Reading and Literacy Programs

Our Reading and Literacy Programs prepare you to work across grade levels, providing a greater range of teaching opportunities. These programs are for educators who seek to deepen their literacy teaching methods, become reading specialists or literacy coaches who develop literacy curriculum that applies culturally responsive pedagogies.

Using multicultural literature as a foundation for teaching literacy, coursework integrates peer-reviewed reading research with practices that are informed by evidence-based teaching methods for early childhood through high school. Students critically examine foundational topics about oral language development, phonemic awareness, decoding and phonics, reading comprehension, writing, and assessments designed to guide differentiated instruction for a range of children including neurodiverse and multilingual learners.

Students study the larger socio-cultural contexts of literacy education that includes an historical review including the most recent iteration of reading methods, known as the Science of Reading. Students critically analyze the literacy programs currently used in schools to integrate culturally responsive methods to center children’s learning.

Supervised fieldwork at partner schools in New York City coordinates with coursework throughout the program, enabling students to make deep connections between theory and practice.

Two Program Options to Fit Your Needs

We have two options for candidates with different kinds of experience:

• Reading and Literacy: Inclusive Teaching leads to New York State professional certification in Literacy–All Grades (Pre-K-12)—that can open up opportunities to work as a reading intervention teacher, a school-based leader in literacy, and a classroom teacher with increased expertise in literacy. Admission requires certification in Early Childhood, Childhood, or Special Education.
• Reading and Literacy: Non-Certification doesn’t require certification for admission. This option is for teachers in independent schools, career changers, and those working in supplemental educational settings that don’t require state certification.

In addition to in-person classes, a portion of our courses meet online for flexibility. The coursework for the two program options is identical. Both lead to a Master of Science in Education and students can complete the 33-credit program while they continue teaching in their current positions.

Highlights

• Small class size and faculty/student ratio, which provide opportunities for collaboration, in-depth learning, and individualized coaching
• Rolling admissions and the flexibility of starting in fall or spring
• Scholarships and financial aid available
• A program plan that you can complete in 18 months while you continue teaching in your current position
• Additional certification that may increase your salary

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

• Teach in classrooms with increased depth in literacy across grade levels
• Teach as a reading and literacy specialist in schools, supplemental programs, and in private practice
• Work as a literacy coach to deepen literacy practice for other teachers
• Earn a higher salary with an additional certification

Graduates who choose to teach outside of New York State can usually arrange for reciprocity for teaching certification in their new location.