This fall, the Feinstein College of Education introduced two new bachelor’s degrees that are necessary in preparing educators for today’s learners. 

The Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education for preK-2 was developed in conjunction with the Community College of Rhode Island, to give the incumbent workforce of early childhood educators accessible, high-quality, and meaningful pathways toward credential attainment, career advancement, and earning potential.

The program, developed by Hyunjin Kim, associate professor of education, offers workforce development in the early childhood education sector through an accelerated, online program where students can complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or earn a preK-2 teaching certificate, while keeping their current full time childcare and teaching position.  

“This program will add value to URI, achieving a state university’s mission of providing affordable education opportunities to the public and contributing to resolving a state-wide staffing shortage problem in early childhood education and learning quality,” said Kim.

Also introduced this fall was a new Bachelor of Arts degree in world language education to meet the changes in the Rhode Island Department of Education credentials for world language instructors in PreK-12. The program allows students to become certified to teach at all levels of elementary, middle, and secondary education in the state, making them more versatile and employable educators to teach effectively in a wide variety of educational settings.

Developed by Iñaki Pérez-Ibáñez, assistant professor of world languages, the program will prepare educators to work in preK-12 and provide greater academic achievement and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures.

“Both of these programs are addressing high needs areas in Rhode Island and beyond,” said Danielle Dennis, dean of the Feinstein College of Education.