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Teaching Reading and Literacy: Clinical Practice (Non-Certification)

MSEd

  • Program Overview

    If you want to be a literacy specialist and do not need certification, the Reading and Literacy: Clinical Practice (Non-Certification) program is the choice for you.

    This master’s degree prepares you to teach as a literacy specialist in an independent school, clinic, private practice, or other settings that don’t require NY state certification.

    The Reading and Literacy programs are designed to prepare you to understand that literacy is a set of dynamic, interrelated, and sociocultural processes that include speaking, listening, reading, writing, and viewing. Using the core understanding that children’s literacy learning is shaped by the values, beliefs, and experiences acquired at home, school, and in their communities, you will learn to design curriculum and instruction that is responsive to the children you teach.

    This program culminates in a Master of Science in Education and requires 42-45 credits.

    Graduate student and child reading a book in the library

  • Admissions Requirements

    Please refer to our admissions criteria.

  • Coursework

    View the coursework for this program.

  • Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement

    Supervised fieldwork/advisement lies at the heart of a Bank Street education. Through sustained experiences in the field, supervision from core faculty, and close collaboration with peers, our graduate students develop the ability to connect theory to practice and to reflect deeply on their own growth as educators. In this program:

    • You can work as a part-time or full-time teacher in a classroom (grades 1-6) with an additional summer clinical placement [45 credit option] OR as a part-time or full-time reading specialist OR as a student teacher in two consecutive placements in classroom and/or clinical settings three days per week [42 credit option].
    • You learn from an experienced educator—your advisor—who individualizes your fieldwork throughout the school year.
    • You participate in a weekly conference group with your advisor and 5-7 other students when you collaboratively deepen your learning about teaching and learning.

  • Career Opportunities

    Your degree will provide you with a range of career opportunities:

    • You can teach in an independent school as a teacher or reading specialist.
    • You can teach as a reading specialist in clinics, after school and summer programs, and in private practice.

    Student reading

  • Faculty

The emphasis on the development of reading, writing, and language, as well as learning styles, helps me analyze the theoretical underpinnings of every reading program I encounter [in my current role as a Reading Specialist]. This understanding allows me to match programs and teaching methods to my young readers.
Ellie Costa, GSE ’10, Reading Specialist at the Bank Street School for Children
Graduate student and child reading a book

Meet Our Alumni

  • Xiania Foster, an alumnus of Reading & Literacy, is a literacy staff developer for the organization, Teaching Matters. This article features her work with teachers to help them improve reading instruction. Read more >>
  • Clio Stearn, an alumnus of Reading & Literacy, has published a critical analysis of current approaches to socio-emotional learning in American schools. Read more >>

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