Master of Education (MEd) in Reading

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. Students may select from three program options: M.Ed. with licensure (36 credit hours); licensure only (30 credit hours) and the MEd without licensure (36 credit hours). For more information about these options, please contact the program coordinator.

Additional program information, including a current student profile and a graduate faculty profile (PDF)

Highlights of our program include

  • Applicants must have an initial teaching license and one year of teaching experience in the area of license.
  • Students participate in unique practicum experiences. You will apply assessment and instructional strategies to aid two children struggling with reading and conduct a leadership project at your school.
  • Students collaborate with faculty who are experienced reading practitioners with work experience in school settings and fellow classmates who are classroom teachers at all grade levels.

If you are seeking an initial license as a specialist teacher of reading but not a master's degree, please visit our Licensure Only in Reading page.

Accreditation

Our program is rigorous and exceeds professional standards. We have earned accreditation at national and state levels and been recognized by the International Reading Association.

Licensure

Our program meets the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's regulations for initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading. 

Resources

You will have educational and professional development resources to help you achieve your own career goals.  Participate in special projects and take advantage of resources such as the Center for Education and Community, which hosts conferences and professional development opportunities for teachers and graduate students. 

Tools & Resources

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