Licensure Only, Specialist Teacher of Reading

This program is designed for an experienced educator who holds an initial teaching license and wants to serve as a teacher of reading. This fully online program provides 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

About Licensure Only, Specialist Teacher of Reading

The licensure-only in reading program is designed for educators seeking an initial license as a specialist teacher of reading but not a degree.  

Students will develop an understanding of reading and writing processes, enhance classroom reading instruction, assess reading difficulties and intervene instructionally, use literature in reading and language arts programs, and carry out teacher leadership roles in reading. 

Program Features 

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

  • Individually Designed: Candidates who enter the program having met some of the specific course competencies may be eligible for a reduction in the overall credits required. The requirements are determined in consultation with the program advisors and are based on an applicant’s prior experience in literacy.  

  • Flexible pacing and field options: This program's completion time varies depending on the individual requirements. 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. 

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

Licensure 

Students interested in this program must complete one year of teaching under an initial teaching license in a content area prior to earning their reading specialist license. Graduates of this program may be endorsed by Salem State for state licensure as a teacher of reading.  

The program meets MDESE regulations for initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading and is fully accredited by NCATE and the International Reading Association.  

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires*:  

  • Teachers seeking the Initial Specialist Teacher of Reading License must have at least an Initial Teaching License and at least one year of experience under that license. 

  • Students must supply verification of at least one year of teaching experience in the role and grade level of their initial license upon completion of the program. 

  • A passing score on the MTEL Specialist Teacher of Reading license is required for the practicum. 

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

Curriculum 

All candidates for the licensure-only program must complete 212-30 credits meeting the regulations for initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading. The specific courses required will be determined by the program coordinator after reviewing the student's prior coursework. Decisions are made based on competencies required for state licensure. 

Sample Courses

  • EDU 814 - Disciplinary Literacy in the Content Areas 

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

  • EDU 817C - Literacy Assessment and Intervention Strategies 

  • EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching 

Please note that a minimum of 75 pre-practicum hours must be completed during this program in addition to the 150-hour practicum. 

Pathways to a Career as a Specialist Teacher of Reading

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

Reading Education Program Options

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

  • MEd reading, curriculum and instruction: for those seeking a master’s degree, but not licensure. 

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

If you have any questions about which program would be the best fit for you, please reach out to graduate admissions.

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