Empower Change, Shape the Future, Support RISPE

This Black Philanthropy Month, we celebrate the transformative power of giving and its profound impact on the future of education. The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE), a Black-led institution, is leading the charge in addressing the most pressing challenges in our state's public education system: shifting student demographics, a growing number of multilingual learners, teacher shortages, and the urgent need for greater teacher diversity.

Supporting RISPE this Black Philanthropy Month is more than just making a donation—it's a powerful commitment to transforming the future of education in Rhode Island. Together, we can tackle these critical challenges, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to a diverse and highly qualified teaching force. By investing in RISPE, you invest in a brighter, more equitable future for all students.

Donate today and join us in shaping the future of education for generations to come.

“Our highest aim is to ensure a strong educational system for a strong democracy. We prepare critical and reflective practitioners who will empower every student with deep knowledge, an enduring curiosity about the world, and a strong voice for social justice. We are committed to build a powerful education workforce that reflects the strengths and diversity of our communities.”

(Rhode Island School for Progressive Education)

Why Support RISPE?

In a time when public education faces significant challenges, RISPE stands out as one of the few institutions actively addressing three critical issues that impact the future of our schools and students.

Multilingual Learners
The number of Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in Rhode Island has nearly doubled in the past decade. Schools are struggling to meet their needs, leaving many students behind. RISPE is changing this narrative by training educators with the skills and cultural competence necessary to support MLLs effectively. We are closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every student, regardless of language or background, has the opportunity to succeed.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage
Rhode Island faces a critical teacher shortage, with nearly 40% of the workforce nearing retirement. This shortage is especially severe in urban and underserved areas. RISPE is preparing the next generation of educators ready to lead and inspire, filling the gap with passionate, well-trained teachers committed to making a difference in their communities.

Promoting Teacher Diversity
Our student population is more diverse than ever, yet our teaching workforce needs to reflect this diversity. RISPE is dedicated to increasing the number of educators of color in Rhode Island’s schools. Every student deserves a role model who understands their cultural and linguistic background. Since 2017, 77% of RISPE-trained educators identify as people of color, directly addressing the critical need for diversity in the teaching workforce.

About the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education

The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE) is dedicated to transforming public school outcomes by fostering culturally competent and responsive educators. As Rhode Island's first and only residency-style graduate school of education, RISPE is committed to addressing the equity and achievement gaps within the state's public schools. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Christine W. Alves, a woman of color and former elementary educator, RISPE focuses on recruiting and training teachers of color, while also providing pathways to English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certification for current practicing teachers.

RISPE enhances public education through comprehensive training programs that implement evidence-based best practices in teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention. By diversifying the teacher workforce and embedding cultural competency at the core of its mission, RISPE aims to create inclusive learning environments that reflect and respond to the diverse needs of all students. In doing so, RISPE is committed to changing the narrative in education and fostering equitable opportunities for every student in Rhode Island.

To learn more about RISPE, please visit www.rhodeislandspe.org.

Empower Change, Shape the Future, Support RISPE

Team Members