Reading Specialist, Add-on Licensure

Literacy is not only the foundation for life-long learning and school success, but also the cornerstone of a democratic society and active citizenry.

The Reading Specialist program, offered in conjunction with the Language and Literacy M.Ed. program, is designed for K-12 teachers who already hold initial licensure in education in a related area and would like to pursue advanced-level licensure in Reading (K-12). The program will help you deepen your knowledge about literacy teaching, learning and problem-solving. Completing the program makes you eligible to take the Praxis II Reading Specialist Exam (5302) and leaves you only 5 courses away from a master’s degree (the MAEd in Language and Literacy).

The program addresses the North Carolina Masters/Advanced Competencies which include standards in instructional expertise, knowledge of learners, research, connecting subject matter and learners, and professional development and leadership. The program opens doors for individuals interested in becoming literacy leaders in schools, districts, state and national agencies.

Designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, the program offers the convenience of evening online courses in a synchronous format. Each 3-credit course is scheduled to meet online for two hours. Students log in from any location and interact with colleagues from across the state. The remaining class time is completed asynchronously online at a time most convenient for students.