Literacy Education Specialist

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) prepares teachers to meet the literacy needs of all students by completing the requirements for a Master’s degree and 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 program’s courses and practica prepare graduate students to determine the literacy strengths and needs of struggling learners efficiently and effectively. The faculty guides and supports their students as they 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 interventions, as well as support programs. Recognizing their expertise developed in the Literacy Specialist program, graduates expect all students they teach can and will learn and engage in the English Language Arts for academic, vocational, and avocational pursuits throughout their lives.

Course Blocks

Courses should be taken in “blocks” of six credit hours (part-time) or twelve credit hours (full-time). Students must complete each block before they take courses from the next block. Courses will be scheduled to allow students to move though the program at either a part-time rate (6 credit hours per semester) or full-time rate (12 credit hours per semester). Variance from these course loads and the designated blocks of coursework may slow a student’s progress in future semesters in as much as not all courses will be offered each semester. Advisement is required for any deviation from these blocks. Please refer to the course description section for specific prerequisite and co-requisite requirements for courses.

Program Director
Naomi Erdmann, Ed.D.

Entry Requirements

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.
Presentation of official transcripts.
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant as a student and/or a teacher.
Copy of teacher certification.
Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.
Application and fee.

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
Professional certification in the area(s) of certification held at the time of entrance to the graduate program