Rhode Island Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
The following information summarizes the requirements currently necessary to begin work in the public school system as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist
The information below has been collected by researching individual state department of education regulations and policy documents, state administrative code provisions and by contacting each state department of education. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state department of education for the most up-to-date information.
Audiologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure is typically required for practice in the schools.
Speech-Language Pathologist-Certificate of Employment Eligibility (CEE) (valid for three years)
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited or an approved institution of higher education
and
- Advanced degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited or approved institution.
Professional Transitional Certificate (effective 9/1/10; valid for one year)
A Professional Transitional Certificate is issued to individuals with a Certificate of Employment Eligibility (CEE) and documentation from the employing authority that regular employment has been secured in the certification area of the CEE. The one year professional transitional certificate may be renewed with the submission of a completed application and payment of the renewal fee
Continuing Education Requirement (effective 9/1/10)
The Department is working to develop a new certification renewal process that will integrate certification, certification renewal, and educator evaluation. Until the new system is implemented, the transitional certification process remains in effect.Emergency Certification
A 1-year emergency permit can be issued to individuals who do not meet requirements for the professional certification to assume regular employment in a specific school district in Rhode Island. The 1-year emergency permit is issued at the request of a local school superintendent after he/she has documented that the services of a fully certified educator are unavailable.
Resources
The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on teacher certification requirements, contact the state department of education and visit these websites:
Speech-Language Pathologist Requirements [PDF]
Renewal Information
Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.