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Teaching Literacy, Master of Science in Education

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. 

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.

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Degree Type
MSEd
Area of Interest
Education
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
  • Online
Required Credit Hours
33

Certification

There are three pathways to certification: Birth through Grade 6 (33 credits); Grades 5 through 12 (33 credits); and Birth through Grade 12 (42 Credits). Students can apply through The School of Education for certification endorsement upon passing the comprehensive exams and the CST Specialty Test in Literacy.

 

Admission

Please view the School of Education Graduate Admission Application Requirements.

 

 

Courses

General Core Courses (6 Credits)

 

  • EDU 9711: Education and Accommodating Needs of Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12*
     

Literacy Methodology Core: (21) Credits)

  • EDU 3200: Language Acquisition and Literacy Development for General Education and (ELLs) English Language Learners  K-12*
  • EDU 3210: Research & Practice of Teaching Writing in General Inclusion Education B-12   
  • EDU 3220: Approaches, Materials, and Performance Evaluation in Literacy Development K-12*
  • EDU 3264: Teaching Literacy through Literature B-6
  • EDU 3270: Theories of and Strategies for Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas*
  • EDU 3283: Research and Strategies in Literacy Leadership
  • EDU 9003: Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners

Literacy Specialist Core (6) Credits)

  • EDU 3230: Diagnosis and Case Study Analysis of Literacy Performance*
  • EDU 3250: Practicum and Seminar in Literacy Instruction 5-12   (pre-req 3230)

 

General Core Courses (6 Credits)

  • EDU 9711: Education and Accommodating Needs of Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12*
  • EDU 3280: Digital Literacy and Learning

Literacy Methodology Core: (21 CREDITS)

  • EDU 3200: Language Acquisition and Literacy Development for General Education and (ELLs) English Language Learners  K-12*
  • EDU 3215: Research & Practice of Teaching Writing in General Inclusion Education B-12   
  • EDU 3220: Approaches, Materials, and Performance Evaluation in Literacy Development K-12*
  • EDU 3265: Teaching Literacy through Literature (5-12) in General and Inclusive Settings
  • EDU 3270: Theories of and Strategies for Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas*
  • EDU 3283: Research and Strategies in Literacy Leadership
  • EDU 9003: Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners

Literacy Specialist Core (6 Credits)         

  • EDU 3230: Diagnosis and Case Study Analysis of Literacy Performance
  • EDU 3255: Practicum and Seminar in Literacy Instruction 5-12* (pre_req. 3230)

General Core Courses (6 Credits)

  • EDU 9711: Education and Accommodating Needs of Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12 EDU 3280: Digital Literacy and Learning

Literacy Methodology Core: (24 Credits)

  • EDU 3200: Language Acquisition and Literacy Development for General Education and ELLs K-12*
  • EDU 3217: Research & Practice of Teaching Writing in General Inclusion Education B-12   
  • EDU 3220: Approaches, Materials, and Performance Evaluation in Literacy Development K-12*
  • EDU 3241: Multi-Sensory Approach to Language Learning and Phonics Instruction – Part I*
  • EDU 3242: Multi-Sensory Approach to Language Learning and Phonics Instruction – Part II*
  • EDU 3270: Theories of and Strategies for Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas*
  • EDU 3268: Teaching Literacy through Literature B-12
  • EDU 3283: Research and Strategies in Literacy Leadership
  • EDU 9003: Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners

Literacy Specialist Core (12 Credits)

  • EDU 3230: Diagnosis and Case Study Analysis of Literacy Performance*
  • EDU 3250:  Practicum and Seminar in Literacy Instruction B-6 * (pre-re. 3230)
  • EDU 3255: Practicum and Seminar in Literacy Instruction 5-12*  (pre-re. 3230)

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

Additional Information

Partnership/Placement

Literacy students conduct their practicum sessions in after-school settings where they are able to work with children from many schools. St. John’s has built partnerships with local schools to increase placement opportunities for our students after graduation.

Our program is unique in that it allows students to develop skills to teach diverse learners beyond the school setting by providing the background to establish a private practice as a diagnostician and tutor.

Students have the opportunity to work with leaders in the field—instructors who work directly with children in our city schools and who network with schools to assist with placement. Any of the literacy options can lead students to a Ph.D. program in literacy.

Program Contact

E. Francine F. Guastello, Ed.D.

Associate Professor

Sullivan Hall Queens Room 417

718-990-1475

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