Reading Specialist P-12

Online Certificate Program

ETSU Online

An Educational Experience

Reading Specialists help children and adults unlock the power of language, comprehension, and critical thinking. The specialist role may extend beyond the classroom. Opportunities to collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators contribute to literacy across the school community. Play a pivotal role in fostering a love of reading and empowering students to succeed.

This graduate certificate is designed to provide educational experiences for those who are either preparing to or are already involved in working toward enhancing the reading, writing, and oral language competencies of children and adults. Students enrolled in this program are prepared for reading education leadership roles and improving classroom literacy instruction. 

Career opportunities could include, but are not limited to: 

  • Earn PreK-12 Reading Specialist endorsement teaching licensure
  • Program Coordinators
  • Literary Coaches
  • Reading supervisors
  • District Office Support
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Literacy/Reading Specialist

What You Will Learn

Becoming a reading specialist isn't just about teaching reading; it's about igniting an interest lifelong learning and opening doors to new opportunities. Learn to guide students on their journey to becoming confident, proficient readers. Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

Required Courses: 18 credits

  • READ 5110 - History of Reading Research, Policy, & Legislation 
  • READ 5120 - Advanced Teaching of Reading and Writing 
  • READ 5231 - Advanced Assessment Procedures in Literacy Education 
  • READ 5241 - Practicum in Literacy Teaching & Leading 
  • READ 5871 - Advanced Practicum in Literacy Education  
  • READ 5950 - Action Research in Literacy Education 

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialists in schools.
  • Use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet the needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners.

This is not an initial teaching licensure program. Students seeking initial licensure within the State of Tennessee should enter an initial licensure degree program. 

Professional Licensure Information: ETSU offers programs that meet Tennessee’s professional licensure or certification requirements; however, these may not meet the requirements in other states or territories. Students who plan to work outside of Tennessee should review ETSU's professional licensure information for details on whether this program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in your state.

 

Students who complete this certificate may transfer all certificate credits into the master's degree with approval of the Graduate School, subject to meeting GPA requirements and must be within six-year matriculation limits.

Take Me to the M.Ed. Reading Program

 

Educate

Prepare for leadership roles in reading education by serving as literary coaches, reading specialists, and more.

Read

Study the foundations of understanding reading and learn evidence-based methods for teaching literacy.

Advocate

Develop skills to enhancing the reading, writing, and oral language competencies of children and adults.

 “This program helped me advance my career. I spent several years in the classroom but was ready for a change. The certificate helped me move into a reading specialist position at my school, and I’m loving working with my colleagues to improve literacy outcomes at our school.”  - Reading Specialist Certificate Student




Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Certificate," term, then choose  Reading Specialist P-12 and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

Take me to the application portal.

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 18 credit hours

TN Residents *eRate Out of State
$672 per credit hour $835.50 per credit hour $1,513 per credit hour
- The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses.
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options.
- The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. 

 

Learn More

  • Why should a student pursue this certificate at ETSU? 

    This certificate is unique in that it provides a comprehensive overview of literacy for future reading coaches and reading specialists, but also for classroom teachers who aspire to become better at teaching reading. The certificate is based on the most current research in the field and offers students practical, real-life assignments that are engaging and thought-provoking. 


  • What are students saying about this certificate?

    Student Testimonials

    “The best part about this certificate is its connection to real classroom practices and cutting-edge evidence-based approaches to teaching reading and writing.” 
    “I love the fact that this certificate is comprehensive and that it covers all of the areas important to being a reading specialist. The courses cover both historical perspectives and what is going on right now in the field. The program as a whole really accommodates working teachers and supports their learning through building a welcoming community of learners.”
    “This program helped me advance my career. I spent several years in the classroom but was ready for a change. The certificate helped me move into a reading specialist position at my school, and I’m loving working with my colleagues to improve literacy outcomes at our school.”

  • What accreditations apply to this certificate program?

    This certificate is Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited.





  • Is a master’s degree required for admission? Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field?

    No master's degree is required. Students do not have to have an undergraduate degree related to this field.

  • What are the prerequisites for this program?

    If students want to pursue an additional endorsement in PreK-12 Reading Specialist (Tennessee), then students must have an initial Tennessee teaching license.


  • Does this certificate require the GRE?

    No GRE is required for admission.

  • Are the courses for this certificate asynchronous or synchronous?

    All classes are asynchronous.

  • Are there any on-campus requirements, meetings, orientations, etc.?

    There are no on-campus requirements.

  • Does this certificate require fieldwork?

    Yes, the department can help coordinate placement.

  • What is the time to completion?

    Full-time: 2 semesters. 

    Part-time: 3 semesters.

  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?

    Spring: 20

    Summer:20

    Fall: 20

  • Are scholarships available?

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

    Students may inquire about Tuition Scholar positions. For Tuition Scholars (TS), tuition is covered except for books and fees. TS works 8 hours a week for a professor (some remote positions available). There are a limited number of TS positions, students can check with the department for more information.