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All undergraduate students of Rhode Island College, including transfer students, who plan to complete a teacher education program in the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development must complete a documented 25 hour community service experience prior to student teaching. This is not an admission requirement, but the community service activity should be completed as soon as possible and at least one semester before applying for admission to student teaching.
This requirement reflects the belief that when participating in community service, students serve others in ways that benefit and promote the educational interests of individuals and the community. At least thirteen (13) hours of this service must be performed in a school setting during the undergraduate teacher education experience. For the remaining 12 hours of the requirement students may participate in educational endeavors in other contexts such as health care, environmental improvement, or community support programs.
Guidelines have been established by the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development which define community service by the following criteria:
- Service which is unpaid and may be either independent of or in conjunction with college course work;
- Service of which at least half is performed while enrolled in the teacher preparation program;
- Service to children or youth;
- Service that is a minimum of 25 hours in one or more settings, at least 13 of these hours must be in a school;
- Service which is secular in intent, purpose and effect, even if affiliated with a religious organization, and is consistent with the mission of the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development;
- Service which is for the direct benefit of the community or person(s) served.
Information about procedures for completing this program requirement can be found in the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development Community Service Requirement Handbook in the following locations:
- Office of the Special Projects Coordinator, FSEHD, (HM 068)
- OASIS (CL 154)
- Adams Library Reference Room (AL 306)
- Office of the Dean (HM 108)
- Office of Clinical Experiences (HM 105)
- Departmental Offices:
- Educational Studies (HBS 222)
- Elementary Education (HM 217)
- Health and Physical Education (HPEAC 132)
- Special Education (HM 049)
A number of Rhode Island College courses require activities (beyond observation) which may be used to fulfill part or all of the twenty-five hour Community Service Requirement. Courses which have a component which could be used to fulfill, or partially fulfill the Community Service Requirement include:
- Health Education 300: Concepts of Teaching
- Secondary Education 405: Dimensions of Teaching
- Foundations of Education 346: Schooling in a Democratic Society
- Foundation of Education 546: Contexts of Schooling
- Physical Education 301: Principles of Teaching Activity
- Technology Education 300: Orientation to Technology Education
These courses provide opportunities for school-based service experiences. There are also a number of other courses in the College which incorporate community service activity that may satisfy this requirement.
All questions concerning Community Service Requirement can be directed to:
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