Culture First: EmpowerEd Rhode Island Culture Based Teacher Preparation Program

A vintage typewriter on a wooden surface with a paper displaying the words "LIFELONG LEARNING."

Program Overview

This 6-week teacher preparation program is grounded in foundational strategies from Teach Like a Champion 3.0. It is designed to equip new and developing educators with essential tools to create strong, purposeful, and joyful classrooms. The program includes weekly coaching, targeted observations, and structured debriefs centered around six high-leverage techniques.

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Purpose and Flexibility

EmpowerEd Rhode Island’s teacher preparation program is designed to help educators build strong classroom culture through clear systems and consistent routines. Our program establishes the behavioral and instructional foundation necessary for academic success and joyful learning. It is highly adaptable and may be modified to meet specific educator needs, including as a proactive intervention for struggling teachers. Schools may use our program to provide support prior to initiating a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), helping educators grow in a structured and supportive environment.

Why Classroom Culture Coaching Matters

Persistent teacher shortages and high burnout rates are affecting schools across Rhode Island—especially in high-need districts like Providence. As of April 2025, the state reported 93 unfilled teaching positions, and Providence Public Schools saw teacher resignations more than double from 2019 to 2023 (Ocean State Today, 2025; Rhode Island Current, 2023). The leading causes? Stress, burnout, and inconsistent, ineffective classroom management support for early-career teachers.

At EmpowerEd Rhode Island, we solve these challenges through personalized classroom culture coaching that builds strong systems, reduces behavioral disruptions, and supports long-term teacher success. Our approach is grounded in research showing:

  • Consistent classroom routines reduce disciplinary issues by up to 30%

  • Proactive behavior systems cut daily disruptions by 25%

  • Targeted training in classroom management improves teacher retention by 15%
    (Education TAMU, RethinkED)

Our proven model includes:

  • Evidence-based coaching tailored to real classroom challenges

  • Structured mentorship focused on routines, transitions, and behavior expectations

  • On-site modeling and feedback that helps teachers reinforce habits and maximize instruction time

When teachers feel confident managing their classrooms, they stay longer, teach better, and improve student outcomes. Every retained teacher prevents over 250 lost days of instruction associated with substitute coverage and staff turnover (NCES, 2020). That kind of continuity strengthens learning, raises graduation rates, and builds equity for Rhode Island students.

EmpowerEd Rhode Island equips teachers with the tools to thrive—so schools and communities can too.