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SB 2212

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 7 co-sponsors

Rhode Island automatically extends active teaching certifications (3–5 years) and waives initial certification and Praxis fees 2026–2029 to broaden pathways and competency-based ro

05/08/2026 Referred to House Education
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Bill Summary · SB 2212

Summary of Rhode Island SB 2212 (2026) – Education: Certification of Teachers

Purpose and Intent

SB 2212 aims to reform teacher certification practices in Rhode Island by:
- Extending current teacher certifications automatically for a multi-year period without fees or penalties.
- Easing pathways to add certifications through alternative routes, examinations, or coursework.
- Encouraging teacher recruitment through targeted waivers and flexible credentialing rules.
- Directing the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) to revise certification regulations to allow multiple pathways and recognition of non-traditional credentials.

Key Provisions

  1. Automatic Certification Extension (as of July 1, 2026)

    • All teachers who hold an active certification as of July 1, 2026 will have their certifications automatically extended for either 3 years or 5 years.
    • Extensions are provided without any fee or penalty.
    • Applies to all certifications issued by the Rhode Island Department of Education, including emergency certifications with conditions.

  2. Teacher Recruitment and Certification Fee Waiver (Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029)

    • For three years, the Rhode Island Department of Education shall waive:
      • All fees to apply for an initial teacher certification.
      • All Praxis (teacher certification) examination fees.
    • This is intended to promote recruitment and entry into the profession.

  3. Certificates Without Examination

    • The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education may issue certain certificates without an examination to qualified applicants.
    • If a teacher is certified in two science fields (excluding general science), they shall automatically be certified in general science without additional examination or proof of qualifications in general science.

  4. Additional Certifications for Experienced Teachers

    • A teacher with a valid Rhode Island certificate and at least three years of certified teaching experience may obtain an additional certification (via examination or approved content coursework) provided they meet the three-year experience requirement.

  5. Educator Preparation Programs – Regulatory Revisions (Section 16-11-11)

    • RIDE must review and revise its licensure rules to create multiple pathways and greater flexibility for obtaining teacher and administrator certifications.
    • Revisions may include:
      • Credit for non-traditional classes and work/life experience deemed equivalent to formal coursework.
      • Allowing course credit to be earned by demonstrating competency (e.g., through tests or other demonstrations), potentially waiving certain courses.
      • Providing alternative credentials or credit for demonstrated competency to obtain certification.

Who is Affected

  • Current and prospective teachers in Rhode Island:
    • Those with active certifications as of July 1, 2026 will receive automatic extensions.
    • Individuals seeking initial certification during the 2026–2029 period will benefit from fee and Praxis exam waivers.
    • Teachers seeking to add new certifications (requiring three years of experience) may do so via exams or competency-based coursework.
  • Teacher candidates and administrator candidates through revisions to educator preparation program rules and pathways.

Timelines and Procedure

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Automatic certification extensions begin for certifications active by July 1, 2026.
  • Fee and Praxis waivers apply for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
  • RIDE is directed to review and revise regulations to implement multiple pathways and competency-based credit.

Potential Impacts

  • Short-term reduction in costs for new teacher entrants and those seeking additional credentials.
  • Increased recruitment and retention through waivers and streamlined pathways.
  • Greater flexibility in certification pathways, including recognition of non-traditional learning and demonstrated competencies.
  • Administrative changes for RIDE to implement revised credentialing rules and multiple pathways.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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