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.

For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/lcie

Curriculum

Choose one of the following: 11-2
EDUC 5324
& EDUC 5325
Fieldwork in Lang in Education I
and Fieldwork in Language in Education II
EDUC 5325
Fieldwork in Language in Education II
EDUC 5333Forming and Reforming the Elementary Reading/Writing/Literacy Curriculum1
EDUC 5335Literature for Children and Adolescents1
EDUC 6329Teaching English/Language and Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools1
EDUC 6335Assessing Language and Learning Differences1
EDUC 7335Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Approaches to Literacy Tutorial Work1
Total Course Units6-7

Literacy Studies Absence Policy 

Students who miss three or more classes in any Literacy Studies course risk failing the course. If you have extenuating circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor and the Literacy Studies Program Manager.
 
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 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.