Master of Arts as a Literacy Specialist and Coach
Improving Literacy Through LeadershipThe Master of Arts as a Literacy Specialist and Coach program is tailored for educators passionate about literacy. It offers a deep dive into how children learn, access, and apply the latest research. You will be equipped with the expertise to become a leader in literacy—whether as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, interventionist, or literacy coach. Through engaging 8-week synchronous courses, you'll explore the science of reading from a leadership perspective, gaining advanced knowledge and practical skills to drive meaningful change in literacy education.
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About the MA as a Literacy Specialist and Coach
This program is designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of the science of reading beyond the foundational level. Each credential builds on current literacy research and explores child development in relation to effective literacy instruction. Educators will develop leadership skills to critically assess and refine their understanding and application of the science of reading. The program is flexible and customizable to meet the unique needs of individual classrooms or schools. Participants can earn credentials in any order and design research projects tailored to their specific goals. Courses will be offered in varied formats depending on the participants (Online synchronous, hybrid, or on location in a school district).
Advantages
- Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching: Literacy Specialist & Coach
- Attain stackable credentials that lead to a master’s degree
- Specialize in specific areas of literacy teaching and learning
- Complete each credential in just one semester
- Be prepared to pass:
- Indiana’s Teaching Reading Exam (K-12 license - 5206) to earn a Reading Teacher K-12 License
- International Dyslexia Association KPEERI Certification Exam
- Engage in synchronous 8-week courses
Program Length & Format
- Students may earn up to four credentials in crucial literacy topics, each completed through two 8-week courses (3 credit hours per course, totaling 24 credit hours):
- Literacy Intervention Specialist and Coaching
- Advanced Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Fluency
- Advanced Vocabulary and Comprehension
- Advanced Writing
- Participants have the flexibility to earn one, two, three, or all four of the stackable credentials.
- To achieve the Master’s Degree, students must complete two action research capstone courses, each lasting 8 weeks (3 credit hours per course, totaling six credit hours).
Program Overview:
- Total Credit Hours:30
- Completion Timeline:Each credential can be earned in one semester, with the full master's program requiring 5-6 semesters.
Curriculum
This Master of Arts program consists of 30 stackable credential hours in total.
When Can I Start?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. While the courses may be taken in any order, the foundational course in Professional Learning and Leadership in Literacy must be completed prior to enrolling in other credential courses.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the program, you must:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree
- Hold a current teaching license
- Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience
- Attain an approved Science of Reading certification