Master of Education in Reading

These fully online programs provide opportunities for participants to gain deep knowledge of literacy development PreK-12 and the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to implement evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining practices aligned with literacy research.  

Participants will learn to navigate the tensions in the field of literacy to ensure effective and inclusive instruction for all students. Professional development design, collaboration, and coaching are also emphasized to prepare participants to become literacy leaders and advocates at the local and state levels.

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

Program Features 

  • Online Modality - Courses are offered fully online in the evening; designed to meet the needs of our professional students. 

  • Flexible pacing and field options: This program can be completed in approximately two years (i.e., five semesters) full-time or 3 to 6 years part-time. Most, if not all, of the field requirements including practicum can be completed in participants classroom- and school-, and/or community-based settings.

  • Collaboration: Collaborate with faculty who are expert reading practitioners as well as fellow classmates who teach in various roles (e.g., general, special, bilingual classrooms) and specialist positions (e.g., coaches and interventionists).  

  • Culturally and linguistically sustaining practices: Our reading candidates are trained to create equitable and inclusive learning environments. They learn how to design and implement culturally and linguistically sustaining,  respond to the needs of all students, and increase equitable access to high-quality educational experiences for all students. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice, anti-bias education, and equitable access to learning for all students. 

  • TEACH grant eligible: students enrolled in the master of reading programs may be eligible for federal TEACH grant support in addition to financial aid.  

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships.

Pathways to a Career as a Specialist Teacher of Reading

MEd Reading, Specialist Teacher of Reading License

The master of education in reading, specialist teacher of reading license program is designed for an experienced educator who holds an initial classroom teaching license and who wants to serve schools as a teacher of reading at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary or post-secondary levels or who wants to remain a classroom teacher with expertise in reading. 

Licensure

Graduates of this program may be endorsed by Salem State for state licensure as a teacher of reading. The program meets the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading and is fully accredited by NCATE and the International Reading Association.  

To be eligible for a specialist teacher of reading license from DESE, program completers must submit the following information to DESE as they are state-level requirements.  

  • Evidence of completion of an accredited Reading program such as Salem State University 

  • A pre-practicum (75 hours of field-based assignments) and a supervised practicum (150 hours). Verification of at least one year of teaching experience in the role and grade level of their initial license upon completion of the program. 

  • Evidence of a passing score on the Specialist Teacher of Reading MTEL  

*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact DESE e for specific, current licensure requirements at the time of application. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Curriculum 

Courses in the program will help students develop an understanding of literacy acquisition, diagnostically assess literacy difficulties,  and implement evidence-based instruction and intervention, as well as become literacy lea150s in a variety of settings. A 150 supervised practicum is required of those pursuing the Specialist Teacher of Reading license. 

Sample Courses

  • EDS 739 - Multi-Tiered Intervention for Students with Literacy Difficulties 

  • EDU 742A - Literacy Development and Processes 

  • EDU 817C - Literacy Assessment and Intervention Strategies 

  • EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching 

MEd Reading, Curriculum and Instruction

The master of education in reading, curriculum and instruction program is designed for those interested in a master’s degree in reading to become skilled literacy practitioners, tutors, literacy coaches, and/or leaders. 

Program Objective

The reading coursework provides opportunities for participants to gain deep knowledge of literacy development PreK-12 as well as the knowledge skills, and dispositions to implement evidence-based, inclusive, culturally and linguistically sustaining  practices.. Participants will learn to navigate the tensions in the field to provide effective instruction for all students. Professional development design, collaboration, and coaching are also emphasized to prepare participants to become literacy leaders in a variety of settings. 

Curriculum 

Our robust 33-credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Two courses of interest are selected in lieu of the practicum and seminar required for the licensure programs. 

Sample Courses

  • EDU 814 - Disciplinary Literacy in the Content Areas 

  • EDU 999C - Teaching Students to Write (Pre K-12) 

  • EDU 745A - Supporting Language and Literacy Learning for Multilinguals 

  • EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching 

Reading Education Program Options

Salem State University offers three unique pathways to prepare you for the next steps in your career: 

  • MEd reading, specialist teacher of reading license: for those who hold an initial classroom teaching license and are seeking a master’s degree that includes a specialist teacher of reading license. 

  • MEd reading, curriculum and instruction: for those seeking a master’s degree, but are not seeking a specialist of reading license. 

  • Licensure only, specialist teacher of reading: for those who hold an initial classroom teaching license and master’s degree and are seeking a specialist teacher of reading license only. 

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