Program Overview

PACT teachers serve as Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers across subject areas. Content areas at the secondary level include:

• English
• History
• Math
• Sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Theology

Content area qualification is based on undergraduate studies.

PACT teachers are full-time graduate students at Providence College, working towards a master’s degree in one of several tracks through two summers on campus and other coursework during the academic year.

PACT teachers live and work in a community, and participate in a set of core experiences and courses. Academically, students study in a variety of master’s degree programs. The academic programs available to you depend on your undergraduate background. Applicants are welcome to indicate interest in multiple tracks.

Yes

• M.A. in History
• M.Ed. in Literacy
• M.Ed. in Special Education (with dyslexia credential)
• M.A. in Teaching Mathematics
• M.Ed. in Urban Teaching

No

• With a major or minor in a secondary subject area: English, Math, History, Sciences, Theology
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education

This degree is designed for those who are new to education. Those who complete this track are eligible for Rhode Island state teacher certification. The Secondary M.Ed. is also open to those who have an undergraduate education degree and are already qualified for state certification.

To qualify for the M.Ed. in Secondary Education, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree by June 1, 2025.
• At least 30 credits in a discipline corresponding to middle and high school content areas:
  • Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
  • English
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Theology
• At least a 3.0 GPA in your major and at least a 2.75 GPA overall

If you are unsure if you have sufficient appropriate coursework, please contact the PACT office. We can review your transcript and discuss your eligibility.

Graduates in Education majors who have obtained state certification, or can present proof of eligibility upon graduation, can apply to a range of degree tracks. Options include:

• Master of Education in Literacy – School of Education and Social Work (providence.edu)
• Master’s in Urban Teaching | School of Education & Social Work | Providence College
• Master of Arts in History at Providence College
• Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics – Academics at Providence College
• Master of Education in Special Education with Dyslexia Credential – School of Education and Social Work (providence.edu)

PACT teachers in these academic programs join PACT M.Ed. in Secondary Education teachers in community life, shared spirituality, program-wide seminars, and a small number of key classes while doing most of their coursework with the wider Providence College graduate community (often other full-time teachers in area Catholic and public schools). Details of these academic programs are available on the respective websites, linked above.

PACT teachers commit to two years living in an intentional Christian community with other PACT teachers. They share meals and prayer, along with the triumphs and challenges of teaching. The larger PACT community also gathers for prayer, learning, and reflection. In limited circumstances and at the discretion of the program director, applicants may pursue a non-residency community option.

PACT is rooted in a Catholic worldview and a Dominican spirituality. We welcome those of all faith backgrounds who are excited to share in the formative mission of Catholic schools in the context of the Catholic community.

PACT supports beginning teachers. The PACT experience is unified by a comprehensive system of supports that form teachers as whole persons. PACT teachers’ ministry is sustained by a shared spiritual life, community living, professional support from their schools and the PACT team, and ongoing and integrated professional formation through coursework and formative supervision and coaching from the PACT team.