Master of Education in Reading

Goal of Master of Education in Reading

The K-12 Reading Specialist program is delivered with a Master of Education in Reading. The 35-credit program emphasizes professional practice in the field of reading. It prepares teachers to address the literacy needs of elementary, middle, and high school student populations. It also provides preparation for leadership roles beyond the classroom. School districts are in need of exemplary reading teachers, school and district reading specialists, and literacy coaches. The US Department of Education and TEACH Grant have designated reading specialist as a high-need field. A reading specialist collaboratively supports exemplary classroom teaching in literacy, assesses reading strengths and needs of students as needed and communicates the information to fellow teachers, and serves as a resource to stakeholders.

State and National Standards

The MEd addresses all International Reading Association standards for reading specialists and literacy coaches and meets South Dakota’s and Wyoming’s standards to prepare reading specialists.

Program Design

The MEd uses a cohort structure, and students move through the program together in a sequence of courses leading to the 35-credit degree. This master’s program in reading is entirely online, with practicum experiences arranged in students’ home locations near the end of the program. Comprehensive clinical components encourage closer collaboration with partner school districts and facilitate additional application of student learning.