Literacy Education Program-Literacy Specialist (birth-grade 6)

Department of Language, Literacy, and Technology
Literacy Education Programs

• Literacy Specialist (birth-grade 6) 
• Literacy Specialist (grades 5-12) 

Nazareth’s graduate Literacy Education Programs (Birth-Grade 6 and Grades 5-12) prepare teachers to meet the literacy needs of all students by completing the requirements for a Master’s degree as well as additional certification as a literacy specialist. Candidates gain knowledge and develop instructional strategies so they can successfully influence students’ learning by what they know and what they can do.

Based on the standards of the International Reading Association and the New York State Education Department, the programs’ courses, fieldwork, and practica prepare graduate students to determine the literacy strengths and needs of struggling learners efficiently and effectively. The faculty provides guidance and support as its students learn to overcome the challenge of meeting these needs by integrating and applying their knowledge of theories, current research, and exemplary teaching practices. The candidates grow to be reflective practitioners who can provide differentiated learning opportunities for students in urban, suburban, and rural schools, whether they teach in a classroom or support programs. Reflecting upon the expertise they developed in the Literacy Specialist program, graduates expect all students whom they teach can and will learn as well as engage in the English Language Arts for academic, vocational, and avocational pursuits throughout their lives.

Courses should be taken in blocks of three or six credit hours (part-time) or nine credit hours (full-time). Selected courses must be taken sequentially. Variance from these course loads may slow a student’s progress inasmuch as not all courses will be offered each semester. Please refer to the course description section for specific prerequisite and co-requisite requirements for courses. 

With the permission of the program director, students may opt to work for a second literacy specialists certification.

Program Director
Naomi Erdmann, Ed.D.
 
Entry Requirements  

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a B average in the major field. An applicant who does not meet these expectations must address them in his/her personal statement. Please see the Personal Statement section of the admissions application form for further information.
2. Official transcripts.
3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant as a student and/or a teacher.
4. Copy of teacher certification.
5. Application and fee.
6. Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.
7. Resume.

Certification required for admission:

• Literacy Specialist (birth-grade 6) requires Early Childhood Education or Childhood Education certification.
• Literacy Specialist (grades 5-12) requires Childhood Education or Adolescence certification.
• A candidate holding a K-12 (or birth-12) certification may choose either age level Literacy Specialist program. Please note, however, that additional coursework may be required. This will be determined through individual advisement.

Program leads to: Additional certification as a Literacy Specialist (birth-grade 6) or  Literacy Specialist (grades 5-12)
AND
Eligibility to apply for Professional certifications held at the time of entrance to the graduate program.

Teacher candidates use the NYS TEACH system to apply for Initial and Professional certification(s) and need to pay the fees in effect at the time they apply. They must pass the appropriate content area exams (CST) <www.nystce.nesinc.com> and have the appropriate years of teaching experience. New York State Education Department maintains a website with certification requirements: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

During a teacher candidate’s final semester, information on the application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting the Nazareth College Teacher Certification Office at (585)389-2592 or 2591 or e-mail gpotemp2@naz.edu or chill0@naz.edu, www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm.

Application Deadlines:
March 1 for Summer Term
April 1 for Fall Term
October 1 for Spring Term
Applications received after the stated deadline will be processed on a space-available basis.