Reading Specialist (Second Initial License)
The Reading Specialist licensing program at Elms College is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to equip educators with specialized knowledge and skills in the field of reading instruction. The program is specifically tailored for individuals with an initial license and one year of teaching experience, who aspire to become experts in promoting literacy development and providing targeted support to students with reading difficulties.
The licensing program follows the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) which consists of a combination of coursework, field experiences, and a licensure exam, The Reading Specialist MTEL.
The coursework in our Reading Specialist program covers a wide range of topics related to literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention. Students delve into theories of reading and writing development, explore different instructional strategies and approaches, and study the latest research in the field. They also learn how to assess students’ reading abilities, analyze data, and design effective interventions to support struggling readers.
Field experiences are an integral part of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic instructional settings. During their Practicum experience, and under the guidance of experienced mentors, aspiring Reading Specialists have the opportunity to observe and assist in literacy instruction, collaborate with teachers and other professionals, and provide direct support to students with diverse reading needs.
Upon completing the required coursework and field experiences, candidates for Reading Specialist licensure must pass the requisite Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure exam. This exam evaluates their knowledge of reading instruction, assessment, and literacy intervention strategies. Successful completion of the exam, along with fulfilling other DESE requirements, leads to the awarding of the Reading Specialist license in Massachusetts.
A Reading Specialist license in Massachusetts enables educators to work in a variety of educational settings. They may serve as literacy coaches, interventionists, or resource teachers, working closely with classroom teachers to support students’ reading development. Reading Specialists often collaborate with other professionals, such as special educators and speech-language pathologists, to create comprehensive literacy programs and provide individualized instruction for students with reading challenges.
The Reading Specialist licensing program in Massachusetts is highly regarded for its emphasis on evidence-based structured literacy approaches, its alignment with state standards, and its commitment to fostering literacy excellence. Graduates of the program are well equipped to make a significant impact on students’ reading abilities, helping them become proficient readers and confident learners.
Mary Kate Sullivan ’20
“My favorite part of teaching is watching my students experience that ‘light bulb moment’ when reading. Having a solid foundation in literacy is so important for them.”
As a first grade teacher in Springfield, MA, Mary Kate chose the reading specialist track because she loves helping students become lifelong readers.
Requirements
Click to collapse the course requirements for the MAT/Reading Specialist Program.
Reading Specialist (all levels) Requirements. Prerequisites: Child & Adolescent Development and at least one survey course in reading.
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 7200 | Struggling Readers – Primary – PreK-2 (Assessment & Instruction) | 3 |
| EDU 7201 | Struggling Readers – Elementary – 3-6 (Assessment & Instruction) | 3 |
| EDU 6101 | Writing Workshop | 3 |
| EDU 7006 | Reading Specialist Elementary Initial Practicum & Seminar | 3 |
| To complete the second reading specialist practicum at the middle/secondary level: | ||
| EDU 6102 | Issues of Diversity and Multiculturalism in Children’s Literature | 3 |
| EDU 6104 | Literacy Across the Disciplines | 3 |
| EDU 6107 | Administration of Literacy Programs | 3 |
| EDU 7103 | Reading Specialist Middle School/Secondary Initial Practicum and Seminar | 3 |
| EDU 7108 | Research on Learning and Literacy | 3 |
| Pass Reading Specialist MTEL | ||
| EDU 7202 | Struggling Readers – Middle/Secondary – 7-12 (Assess. & Instruction) | 3 |
| EDU 7901 | Educating English Language Learners | 3 |
We also offer a CAGS in the Reading Specialist license
CAGS Requirements
Click to collapse the course requirements for the CAGS/Reading Specialist License.
PREREQUISITES
– Child & Adolescent Development
– At least one survey course in reading
CAGS/Reading Specialist License
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one: SOC 5800 Racial & Cultural Groups or EDU 6502 Issues in ESL/Bilingualism | 3 | |
| EDU 5106 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDU 7200 | Struggling Readers – Primary (PreK-2) | 3 |
| EDU 7201 | Struggling Readers – Elementary (3-6) | 3 |
| EDU 6101 | Writing Workshop | 3 |
| EDU 7006 | Reading Specialist Elementary Initial Practicum & Seminar (first practicum) | 3 |
| EDU 7202 | Struggling Readers – Middle/Secondary (7-12) | 3 |
| EDU 6104 | Literacy Across the Disciplines | 3 |
| EDU 6102 | Issues of Diversity & Multiculturalism in Children’s Literature | 3 |
| EDU 6107 | Administration of Literacy Programs | 3 |
| EDU 7901 | Educating English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 7108 | Research in Learning & Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 7103 | Reading Specialist Middle School/Secondary Initial Practicum & Seminar (second practicum) | 3 |
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the Advanced Graduate Study Certificate.
C.A.G.S. Requirements
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one: SOC 5800 Racial & Cultural Groups (formerly SOC 580) or EDU 6502 Issues in ESL (formerly EDU 652) | 3 | |
| EDU 5106 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDU 6100 | Research and Professional Practice | 3 |
| Choose any seven electives (21 Credits) |
Click to view course requirements for the CAGS/Reading Specialist License.
PREREQUISITES
– Child & Adolescent Development
– At least one survey course in reading
CAGS/Reading Specialist License
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one: SOC 5800 Racial & Cultural Groups or EDU 6502 Issues in ESL/Bilingualism | 3 | |
| EDU 5106 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDU 7200 | Struggling Readers – Primary (PreK-2) | 3 |
| EDU 7201 | Struggling Readers – Elementary (3-6) | 3 |
| EDU 6101 | Writing Workshop | 3 |
| EDU 7006 | Reading Specialist Elementary Initial Practicum & Seminar (first practicum) | 3 |
| EDU 7202 | Struggling Readers – Middle/Secondary (7-12) | 3 |
| EDU 6104 | Literacy Across the Disciplines | 3 |
| EDU 6102 | Issues of Diversity & Multiculturalism in Children’s Literature | 3 |
| EDU 6107 | Administration of Literacy Programs | 3 |
| EDU 7901 | Educating English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 7108 | Research in Learning & Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 7103 | Reading Specialist Middle School/Secondary Initial Practicum & Seminar (second practicum) | 3 |