Reading, Initial License

Program Objectives

All candidates for the non-degree, licensure-only program must complete 21-30 credits meeting the regulations for initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading. Students must complete the 75 pre-practicum hours required in EDU 814, EDU 745A, and EDU 741C and the 150 practicum hours in EDU 845 and EDU 840P and EDU 840S.

Prerequisites

Initial or professional Massachusetts teaching license in a classroom field.

Evidence of a passing score on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

EDU 739 Literacy Instruction and Assessment in the Early Childhood and Elementary Classroom with field experience

or an equivalent course.

Master’s Degree in education or related field.

Program Requirements

Elective Course (choose one)

Total Credits: 21-30**

Additional Information and Notes

* The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires teachers seeking the Initial Specialist Teacher of Reading License to 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 application to the practicum (EDU840P). Passing score on the MTEL Specialist Teacher of Reading license is required for endorsement.

Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.

** Students may take 21-30 credits in the Specialist Teacher of Reading-Initial License Only program depending on prior graduate coursework and in consultation with the program coordinator. The program coordinator will document content standards through a careful review of official transcripts and course syllabi.