Program Overview

PACT Logo - Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers
Teacher gives lesson in science class

PACT is founded on three pillars: Spirituality, Community, and Teaching & Learning.

PACT members commit to two years of service as full-time teachers in their own classrooms, serving Catholic schools in the (Arch)Dioceses of Providence, Boston, Fall River, Bridgeport (CT), and Worcester. They receive ongoing formation and support from the PACT team while living in intentional, supportive cohort communities.

Pre-K through 12th-grade Teachers

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.

Tuition-Free Master’s Degree

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.

Degree Tracks & Qualification

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.

Must I be eligible for state teacher certification when I begin PACT?

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

  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education
  • With a major or minor in a secondary subject area: English, Math, History, Sciences, Theology
Master of Education in Secondary Education (with eligibility for R.I. state certification)

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.

Other M.Ed. and M.A. Degree options

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:

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.

Intentional Christian Community

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.

Shared Catholic and Dominican Spirituality

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.

Holistic Support

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.

Program Timeline

Chris Keavy

Director
Harkins 206
401-865-2988
ckeavy@providence.edu

Sr. Matthew Marie Cummings, O.P., Ed.D

Clinical Professor of Education
Harkins 206
mcummin7@providence.edu

Paula Vianna

Administrative Coordinator
Harkins 206
(401) 865-2657
pvianna@providence.edu