Reading Specialist Endorsement

Preparing master teachers, literacy leaders and future readers

Ensuring that all students develop high levels of literacy requires schools to make a concerted, coordinated effort to improve students' proficiency as readers, writers, and critical and creative thinkers.

Teacher expertise, more than any other variable, accounts for increases in student achievement in literacy. Schools must engage in the leadership work that makes strong literacy instruction possible.

Literacy leaders are master teachers who provide essential leadership for the school's overall literacy program and play a key role in leading and supporting teachers to become more effective practitioners in literacy teaching. This leadership includes creating and supervising a long-term staff development program that supports both the development and implementation of the literacy program over months and years.

We offer both a fully online, 21 credit certificate program as well as an online, 33 credit MAEd, which are designed to train currently licensed teachers to become reading specialists.

Programs of Study

M.A.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction -Literacy Leadership
Post-Professional Certificate - Reading Specialist (Must have a master's degree to pursue the certificate program)

Format

Both programs are fully online programs, offered in 7-week terms. Teachers can continue to work while earning the certificate, which prepares them to add a Reading Specialist endorsement to their current teaching license.

Curriculum

Both programs are designed to provide specific background, education and tools to educators teaching K-12 learners reading below grade level. The certificate also provides specific background, education and tools for coaching teachers in evidence-supported literacy practices. The certificate includes seven courses, for a total of 21 credits.

Virginia PreK-12 Educator Discount Program

New program in Summer 2024

Both programs are eligible for the new educator discount for qualified applicants. Full-time educators, currently working in a public or private PreK-12 institution in Virginia may be eligible for a 25% discount.

Participants must be Virginia Residents, can only take up to 6 credit hours per semester, and must be employed full-time in a Virginia PK-12 school.

Learn more.