Reading M.Ed.

36 credits

Program Purpose

The Reading Department of East Stroudsburg University offers an online graduate program of study leading to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading, which qualifies students for the Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certificate. This certificate enables a teacher to provide reading instruction in kindergarten through grade 12. Out-of-state graduates will need to check with their state’s Department of Education to see if this program will fulfill the requirements for similar certificates/endorsements.

The mission of the Master of Education in Reading is to create a diverse community of educators dedicated to continuously advancing the teaching of reading, emerging literacies, and research in an ever-changing global society. Essential components, which are embedded in the Mission, include knowledge of the foundational components of reading, varied research and creative opportunities, integration of traditional and emerging technologies, challenging and contemporary curricula, and culturally responsive teaching, leadership, and service.

National Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Education in Reading, graduates will be able to:

• Base their teaching on the major theories of reading and their relationship to various models of literacy instruction.
• Use formative and summative assessment to diagnose and provide effective instruction for struggling readers.
• Plan and implement instruction based on best practices supported by current research, focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
• Develop a personal philosophy of literacy development and instruction.
• Teach reading to K-12 students.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals in planning programs to meet the needs of diverse populations of learners.
• Put literacy theory into practice in a variety of educational contexts.
• Integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing across the curriculum.
• Differentiate instruction based on students’ needs.
• Use multiple, appropriate procedures to assess and evaluate students’ effort, progress, and achievement in literacy.
• Investigate and implement research on current practices in literacy instruction.
• Use technology and new digital literacies as natural components of teaching and learning.
• Provide leadership in student advocacy.
• Communicate and work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and community personnel in a literacy program.

Please note: Beginning in September 2013, in compliance with a directive from Pennsylvania Department of Education, all candidates are required to complete (or submit official transcripts to document that they have completed) the "9+3" Chapter 49 requirements. This means that candidates will need to complete 9 credits that address specific Special Education competencies and 3 credits that address English Language Learner competencies.

Please note-The Reading Department's "9+3" courses are:

REED 520 Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities

SPED 550 Nature and Needs of Diverse Learners

SPED 551 Inclusionary Practices

REED 521 Reading and Language Development for Diverse Learners.

Please discuss your "9+3" status with your graduate adviser at the start of your program.

Plan of Study

Required Courses:

Additional courses for students who have met SPED competencies

9 credits of electives from the following, or other elective(s) approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Additional courses for students who do not have the required SPED competencies

Final Program Requirement:

Electronic Portfolio and Research Paper

Graduate students in the master’s degree program, which includes Reading Specialist Certification, must complete the requirements established by the faculty that meet the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certificate and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  This information is documented in an electronic portfolio that is completed throughout the program.  All students also complete an action research project, focusing on a literacy topic of importance in their own teaching.

Typical time to finish

As a full-time student, a candidate for the Master of Education can usually complete the program in one calendar year. Part-time students must complete the program within six-years. The program's classes are offered synchronously and asynchronously to accommodate graduate students' busy schedules.