Rhode Island Educators LOVE Happy Teacher Professional Development!

 

  • How to Renew Your RI License

    ​In Rhode Island, teacher certification renewal requirements are based on the type of certificate held:

    1. Initial Certificate (3-year validity):

    • Professional Learning Units (PLUs): Educators must complete 30 PLUs annually, totaling 90 PLUs over the three-year period.

    2. Professional Certificate (5-year validity):

    • PLUs: Educators are required to complete 20 PLUs annually, amounting to 100 PLUs over the five-year period. ​

    3. Advanced Certificate (7-year validity):

    • PLUs: Educators must complete 20 PLUs annually, totaling 140 PLUs over the seven-year period.

    Happy Teacher Professional Development helps Rhode Island educators meet license renewal requirements through affordable, graduate-level courses offered in partnership with accredited universities. 

    How many hours are listed on the certificate of completion?

    • 1 semester credit = 15 hour certificate (15 PLU’s)
    • 2 semester credits = 30 hour certificate (30 PLU’s)
    • 3 semester credits = 45 hour certificate (45 PLU’s)

    Happy Teacher Professional Development also supports Rhode Island educators on the path to earning a Master’s in Education through our proud partnership with Upper Iowa University. Together, we offer a flexible, career-aligned graduate program for only $10,000!

    When registering, be sure to select “Course + Graduate Level Credit.”

    Important: Renewal requirements are subject to change. We recommend consulting the Rhode Island Department of Education’s website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

    Here are courses popular with Rhode Island educators:

    Explore Courses 

  • Invest in Yourself—Increase Your Pay! 

    Would you like to earn an extra $5,000 per year? Over the course of your career, that could add up to $100,000, $200,000, or even $350,000 more! Our high-quality, self-paced online courses help teachers meet licensure renewal requirements while advancing on the salary schedule. Designed to be practical, engaging, and immediately useful in the classroom, our accredited courses make professional development simple and affordable. Use our Return on Investment Calculator and see how much more you can earn with Happy Teacher. Start investing in your future today!

    Increase My Salary 

  • Take Your Career to the Next Level with a Master’s in Education!

    Did you know that earning a master’s degree could add $15,000+ to your annual salary? That’s over $375,000 more across a 25-year career—just by moving up the pay scale!

    And the best part? You can earn your M.Ed. for $10,000! Happy Teacher has partnered with Upper Iowa University to bring you a flexible, affordable online Master’s in Education program—plus, you’ll save $2,660 on tuition by transferring 12 Happy Teacher semester credits into UIU’s program.

    Choose from Teacher Leadership, ESL, Special Education, or Talented and Gifted and gain the skills to increase your salary, open new career doors, and make a greater impact in education.

    Invest in yourself today—start your master’s degree journey with Happy Teacher and UIU!

    Earn My Master's Degree 
  • Online & Self-Paced

    Learn at your own convenience, anytime, anywhere.

  • Graduate Level Courses

    Offered in partnership with HLC-accredited universities, recognized nationwide.

  • Affordable

    High-quality professional development at a budget-friendly price.

  • Taught by Teachers

    Courses are created and delivered by experienced educators with real classroom experience.

  • Rewards Program

    Earn Happy Teacher Cash for referrals and completing courses!

  • Interest-Free Payment Plans

    Flexible payment options available at checkout.

  • Degree Eligible

    Apply up to 12 credit hours with our university partners.

  • Easy-to-Use Platform

    Our simple, intuitive platform that makes learning seamless.

  • Monthly Schedule

    Stay on track with a structured schedule for efficient course completion.

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