Reading, Master of Education

This 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. Graduates of this program may be endorsed by Salem State for state licensure as a teacher of reading. Early childhood, special education, ESL, and elementary classroom teachers who are pursuing professional licensure in their field may use this program to help them qualify and apply on their own to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE) for the professional license in early childhood, special education, ESL or elementary education.

Courses in the program will help students 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. One hundred and fifty hours of supervised field work are required of those pursuing the Specialist Teacher of Reading license. 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. For more information please contact the program coordinator.

Admission Requirements

Additional admission requirements

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 Instructional Methods in Early Childhood and Elementary Classrooms

or an equivalent course.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Program of Study

EDU 727 - Literacy Learning: History, Theory & Research
EDS 739 - Multi-Tiered Intervention for Students with Literacy Difficulties
EDU 814 - Disciplinary Literacy in the Content Areas
EDU 999C - Teaching Students to Write (Pre K-12)
EDU 742A - Literacy Development and Processes
EDU 817C - Literacy Assessment and Intervention Strategies
EDU 745A - Supporting Language and Literacy Learning for Multilinguals
* EDU 840P - Practicum for the Reading Specialist
EDU 840S - Practicum Seminar for the Reading Specialist License
EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching
EDU 767 - Literature for Children
Or
EDU 748 - Literature for Young Adults
*Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of credits in the program.

**In the event that a student has met the competencies that would cause fewer than 30 credits in the program, the student would take elective courses in consultation with the program coordinator to attain the minimum required credits for graduation.

**M.Ed. Reading Total Credits: 30-33

Courses for Add-On Special Education License: 18-21 Credits

Reading, M.Ed., + Special Education License (30 - 53.5 variable credits)

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.

** 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.

In order for the Reading Specialist practicum application to be approved for enrollment in EDU 840P: Practicum for the Reading Specialist, candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the program, with no individual course grade lower than a B. Candidates struggling to meet academic or professional standards in the reading license program may complete one intervention process (e.g., student-at-risk or academic improvement plan) but if they fail to meet academic and professional standards after completing this intervention, they will be dismissed from the licensure program.

Curriculum & Instructional Track (Total 33 credits)

Non-Licensure Option

Reading, Curriculum & Instruction, Masters of Education is designed for those interested in a master’s degree in reading to become skilled literacy practitioner, tutors, coaches, and/or literacy leaders. Two courses of interest are selected in lieu of the practicum and seminar required for licensure programs.

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 responsive practices using high-quality instructional materials and assessments. 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.