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MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification (Online)

Earn your MA in Literacy with PK12 Reading Certification at Rosemont College.Advance to a New Chapter in Your Career 

As an educator, you uniquely see how young learners’ successes and challenges with reading and writing have an impact on their educational journey. If you’re passionate about helping your students to become effective readers, writers, and communicators, Rosemont’s online MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification may be right for you.   

Candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency on the PDE Reading Specialist competencies and take the Praxis Reading Specialist exam at the conclusion of the program to become certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Candidates must also possess an Instructional I or Instructional II Certification for admission to the program.


Online Coursework with Scheduled Connection

Students in the MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification program will participate in a scheduled 3-hour session each week, with the remainder of the coursework being completed independently. In addition, students will apply their learnings through 100 hours of practicum experience under the mentorship of a certified reading specialist. Included in this practicum is a total of 45 hours working individually with an elementary and secondary struggling reader. Mentorship is done in person, therefore must be done within a reasonable distance from Rosemont.


Applying is Straightforward and Free 

Rosemont has been supporting students like you to advance their lives, and those of their families, through education since 1921. We believe a quality education should be affordable and attainable, and our application process reflects this. Applying is easy, and free. And we’ll only need a few supporting documents to make sure Rosemont is the best fit for you. Click here to learn about how to apply and associated requirements. 


Skills and Outcomes

As a student in Rosemont’s online MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification program, you will: 

  • Learn best practices of literacy instruction based on the International Reading Association's Standards for Reading Professionals.
  • Learn how to conduct a thorough analysis of students' reading performance and construct an intervention plan to address individual needs.
  • Gain knowledge of the cognitive factors needed to develop student learning in reading, writing, speaking and listening, including phonological, orthographic, semantics and syntactic processing.
  • Learn the ways in which a variety of learning disabilities affect the process of reading.
  • Become familiar with a variety of instructional techniques and interventions appropriate for working with students with disabilities. 
  • Gain knowledge and exposure to quality children's and adolescent literature in all genres. 

A Comprehensive Curriculum Taught by Experts in the Education Field 

Rosemont graduate education professors are leading experts in the field, making extraordinary contributions to school administration, teaching, literacy, leadership, ESL programming, and more. Learn more about the program faculty

The online MA in Literacy with Pk-12 Reading Specialist Certification is a 30-credit (10-course) program that can be completed in three 14-week semesters of coursework and a one-semester practicum. It is designed to address the International Literacy Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals: foundational knowledge, curriculum & instruction, assessment & evaluation, diversity, literate environment, and professional learning & leadership. 

Certification Requirements (24 Credits)

The focus of this course will be the teacher’s role in establishing an academic field of study through which English Language Learners (ELL) are instructed in social, cultural, and academic language skills to improve her/his school performance. Instruction involves the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at appropriate developmental and proficiency levels with little or no use of the native language.

Classroom and ESL teachers are expected to collaborate for the delivery of an effective learning experience utilizing various assignments, lesson plans, projects, assessments and/or field work. All grade levels (K-12) are discussed, but for these specific certification curriculum purposes, the PK-4 broad ban will be specified in all assignments and activities.

The course objectives are clear and specific expectations including preparation for each class leading to a stimulating and engaging setting for all present beginning with completed homework assignments from each student.

In return, students may expect homework promptly graded and returned, and the instructor available (by appointment) for discussion outside of class in order to clarify questions, concerns, assignments, and evaluations.

This course provides the literacy candidate with instructional delivery strategies for working with struggling reade

The course objectives are clear and specific expectations including preparation for each class leading to a stimulating and engaging setting for all present beginning with completed homework assignments from each student. In return, students may expect homework promptly graded and returned, and the instructor available (by appointment) for discussion outside of class in order to clarity questions, concerns, assignments, and evaluations.

The focus of this course will be the teacher’s role in establishing an academic field of study through which English Language Learners (ELL) are instructed in social, cultural, and academic language skills to improve her/his school performance. Instruction involves the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at appropriate developmental and proficiency levels with little or no use of the native language.

Classroom and ESL teachers are expected to collaborate for the delivery of an effective learning experience utilizing various assignments, lesson plans, projects, assessments and/or field work. All grade levels (K-12) are discussed, but for these specific certification curriculum purposes, the PK-4 broad ban will be specified in all assignments and activities.

The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the theoretical bases and the nature of differences in literacy acquisition. The developmental nature of literacy growth and the importance of instruction within the learner's zone of proximal development will be explored.

How literacy differences are influenced by social, emotional, psychological, physical, and educational factors will be investigated. Best practices in teaching, supporting, and assessing students with literacy difficulties will be an integral part of the course. 

Multicultural Literature addresses ILA Standard 4 (Diversity) through readings and discussion of writings by and about diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and socioeconomic groups. We will work together to critically examine K-12 literature and the context in which it is read.

Categories of differences will be considered to explore relationships between ourselves and others including interpersonal and institutional relationships. This course is designed to engage us as critical readers and consumers of K- 12 literature.

The Literacy Practicum and Seminar focuses on assessment and instruction of students experiencing literacy difficulties. A required field experience is scheduled across elementary and secondary levels under the supervision of a licensed Reading Specialist or other certificated mentor.

Program participants will provide individualized and small group instruction at assigned schools and will meet on a regular basis with their college supervisor, or instructor, in a seminar format for additional instruction and support to attain and demonstrate the competencies and performance levels of effective Reading Specialists.

MA in Literacy Degree Requirements (Additional 6 Credits)

If you complete the following two additional courses, you'll earn an MA in Literacy degree.

This course focuses on the refinement of individual knowledge and skills to enhance logical reasoning and thinking, reflective judgement, and problem solving abilities.

Students will interpret, analyze, and critically evaluate current and changing factors and events in society that influence the culture of schools and the educational issues that must be addressed to meet the diverse needs of students and their communities.

Technology has become a key component in the classroom today and it is imperative that teachers have a solid understanding of how best to utilize this important tool. Students in this course will explore the effective use of technology in the K-12 classroom environment, covering a wide variety of educational applications and websites.

The course will also address the use of technology to facilitate differentiation, critical thinking and problem solving; developing media and information literacy skills; effective use of the internet for information, communication and collaboration; policies and procedures; and current issues and trends in the field.

The format of the course will be a combination of virtual and live discussion and collaboration as well as hands-on lab time.


Look Forward to a Successful Career  

Employment in literacy instruction is projected to increase 6 percent by 2029, faster than average for all occupations. The median salary for reading specialists is $53, 224. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of rewarding career paths, including: 

  • Reading Specialist 
  • Literacy Coach 
  • Administrator 
  • Curriculum Developer 

ready to get started? apply today