Education: Literacy Education Concentration, M.Ed.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program with a concentration in Literacy Education is intended for experienced classroom teachers who want to prepare to become reading intervention teachers or reading specialists.

Admission Criteria

All criteria are considered when reviewing applications for the M.Ed. degree program with a concentration in Literacy Education. These include:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
• Valid teaching license
• Professional resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Personal statement on “Why do you want to earn an M.Ed. in literacy?”
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to your teaching performance and/or leadership potential
• GRE is optional/not required
• Applicants may be asked to complete an interview
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred but not required

Program Mission and Outcomes

The purpose of the graduate program in literacy education is to prepare educators who can function as classroom reading teachers and in specialist roles in the public schools. Goals for candidates completing the reading program include developing expertise in reading instruction for all students, with a special emphasis on struggling readers; becoming experts at assessment, including literacy assessments of individual students and assessments of the literacy program; and becoming leaders in professional development and in collaborations involving literacy instruction with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, families and communities. Candidates are required to take the Praxis Series Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) Reading Specialist Exam in order to be eligible for graduation.

In preparation for these professional roles, candidates in the reading program will develop:

• Knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
• An understanding of a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
• Knowledge of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluative effective reading instruction.
• Knowledge of how to create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing.
• A view of professional development as a career-long effort.