment to program requirements, beginning with completing the orientation available on the Educator Pathway Collective. Orientation provides specific, in-depth details about what to expect on your pathway to certification with ei support.  

  • The Educator Pathway Collective (EPC)  is a supportive online hub for our EPP participants navigating their journey to certification. It currently offers access to test prep courses, available for Elementary Praxis subtests 5002-5005 & SPED Praxis 5355. It also provides resources, live sessions, a growing network of peers, and a direct line to your pathway coach. 

  • Every month, participants will meet with cohorts either in person or online to offer peer support under the guidance of their coaches as they navigate their pathways. Cohort meetings will be hosted as live sessions on the EPC every other month. These opportunities will encourage participants to reflect and engage with one another in between gatherings and throughout their pathways.

  • Students will meet with pathway coaches once a month during the academic year. They can also meet during the summer, but it is not required. 

    If you do not have a BA, we will connect you with our partners to begin working on your undergraduate coursework. 

    If your BA is currently in progress, we encourage coaching beginning in the last year of your BA program.

    For all other candidates, coaching begins upon acceptance into the program and completion of New Student Orientation.

  • Asynchronous test prep courses are available on the Educator Pathway Collective (EPC). We currently offer study modules for all four Elementary Praxis Subtests (Reading 5002, Math 5003, Science 5004, Social Studies 5005) and the Special Education Praxis (5355).

    If you’re currently completing your degree, we recommend reviewing your course schedule and identifying any teaching methods courses related to Elementary or SPED subjects. We encourage you to access the corresponding test prep modules on the EPC when—or shortly after—you’ve completed those classes to reinforce your learning.

  • All participants receive a Study.com account, which provides access to supplemental materials, learning plans, practice tests, and more to support your preparation for your licensure exam. The subscription also gives you access to study for courses across the board.

    In addition, participants are eligible for Praxis test vouchers of up to $260 to cover exam registration costs.

    If you need a quiet space to take your exam, our office is available as an “at-home” location. You can schedule time with your coach to access the space.

    • Actively participate in all program components from August -to May.

      • Complete orientation 

      • Monthly coaching sessions 

      • Monthly cohort meetings 

      • Complete at least two (2) test prep courses on the EPC.

    • Attend two Equity Institute meetups during your time in the program. 

    • Deep commitment to supporting the community and being culturally responsive to the needs of all students from those communities.

Information for Current EPP Participants

As a continuing participant, we’re here to help you transition into our new model. These updates are designed to better align with your certification goals and ensure all participants receive targeted, equitable support. If you have any other questions about how these changes apply to your individual pathway, please reach out to your coach for clarification or next steps. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Will I need to reapply to the program?

No, current participants will not need to reapply. The transition process for current participants will allow for a smooth transition to this new model. We will reach out to each current participant individually to explain the new program structure and the opportunities it offers. However, you will need to sign the commitment form.

What does the transition process look like?

The transition process depends on where you are in your certification journey, but all participants will continue to have access to the Educator Pathway Collective (EPC) as a central hub for connection, resources, and support.

If you have a BA in progress and are still exploring a future in teaching:

You will remain on the EPC, with continued access to the community chat and general resources about certification pathways and how to navigate the platform.

If you have a BA in progress and have declared or are actively pursuing teacher certification:

You will be asked to sign a program commitment form to confirm your participation in the structured program. This gives you access to our Program Orientation, test prep courses, and personalized resources to support your certification goals.

If you’re currently in progress towards certification:

If you are interested in receiving support through this new model, you will be asked to sign a commitment form to continue receiving services through the Equity Institute. This ensures you remain aligned with the program’s expectations and can access the full range of supports available.

No matter your stage, staying connected through the EPC allows you to engage with a growing community of aspiring educators, access helpful tools, and receive ongoing guidance tailored to your professional journey.

What if I’m unable to meet new program requirements (e.g., monthly meetings)?

We understand that life circumstances can sometimes make it difficult to meet program expectations. If you're unable to attend monthly coaching or cohort meetings, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll schedule a one-on-one conversation to better understand your situation and explore options to help you stay engaged.

Our goal is to support your success, but please note that consistent participation is strongly encouraged to remain eligible for stipends and to get the full benefit of the program. We're here to work with you and find solutions where possible.