The programs with a specialization in Teaching Literacy B-6, Teaching Literacy 5-12 and Teaching Literacy B-12 give the initially certified teacher the skills to teach reading, writing, and related language arts to students from early childhood to high school levels. Both prospective and practicing teachers acquire the skills to become reading specialists, capable of diagnosing and assisting children and adults in overcoming their literacy-related problems. All coursework reflects New York State Regulations and the 2010 International Reading Association Standards.

Please note that the full degree cannot be taken at the Long Island Graduate Center and at least one course must be taken at our Queens campus.

Career Outcomes

The literacy programs enable teachers to develop a repertoire of literacy strategies that enhance teaching and learning in general education, special education, resource room, and English-language learning environments. If you already have a master’s degree in these areas, the literacy strategies you learn will improve your ability to teach a diverse population of students.

Applicants will acquire the skills to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of literacy instruction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories of literacy development including emergent literacy, early oral language development, and the relationship of oral to written language.
• Identify and describe theories and models for teaching students with exceptionalities, diverse learners, and at-risk student.
• Describe the principles of scientifically-based reading research to obtain valid knowledge about scientifically-based reading instruction and assessment.
• Summarize the underlying principles of multi-sensory approaches to language learning emphasizing the structure of language and the study of the dyslexic learner.
• Use computer-based instruction to enhance reading and writing skills.
• Utilize a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and materials to support literacy instruction in the classroom, including, but not limited to, those identified by the National Reading Panel (2000) and the 2010 IRA standards.

Career Opportunities

• Reading specialist and diagnostician
• Private practice as a multisensory instructor
• Resource room teacher
• Conference presenter
• Literacy coach or supervisor
• University or college professor with Ph.D.
• Curriculum/staff developer