Mission

Reading Specialists will know and deeply understand the role of literacy in K-12 schools, how literacy concepts and skills develop throughout schooling, will have a foundation in pedagogical content knowledge and will be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.

Learning Outcomes

1. Know and understand deeply the role of literacy in K-12 schools and how it develops throughout schooling, including knowledge teachers need in order to understand and support student learning of literacy concepts, particularly reading.
2. Knowledge as specified by the NCATE/NCTM Standards for Reading Specialists.
3. Be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.

This program is appropriate for individuals who work or plan to work, in a K-12 school system or any field where teaching and learning are integral to the mission. The Reading Specialist certificate can be embedded within the MS Ed: Reading degree at WOU and qualifying candidates may also apply for a TSPC Reading Specialization.

Students with a completed Baccalaureate degree and a valid K-12 teaching license may enter the 24-credit certificate program after meeting university requirements for graduate admission.