Section 200-RICR-20-20-1.4 - Requirements for CertificationA. Educator Certification Requirements1. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-1, educators in Rhode Island Public Schools are required to attain certification.2. Educator certification is required for all educators in all Rhode Island Public Schools, state-approved Special Education programs, and state funded pre-kindergarten programs.B. School Committees and other Employing Agents Responsibilities 1. All school committees, school boards, charter schools, educational collaboratives, and other public school entities, including state-approved Special Education programs and state funded pre-kindergarten programs, employing educators shall ensure before employing an educator that a candidate holds a valid certificate or permit appropriate to the position to be filled. In addition to meeting certification requirements, an educator's competency in English must be determined when the educator is hired.2. Employing agencies shall report to RIDE on the performance status and assignment of all employed educators.3. Employing agencies shall supervise, either directly or through a designated representative, by regularly observing, guiding, and evaluating the performance of, holders of a certificate through an evaluation system approved by RIDE. Employing agencies shall report the results of evaluations of certified educators to RIDE.4. Employing agencies shall ensure that principals participate in the process which determines and defines their salaries, benefits, and conditions of employment. Employing agencies are required to discuss and come to written agreement with principals on matters of salaries, benefits and conditions of employment. The School Committee may develop individual or group agreements.5. Employing agencies shall report any person who is dismissed for performance-based or fitness related reasons to the Department of Education.6. Employing agencies shall report the following to the Department of Education: a. The arrest, indictment, or conviction of its certified educator for any misdemeanor or felony.b. Allegations that its certified educator has engaged in sexual or romantic activity with a child or student.c. Allegations that its certified educator has caused physical injury to a child or student due to negligence or malice.d. Information that its certified educator is the subject of a report filed with the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families.e. Any certified educator who has resigned, retired, or otherwise separated from employment with the agency after it became aware of an allegation that the educator engaged in misconduct.f. Any certified educator who the agency has provided notice of intent to dismiss, suspend, or place on leave for misconduct.g. Reports must be filed in writing within fifteen (15) days of the discovery of the occurrence of the reason requiring the filing of the report. Reports must be filed with the Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services at RIDE.200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-20-1.4
Adopted effective 1/7/2019
Amended effective 9/24/2020