Reading (M.Ed.)

The Reading Department faculty members — Dr. Mary Beth Allen, Dr. Shawn Watkins, and Dr. Andrew Gavalis -- are highly knowledgeable about every aspect of literacy and structure all classes and experiences to help candidates:

• effectively teach literacy to Pre-K – 12 students, empowering them to achieve the Common Core College and Career Readiness Standards.
• meet professional goals through current theoretical and practical experiences
• deepen their knowledge of reading, develop leadership skills in literacy education, and use research-based strategies to teach readers Pre-K - 12
• attain a Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certificate
• be the best teachers of reading and writing they can be!

Highlights of the program include

• a focus on literacy acquisition and development, assessment, and instruction of students with diverse learning and literacy needs.
• use of a variety of assessments and teaching ideas to engage in effective, evidence-based instruction.
• key strategies that enable them to create a literate environment that fosters reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.
• totally online program includes synchronous and asynchronous interactions. Candidates to learn from home, engage directly with faculty during classes, and work at their convenience when engaging in related activities.
• collaboration with colleagues across the state and region.
• meeting the requirements of the International Literacy Association’s Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017).
• coursework needed to attain the Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certification (Out-of-state graduates can check with their state's Department of Education to discern requirements for similar certificates/endorsements).

Candidates can complete the CAEP-approved, 36-credit online M.Ed. in Reading in one year or over multiple years.

Program Requirements

Students take an additional 9 credits of classes; specific classes depend upon the special education competencies completed in prior programs. Therefore, some students take 9 credits of Special Education classes, other students take 9 credits of electives, and some take 9 credits of a combination. This is determined during the application process.

Electives

Special Education Classes

Professional Licensure Disclosures and Distance Learning State Authorization: Applicants who are applying to programs that may lead to licensure in states other than Pennsylvania must be aware of the various state professional licensure requirements. Please see ESU's professional licensure disclosures, Evaluation of Conduct Record, and check licensure requirements by occupation and state at CareerOneStop.