READING (MEd)
salemstate.edu/graduate
OUR PROGRAMS Salem State University offers several pathways for students to become skilled literacy practitioners, tutors, coaches and leaders, ready to excel in PreK-12 public schools, community-based environments, and postsecondary settings. Each pathway offers advanced knowledge and strategies for teaching literacy, enhances effectiveness in both classroom and community-based settings, and supports diverse learning needs.
READING EDUCATOR PATHWAYS Each pathway offers specialization in literacy, allowing participants to focus on reading intervention, curriculum implementation and assessment strategies to support diverse learning needs.
LICENSE ONLY: READING SPECIALIST Designed for licensed teachers who have a master’s degree and want to add a specialist teacher of reading license. This licensure program offers specialization in literacy, allowing educators to focus on reading intervention, curriculum development and assessment strategies. The coursework positions teachers to apply for a Professional license. Required credits range from 12-33, depending on previous coursework and related experience. A 150-hour practicum under the supervision of a licensed reading professional in a public school setting is required.
MASTER OF EDUCATION: READING Designed for classroom teachers and non-classroom specialists seeking a master’s degree to deliver targeted literacy support across all age groups and educational settings (including community-based organizations and community colleges). The coursework is the same as the reading specialist program but features a capstone experience rather than a supervised practicum. The required credits range from 30-33, depending on previous coursework and related experience.
MASTER OF EDUCATION: READING + READING SPECIALIST LICENSE Designed for licensed teachers who are interested in obtaining a master’s degree and a specialist teacher of reading license. This program positions teachers to apply for a Professional license. Required credits range from 30 to 33, depending on previous coursework and related experience. A 150-hour practicum under the supervision of a licensed reading professional is required to be endorsed for the reading specialist license.
MASTER OF EDUCATION: READING + READING SPECIALIST LICENSE + SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSE Designed for those interested in a master’s degree. This option includes a specialist teacher of reading license and a special education add-on license (PreK-2, PreK-8, or 5-12). This program is ideal for teachers interested in supporting students with diverse learning needs in general or special education settings. This option allows teachers to advance to a Professional license. Required credits range from 30-51 credits, depending on previous coursework and experience. Participants receive advising support from both the reading and special education program coordinators and are endorsed for the reading specialist and special education licenses upon program completion.
WHY THE READING PROGRAM AT SALEM STATE? Salem State University’s Reading programs prepare educators to become skilled literacy professionals who can meet the diverse needs of today’s learners. Rather than focusing on a single instructional program or approach, candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment to analyze student needs, critically evaluate literacy research and instructional materials and make evidence-based instructional decisions. Through authentic coursework, candidates integrate literacy assessment, instructional design, intervention, curriculum evaluation, coaching and leadership to improve literacy outcomes across classrooms, schools and districts. Our coursework is built around five core competencies: Evidence-Based, Adaptive Practice Develop the knowledge and professional judgment to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction, adapting teaching to meet the needs of students across diverse curricula, instructional frameworks and educational settings. Critical Analysis of Curriculum and Instructional Materials Evaluate literacy curricula, instructional materials, and commercial programs using current literacy research to make informed instructional decisions, thoughtfully adapt instruction, and ensure all learners have access to high-quality literacy experiences. Student-Focused Assessment Use screening, diagnostic, classroom, and progress-monitoring data to understand each learner’s strengths and needs and inform responsive, culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction. Comprehensive Literacy Instruction Connect systematic foundational skills instruction with oral language, authentic literature, complex informational texts, writing, vocabulary and knowledge building to support comprehensive literacy development. Literacy Leadership Develop the skills to collaborate with colleagues and families, lead professional learning, implement curriculum, and use data to improve literacy instruction across classrooms, schools and districts.
“I returned to Salem State University for my Reading License because I had previously earned my MEd in Special Education, Moderate Disabilities, from SSU and found the coursework to be rigorous and engaging; more importantly, it met me where I was as an adult learner navigating a second career. The reading program has increased my professional expertise and leadership skills, and allowed me the opportunity to be among highly-knowledgeable professionals with a proven passion for the field.” Lisa Critch, MEd | Special Education Teacher
CURRICULUM The coursework provides opportunities for participants to gain deep knowledge of literacy development PreK-12 as well as the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to implement evidence-based, inclusive, culturally-responsive practices using high-quality instructional materials and assessments. Participants will learn to navigate the tensions in the field to ensure effective instruction for all students. Professional development design, collaboration, and coaching are also emphasized to prepare participants to become literacy leaders at the local and state levels.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Experienced, knowledgeable and accessible faculty with extensive literacy teaching expertise. • Fully online program with synchronous evening classes. • Ongoing advising to provide support when needed. • Master’s programs are eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant funding. • Flexible enrollment and pacing to meet participants’ personal and professional needs. • Small class sizes and cohort-based learning to support collaborative relationships. • Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, scholarships and grants.
IMPORTANT LICENSING INFORMATION Applicants do not need to complete all Massachusetts licensure requirements before beginning Salem State’s Reading Specialist program. While the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires an Initial or Professional teaching license, one year of teaching experience on that license, and a passing score on the Reading Specialist MTEL before issuing the Specialist Teacher of Reading license, students may begin the program before completing the teaching experience or MTEL. DESE will issue the license once all requirements have been met.
SAMPLE COURSE MAP FOR READING COURSEWORK EDU 999C Teaching Students to Write (PreK-12)
SUMMER 1
EDU 767 Literature for Children EDU 817C Literacy Assessment and Intervention Strategies
FALL 1
EDU 845 Literacy Leadership, Collaboration and Coaching EDU 745A Supporting Language and Literacy Learning for Multilinguals
SPRING 1
EDS 739 Multi-tiered Intervention for Students with Literacy Intervention
SUMMER 2
EDU 814 Disciplinary Literacy in the Content Areas EDU 727 Literacy Learning: History, Theory and Research
FALL 2
EDU 742A Literacy Development and Processes EDU 840S Practicum Seminar for the Reading Specialist or elective
SPRING 2
EDU 840P Practicum for the Reading Specialist or elective
COST For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $492.60,* including tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $593.50.* The master’s programs are both 30-33 credits, and the license program is between 12-33 credits (excluding prerequisites). For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available. For more information, please visit grants and scholarships: salemstate.edu/scholarships. *Tuition and fees subject to change.
ADMISSIONS PROGRAM
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
MEd
Bachelor’s transcript
License Only
Bachelor’s and master’s transcript
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
PERSONAL STATEMENT
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Copy of initial or professional Massachusetts teaching license in a classroom teaching field.*
2
Required Copy of initial or professional Massachusetts teaching license in a classroom teaching field.
*Not required for the MEd, reading curriculum and instruction program
PLEASE VISIT SALEMSTATE.EDU/GRADUATE/ADMISSIONS FOR FULL DETAILS.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.