Reading
Specialized Knowledge
Become an educator with specialized knowledge and skills to support students' literacy development. This program focuses on evidence-based instructional strategies through a curriculum designed to equip educators to foster a love for reading and enhance literacy outcomes for all students.
The online Reading, M.Ed. program is designed to provide the necessary educational experiences for those wanting to work toward enhancing the reading, writing, and oral language competencies of children and adults. This graduate program meets standards of excellence for reading programs of the International Reading Association.
Professional Impact
Most students who participate in the Reading, M.Ed., program are practicing licensed teachers, and those aspiring to specialist licensure must have at least three (3) years of successful classroom experience. Students working toward qualification as licensed reading specialists in Tennessee will be advised to take a specific set of courses that fulfills both the ETSU requirements for the Reading, M.Ed., degree and the requirements outlined by the Tennessee Standards for Licensure as Reading Specialist, PreK-12.
Both the faculty and candidates work extensively in area schools to provide active practicum experiences. This degree is not an initial licensure program. Those seeking an initial endorsement to teach in Tennessee should enter one of the initial licensure programs.
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Career Outlook and Income Trends
Tennessee announced a literacy initiative to meet the needs of students who have lost ground as a result of COVID-19, and this degree aligns with the initiative. Additionally, ESL and Special Education are listed as Teacher Shortage areas for the state of Tennessee. When candidates earn these certifications along with the Reading Specialist endorsement, the job prospects are very strong.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
I applied for this program because I am passionate about effective literacy instruction in the Appalachian area, but I also was really intrigued by the fact that the program was 100% online, which is so convenient for varying schedules. The most valuable takeaway from this program is the feeling of knowing that I am more prepared to reach all populations of students and that I am more equipped to be the teacher that these students need."
- Shelby Belcher, Online M.Ed. Reading Student
Preparing Education Leaders
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose Reading and complete the remainder of the form.
Cost
Credits to complete this program: 33-36 credit hours
| TN Residents | eRate (Out of State, 100% online) | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| $646 per credit hour | $805.50 per credit hour | $1,487 per credit hour |
| - 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. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU?
The program offers individuals the opportunity to graduate with an M.Ed. in Reading and may lead to licensure as a TN Reading Specialist AND PreK-12 ESL Endorsement or K-5 Special Education Interventionist and 6-12 Special Education Interventionist.
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What accreditations apply to this program?
Clemmer College programs are currently accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATEE), which has transitioned to the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEPP). ETSU will be seeking program accreditation through the CAEPP in the next assessment cycle.
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Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?
Anyone entering the M.Ed. in Reading and seeking the Reading Specialist Endorsement along with the PreK-12 ESL Endorsement or Special Education Interventionist for grades K-5 and 6-12 must have an initial teaching license before applying to this program.
Additionally, candidates must have 2 years of experience for the Reading Specialist Endorsement. However, the program takes 2 years to complete, so by the time candidates complete the program they could have the experience necessary for the Reading Specialist Endorsement.
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What are the admissions requirements?
Those seeking admission must meet the general admission requirements for the Graduate School. In addition, applicants should:
- have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and
- provide a current résumé.
This program may lead to a Reading Specialist endorsement for candidates who meet the requirements for that endorsement per TN Educator Preparation Policy 5.504. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you are interested in the Reading Specialist endorsement.
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Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
Courses are offered 100% asynchronous.
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Does this program require a thesis?
Students may choose to complete a thesis, but a thesis is not required.
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What is the time to completion?
Full-time students typically follow one of the two following paths:
- Two years (with no summer courses), completing 9 credits in both fall and spring.
- 18 months (with summer courses), completing 9 credit hours for four consecutive semesters.
Typically, part-time students complete the program in 2 years, completing 6 credit hours in fall, spring, and summer.
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How many spaces are available for each cohort?
There are 20 spaces in each cohort.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes! Please visit the scholarship information page of the Clemmer College website for more information. Students may also apply for Tuition Scholar positions or Graduate Assistant positions.
Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.