Master of Education in Reading

These fully online programs provide opportunities for participants to gain deep knowledge of literacy development PreK-12 and the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to implement evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining practices aligned with literacy research.  

Participants will learn to navigate the tensions in the field of literacy to ensure effective and inclusive instruction for all students. Professional development design, collaboration, and coaching are also emphasized to prepare participants to become literacy leaders and advocates at the local and state levels.

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

Program Features 

  • Online Modality: Courses are offered fully online in the evening and are designed to meet the needs of our professional students. 

  • Flexible pacing and field options: This program can be completed in approximately 2 years (i.e., five semesters) full-time or 3 to 6 years part-time. Most, if not all, of the field requirements, including the practicum, can be completed in the participant's classroom, school, and/or community-based settings.

  • Collaboration: Collaborate with faculty who are expert reading practitioners and fellow classmates who teach in various roles (e.g., general, special, bilingual classrooms) and specialist positions (e.g., coaches and interventionists). 

  • Culturally and linguistically sustaining practices: Our reading candidates are trained to create equitable and inclusive learning environments. They learn how to design and implement culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, respond to the needs of all students, and increase equitable access to high-quality educational experiences for all students. Our dedicated faculty is committed to promoting social justice, anti-bias education, and equitable access to learning for all students. 

  • TEACH grant eligible: students enrolled in the master of reading programs may be eligible for federal TEACH grant support in addition to financial aid.  

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants and scholarships.

Pathways to a Career as a Specialist Teacher of Reading

MEd, Reading, Specialist Teacher of Reading License

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 

MEd, Reading, Curriculum and Instruction

The master of education in reading, curriculum and instruction program is designed for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in reading. Its goal is to prepare students to become skilled literacy practitioners, tutors, coaches, and/or leaders. 

Program Objective

The reading coursework provides opportunities for participants to gain deep knowledge of literacy development in grades PreK-12 and the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to implement evidence-based, inclusive, culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. Participants will learn to navigate the tensions in the field to provide effective instruction for all students. Professional development design, collaboration, and coaching are also emphasized to prepare participants to become literacy leaders in various settings. 

Curriculum 

Our robust 33-credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Two courses of interest are selected in lieu of the practicum and seminar required for the licensure programs. 

Sample Courses

  • EDU 814 - Disciplinary Literacy in the Content Areas 

  • EDU 999C - Teaching Students to Write (Pre K-12) 

  • EDU 745A - Supporting Language and Literacy Learning for Multilinguals 

  • EDU 845 - Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching 

Explore other Reading Education Program Options

Salem State offers three unique pathways to prepare you for the next steps in your career: 

  • MEd, reading, specialist teacher of reading license: for those with an initial classroom teaching license seeking a master’s degree, including a specialist teacher of reading license. 

  • MEd, reading, curriculum and instruction: for those seeking a master’s degree but not a specialist of reading license.

  • Licensure only, specialist teacher of reading: for those with an initial classroom teaching license and master’s degree and are seeking a specialist teacher of reading license only.

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