Who is the Program Designed For?

The 37 credit-hour degree program is registered with the New York State Department of Education and is designed for initially certified teachers. Course offerings will be cycled so that a candidate may complete all work at an expedited pace or pursue the degree over a longer period of time while holding a full-time teaching position.

Teacher Certification

The literacy program leads to initial/professional reading specialist certification (birth – grade 6, or grades 5 – 12). Candidates must hold a teaching certificate in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence education to be admitted; and therefore, may use this degree to satisfy the requirements for professional certification in these areas.

Literacy Practicum

Candidates may complete the literacy practicum in their own classroom as long as they demonstrate the requisite hours of literacy instruction and work with a mentor who is certified as a reading specialist. The practicum can also be completed in a reading specialist’s classroom.