Reading Specialist, Certification
If you already have a Master’s degree in a relevant field in Education or a minimum of eight courses in Education with grades of A or B, you are eligible for a six-course sequence resulting in certification as a Reading Specialist. If you do not already hold certification or a minimum of one year teaching experience in your own classroom (not as student teacher), you must take seven courses to earn certification. Currently, the state of Pennsylvania requires US citizenship for certification.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/lcie
Curriculum
6 courses for Reading Specialist Certification if student holds initial certification.
7 courses for Reading Specialist Certification if student does NOT hold initial certification.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 5324 | Fieldwork in Lang in Education I | 1 |
| EDUC 5325 | Fieldwork in Language in Education II (Spring only) 1 | 1 |
| EDUC 5333 | Forming and Reforming the Elementary Reading/Writing/Literacy Curriculum (Summer or Fall) | 1 |
| EDUC 5335 | Literature for Children and Adolescents (Summer or Fall) | 1 |
| EDUC 6329 | Teaching English/Language and Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools (Fall only) | 1 |
| EDUC 6335 | Assessing Language and Learning Differences (Spring only) | 1 |
| EDUC 7335 | Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Approaches to Literacy Tutorial Work (Spring only) | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 7 | |
Literacy Studies Absence Policy
- 1
Students with initial certification and one year of teaching experience (outside of student teaching) take EDUC 5325. Students without certification and teaching experience must take EDUC 5324 and EDUC 5325.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.