About the Feinstein School

The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development administers and coordinates all professional education programs at Rhode Island College and serves as the college's liaison with the Rhode Island Department of Education and local school systems.

Our Role and Responsibilities

The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development (so named because of a generous gift from education philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein in 1997) is responsible for designing, developing and implementing programs that prepare professional personnel for educator and counseling roles in schools and social service agencies that serve the needs of the diverse communities of Rhode Island.

Our Alignment with the Rhode Island Right to Read Act (2019)

The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at Rhode Island College, ensures all program completers have the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective literacy instruction within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework in alignment with the Rhode Island Right to Read Act (2019). Through comprehensive coursework and aligned clinical experiences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development ensures all program completers at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are prepared to meet the Act's required proficiency level (awareness or proficiency) for their certification pathway related to the knowledge and practices of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy. Feinstein School of Education and Human Development candidates are highly knowledgeable and skilled teachers who positively impact reading achievement for all students.

Vision, Mission and Learning Outcomes

Our Vision

FSEHD will be the institution of choice for education and human service professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the lives of Rhode Islanders and beyond. We will be an essential partner in educational and community improvement in the region.

Our Mission 

The mission of the Rhode Island College Feinstein School of Education and Human Development (FSEHD) is to

• Prepare education and human service professionals to be highly effective, reflective, engaged, and deeply committed to the values of equity, diversity, and social advocacy;
• Provide expertise in educational policy, research, and professional development to schools, agencies, and communities.

Learning Outcomes

FSEHD graduates are committed to meeting the mission and vision of our school. To this end they:

• Demonstrate current expertise in their discipline
• Integrate ongoing research in their professional settings, resulting in innovative and culturally responsive practices;
• engage in ongoing development of critical reflection skills in themselves and their constituents;
• Use professional standards and ethical frameworks to inform decision making;
• Collaborate with and advocate for all stakeholders, including students, clients, families, and colleagues;
• Exercise agency in the context of their professional communities.