Rhode Island § 16-11-1 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-11-1 — Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-11-1. Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-1
§ 16-11-1. Certification of public school teachers required — Deductions from state aid for noncompliance.
No person shall be employed to teach, as principal or assistant, in any school supported wholly or in part by public money unless the person shall have a certificate of qualification issued by or under the authority of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education. Provided, however, that any person who is employed as a part time speech and language pathologist at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, for a period of not less than ten (10) years prior to July 11, 1990, shall not be required to have a certificate of qualification, and shall be exempt from the provisions of this section which require the certificate. In case any city or town shall pay or cause to be paid any of the public money to any person for teaching who did not, at the time of teaching, hold a certificate, then the department of elementary and secondary education shall deduct a sum equal to the amount so paid from the amount of the state’s money due, or which may thereafter become due, to the city or town, before giving his or her order in favor of the city or town for any of the public money under the provisions of §§ 16-1-10, 16-1-11, and 16-5-22.
History of Section.
P.L. 1898, ch. 544, § 9; P.L. 1903, ch. 1114, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 1; G.L. 1923,
ch. 71, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956,
§ 16-11-1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 46; P.L. 1990, ch. 326, § 2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-11-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-11-1 cover?
Section 16-11-1 ("Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-11-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-11-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-11-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.