Reading and Reading Specialist Certification, M.A.
The 100% online Master of Arts in Reading/Reading Specialist Certification is offered through the Department of Literacy Education. We prepare literacy specialists for careers in teaching, coaching, training, coordinating instructional programs, diagnosing and treating literacy problems, and developing curriculum. Literacy specialists may work one-on-one, in small groups, or with whole classes. They also focus on all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.
Candidates preparing to become literacy specialists study the components of the reading and writing processes and how children and adults develop literacy. Candidates learn diagnostic techniques and strategies that address the many different types of literacy problems struggling readers and writers may have. They learn strategies for working with all students, including special needs students and English language learners.
Whatever the subject matter you teach, knowing how to improve critical thinking, develop students’ articulation of ideas, help them through difficult and new reading materials, and assisting them in writing their thoughts in a clear and interesting manner is essential to helping students succeed in your classrooms.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR TO THIS DEGREE PROGRAM ARE:
Applicants must satisfy the general admissions requirements for graduate study at NJCU. Applicants must have a 3.0 or better GPA for admission to the program.
Once admitted, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better to graduate.
APPLICATION OF OUT-OF-DEPARTMENT CREDITS
Individuals who already possess a master's degree and graduate credits in literacy education may qualify for certification-only course work. The NJ State Department of Education must review transcripts to determine eligibility for certification and identify any additional course requirements needed to qualify.
Note: NJCU New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) program completers may apply up to 9 credits NPTNJ credits toward the Master of Arts / Reading Specialist Program.
The program leading to Reading Specialist Certification consists of 30 credits described below. For certification eligibility, there is also a requirement of two years of teaching experience.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 30 | |
| LTED 637 | Nature Of Reading 1 | 3 |
| LTED 641 | Reading and the School Curriculum 1 | 3 |
| LTED 648 | Solving Reading Problems on the Elementary Level | 3 |
| LTED 645 | Best Practices in Literacy in Middle/Secondary School | 3 |
| LTED 618 | Pedagogy and Application of Children's Literature in the K-12 Classroom | 3 |
| LTED 667 | Administration and Supervision-School Reading Programs | 3 |
| LTED 646 | Diagnostic Procedures in Reading I | 3 |
| LTED 643 | Practicum in Reading | 3 |
| LTED 612 | Research in Reading | 3 |
| Electives (Select 3 credits from the following courses): 2 | ||
| LTED 635 | Effective Literacy Teaching for English Language Learners | 3 |
| Elective (in consultation with advisor) | 3 | |
| Total Credits: | 30 | |
- 1
Introductory foundation course to be taken at the onset of program studies.
- 2
An out-of-department elective may be taken with advisor approval.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Reading Specialist and Reading Specialization Certification program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
- Demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
- Know and value how individuals are shaped by their life experiences as mediated by factors such as social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and social needs. Our candidates know, value, and engage in culturally responsive teaching to promote social justice, particularly in our urban areas.
- Use appropriate technology in carrying out their professional responsibilities.