Depending on your goals, you may also be looking for a program with other benefits like endorsements or supplemental licensure. The requirements for these may vary by state, so make sure to review the requirements in your area if this is something you’re looking for in a masters program.
Another thing you might want to consider is the needs of the students at your school. For example, a teacher in a school with a higher incidence of English Language Learners might have different priorities in earning their masters degree in reading and literacy than somebody working in special education, or looking for strategies to appeal to a diverse classroom of primary English speakers.
Choosing a masters program whose courses focus on the needs of your school could be a great way to make the most of your educational opportunity.
What is a Masters in Literacy?
A masters in literacy program may focus on developing strategies to increase student literacy. This could be at the classroom level, developing lesson plans in a language arts classroom, or at the administrative level and higher. In other words, these programs may help prepare you to make important decisions regarding student literacy and how to improve it.
You could apply your masters degree in literacy in the classroom, coaching individual students. Or you might pursue non-classroom roles. For example, with a masters degree in literacy education, you might choose to educate teachers about literacy, work in curriculum development, or even develop and implement educational policy, depending on your unique experience and goals.
What is a Masters in Reading?
Reading specialist masters programs may aim to help you teach students to read and write effectively, both individually and at the group or classroom level. With your degree, you might seek to help students learn to read for the first time, improve reading comprehension in more experienced readers, teach grammar, or hone student writing and communication skills. A masters in reading education could potentially supplement your classroom strategies in an English or Language Arts classroom, or even help you to pursue a career as a reading specialist. Programs may also be tailored to specific needs. For example, you could prioritize programs focused on teaching reading and writing to early childhood and elementary school classrooms, special education, or helping middle and high school students.
Reading and Literacy Masters Programs : Potential Formats
Reading and literacy masters programs may be offered in several formats, delivering the education you’re looking for in a way that works for you. You may choose to attend a program grounded in your own community on a physical campus, or take advantage of technology to expand your pool of potential schools outside your area.
The three basic program formats in reading and literacy degrees you might find include:
- Reading and Literacy Masters Graduate Schools –Earn your masters in reading and literacy education in your own community, or in another location convenient for you. You could learn from faculty with experience teaching and working in local schools, potentially giving them unique insight into the needs of your students. You could also utilize supportive facilities and services like tutoring, academic and career counseling, social opportunities, libraries, technology services, and more.
- Online Reading & Literacy Masters Programs – Earning your masters in reading and literacy online could provide the flexibility you need to balance your career and education. You could continue to be there for your students every day, while still earning your masters degree from your own computer, when and where is convenient for you. Many online programs may also offer some similar benefits and services to those you’d find in campus programs, accessible from anywhere.
- Hybrid Reading & Literacy Masters Programs – Also known as low residency, blended, or partially-online reading and literacy masters programs, hybrid programs combine the qualities of online learning with the advantages associated with a physical campus. Get the best of both worlds, utilizing the resources of a graduate school and the flexibility you need to succeed.
Start Your Search for Reading and Literacy Masters Programs Today!
Find your potential reading and literacy masters programs now by browsing the sponsored listings! If you’d like to narrow down your options, use the menu to select your preferred program format or location. Then you can read more about those programs, or reach out to schools you may be interested in! Don’t wait any longer to earn your reading and literacy masters degree!