Master of Education: Teaching - Reading and Literacy

The Master of Education: Teaching - Reading and Literacy program is designed for teachers who wish to further their studies by achieving an advanced degree with a focus in working with students to promote reading and literacy development. The program provides a strong, research-based background in professional teaching practices and promotes the development of teachers who are knowledgeable of the foundations and theoretical basis for literacy education, the developmental characteristics of students as readers and writers, and the instructional practices that best serve them. The coursework reflects standards advocated by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the International Reading Association (IRA). The program includes a total of 36 semester hours and is comprised of 12 online courses with experiential PK-12 fieldwork components, including a capstone course in school-based action research conducted on a school or other approved professional site. This West Virginia state-approved program, while allowing for a master’s level credential, does not lead to certification in Reading and Literacy.

Program Objectives

The Master of Education: Teaching - Reading and Literacy program seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and effective literacy instruction
• Use a range of research-based practices, methods, and materials to support literacy instruction
• Use a variety of assessment practices and tools to diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate effective literacy instruction
• Appropriately integrate instructional practices, methods, materials, and assessments to enhance and foster effective literacy environments
• Demonstrate professional dispositions as life-long learners committed to continuous improvement in knowledge and skills

 Graduate Catalog | Master's