TEACHING AND LEARNING
Programs
Post-master’s Certificate for Reading Specialist
The certificate program is offered for individuals who aspire to become reading specialists. Applicants for the certificate program must hold a master’s degree in any specialty area related to education. The certificate program is designed for students who wish to gain state licensure as a reading specialist in kindergarten through high school settings. Applicants are required to have at least three years of teaching experience in a reading-related field setting if they want to be recommended to the Department of Education for endorsement as a reading specialist in Virginia. All requirements for admission to graduate school apply to applicants for the post-master’s certificate for reading specialist. All state department requirements for reading specialist (specifically the 24 hours of graduate or undergraduate work in selected areas) must be met. Students are required to earn a minimum of 21 graduate hours beyond their current master’s degree, including the required reading courses and an approved reading selective. Advisers will recommend selective courses based upon student experience and goals. Persons completing the program are expected to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the reading language learning process,
- the ability to critique, adapt and model use of a variety of reading instructional strategies, methods and programs,
- expertise in developing and providing for continuous assessment of an individual and groups,
- ability to implement school-wide developmental, creative and intervention reading/language arts programs, and
- ability to understand and apply theory to practice within a variety of cultural contexts.
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