Reading Specialist, Certification

If you already have a Master’s degree in a relevant field in Education or a minimum of eight courses in Education with grades of A or B, you are eligible for a six-course sequence resulting in certification as a Reading Specialist. If you do not already hold certification or a minimum of one year teaching experience in your own classroom (not as student teacher), you must take seven courses to earn certification. Currently, the state of Pennsylvania requires US citizenship for certification.

Curriculum

6 courses for Reading Specialist Certification if student holds initial certification.
7 courses for Reading Specialist Certification if student does NOT hold initial certification.

EDUC 5325Fieldwork in Language in Education II (Spring only) 11
EDUC 5333Forming and Reforming the Elementary Reading/Writing/Literacy Curriculum (Summer or Fall)1
EDUC 5335Literature for Children and Adolescents (Summer or Fall)1
EDUC 6329Teaching English/Language and Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools (Fall only)1
EDUC 6335Assessing Language and Learning Differences (Spring only)1
EDUC 7335Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Approaches to Literacy Tutorial Work (Spring only)1
Total Course Units6
1

Students with initial certification and one year of teaching experience take EDUC 5325 once. Students without certification and experience must take EDUC 5325 twice – in Fall and Spring terms.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.