M.Ed. in Literacy - Reading Specialist

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3.0 GPA Cumulative
• Certified as a teacher

Degree Requirements

• Complete 30 credits of coursework with a B on better
• Maintain 3.0 QPA average
• Take and pass PRAXIS II – Reading Specialist #5302 with a passing score of 164 or higher

Candidates should complete the Literacy Core before proceeding to the Reading Specialist Track.

The Literacy Practica are offered as a two-course clinical sequence. Candidates work with K-12 students in the schools where they currently teach and meet online with their classmates and practicum supervisor to observe and reflect on developing best clinical practices. In the Practicum I, candidates work with a small group of three to five K-12 students to clinically assess students, design and implement interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of these clinical practices. In Practicum II, candidates work with an individual K-12 student to expand their literacy skills and assess, design, implement, and evaluate colleagues’ practices using a research-based coaching model.  The clinical sequence of courses is designed to facilitate the development of instructional and coaching skills resulting in the ability to become a successful Reading Specialist and literacy leader within a school environment.

• Nationally recognized as one of the top Literacy/Reading Specialist Programs in the U.S. according to the International Literacy Association.
• Courses are offered fully online.
• We focus on literacy as a social justice issue and right for all people.
• We develop reflexive practitioners who serve as curricular experts, advocates, and literacy leaders in their communities.
• We offer rich field experiences supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students.

The program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters – taking two courses per semester. Students take one course each eight weeks consecutively on one night per week through four school year semesters (fall and spring) and one summer semester.

You have up to five years to complete the degree.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

1. Obtain a M.Ed. in Literacy Education
2. Become certified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as a Reading Specialist, if you are already a certified teacher.