The Reading Department of East Stroudsburg University offers an online graduate program of study leading to 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 Reading Specialist Certificate Program 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.
The Reading Specialist consists of 27 credit hours of required course work. Candidates for Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certification also complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Chapter 49 requirements, which includes nine credits of Special Education, or a total of 36 certification credits. The nine credits of Special Education include: REED 520 Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities, SPED 550 Nature and Needs of Exceptional Individuals, SPED 551 Inclusionary Practices. Please note that Chapter 49 also requires three credits of teaching English learners, which is fulfilled when candidates take REED 521- Reading and Language Development for Diverse Learners.
Admissions Requirements
For admission into the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading, candidates must meet Graduate College admission requirements and deadlines. Additionally, admission into the Reading Specialist Certification program requires an Instructional I Pennsylvania teaching certificate and a GPA of 3.0. The Department of Reading allows students to begin their program in any semester.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available through the department. These are awarded based upon merit and achievement to full-time students in the graduate program.
Graduate assistants do not teach classes, but they assist with research and complete projects assigned by professors. Responsibilities of the graduate assistant may include conducting research, assisting with preparing class materials, and proofreading.
Graduate assistantships are awarded for the first year of full-time study, with the possibility of extension through the first summer. Prospective students should apply for a graduate assistantship at the time of original application to the program, using the application form provided by the Graduate School or online.