Reading & Literacy Education Degree Programs
An education degree with a specific focus in reading and literacy can be pursued at both an undergraduate and graduate level. Those who are not already licensed teachers will likely follow the degree with official state licensure. The purpose of the degree is to provide teachers with best practices in reading and writing instruction. Literacy is obviously one of the most important foundations of a great education, which is why this particular discipline of teaching is so significant.
The courses required in a reading and literacy education degree program are varied. The program is designed to provide a broad-based knowledge of reading and writing methods. Classes will also include the sociological impact of literacy throughout different communities. At-risk students and ESL speakers are in need of specialized care where literacy is concerned. For that reason, the degree program might include specific classes devoted to those special needs students. Graduate level degrees in reading and literacy may be tailored to a specific cultural group or type of student.
Those who wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus in reading and literacy will need to first earn a high school diploma or GED. A master’s degree or doctoral degree program in the same discipline will have more requirements for admittance. Usually, both a bachelor’s degree and academic references are necessary for acceptance into a graduate degree program. Other requirements include soft skills, such as a love of teaching and a keen ability of conveying messages in a manner. Those who wish to work with ESL students may want to become bilingual or even multilingual.
There is a high demand for quality, licensed teachers in the United States. Those with a specialized background in reading and literacy will find even more desirable opportunities. This advanced focus, which involves a level of social work, will be useful for a variety of positions. Many teachers who complete the program go on to instruct students with special literacy needs, such as at-risk children in inner cities or ESL speakers who are new to the country. From elementary schools to universities, there are many learning institutions in need of a teacher with a reading and literacy education degree.
