The master of education in reading, specialist teacher of reading license 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.
Licensure*
Graduates of this program may be endorsed by Salem State for state licensure as a teacher of reading. The program meets the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for initial licensure as a specialist teacher of reading.
Program completers must submit the following information to DESE, as they are state-level requirements, to be eligible for a specialist teacher of reading license.
-
Evidence of completion of an accredited reading program such as Salem State University
-
A pre-practicum (75 hours of field-based assignments) and a supervised practicum (150 hours). Verification of at least one year of teaching experience in the role and grade level of their initial license upon completion of the program.
-
Evidence of a passing score on the Specialist Teacher of Reading MTEL
*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact DESE e for specific, current licensure requirements at the time of application. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Curriculum
Courses in the program will help students understand literacy acquisition, diagnostically assess literacy difficulties, implement evidence-based instruction and intervention, and become literacy leaders in various settings. A 150-hour supervised practicum is required for those pursuing a specialist teacher of reading license.
Sample Courses
-
EDS 739 - Multi-Tiered Intervention for Students with Literacy Difficulties
-
EDU 742A - Literacy Development and Processes
-
EDU 817C - Literacy Assessment and Intervention Strategies
-
EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching