- Degree Level
- Graduate
- Degrees Offered
- Master of Education, PA Certification
- school/college
- School of Education
Graduate Programs in Reading Education
Arcadia’s MEd in Reading Education provides you with a deep knowledge of teaching literacy in PreK-12 classrooms. You’ll develop strategies and skills to support the diverse learning needs of students in a connected, multicultural and multilingual society. Understanding the importance of the structure of language in teaching literacy skills throughout the grades, helps shape the diagnostic, prescriptive model of teaching that is embedded within the program.
Studying Reading Education, you will:
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of literacy research, theory and practice in ways that can provide leadership in local schools and school districts.
- Have the option to complete Reading Specialist PreK-12 certification within 1.5 to 2 years as an initial certification program or to add to existing instructional certificates.
- Advance your job opportunities as a reading specialist, reading support in schools, libraries and learning centers or after-school programs, a literacy leader in educational settings, a literacy coach, mentor and director.
Accredited by The International Dyslexia Association
Arcadia’s graduate Reading programs received accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association and its affiliate, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
Scholarships
The School of Education offers a limited number of scholarships each year to exemplary applicants based on their merit and commitment to being a change agent in education. These awards range from $4,000 to $5,000, spread out over two years. Prospective students can apply for scholarships by completing an optional scholarship essay within the online application. Applicants to the Master of Education (MEd) and Doctor of Education (EdD) are eligible to apply.
Become a Certified Teacher
You can receive certification with or without the master’s degree. Learn more about each of the related certification programs below.
Read by 4th
Arcadia University is a Read by 4th partner.
Coursework
Courses focus on understanding key literacy practices as diagnostic assessment and intervention, evidence-based instruction, relevant literature, including digital and multi-literacies in a diverse learning environment. Courses are conveniently offered in the late afternoon and evening hours and students can begin the program in any of the three semesters (fall, spring or summer). Reading Specialist PreK-12 certification program coursework takes 1-2 years to complete.
Field Experiences and the Practicum
Field experiences throughout the program provide an opportunity to engage in PreK-12 classroom settings to apply the strategies and tools learned in classes.
The practicum is the culminating activity of the certification and master’s programs and is offered for four weeks in the summer. Under the supervision of faculty, students engage in a unique experience on Arcadia’s campus with students from local school districts. Working with small groups in a supportive environment, our practicum students apply the knowledge of prescriptive / diagnostic assessment and instruction as part of a community outreach program.
Arcadia Community Learning Center
Designed for students to become more competent and confident readers. Taught by knowledgeable and experienced instructors in their final stage of a master's degree as a Reading Specialist K-12.
Featured Courses
Strategic Instruction for Emergent and Content Literacy, K-6
Required Course
Explore research-based instructional strategies for teaching literacy, including language development, reading, writing, and speaking to K-6 learners, as well as practical and effective modifications for diverse learners—including struggling readers, English learners, and students with disabilities in reading.
Assessment, Analysis and Instruction in Reading and Writing
Required Course
Develop the knowledge and skills related to selecting, developing, and administering a range of formal and informal literacy assessments—norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, summative, formative, informal.
Reading Specialist Professional Seminar
Required Course
Explore your own reading and writing processes and the ways that literacy is changing in relation to technology. You will gain an understanding of the current roles of reading specialists and literacy coaches in schools, learn about professional organizations and professional journals in the field both locally and nationally, and explore reading/language arts standards.
School of Education Graduate Program Information
Teacher Certification Agreements
Pennsylvania has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement that provides for acceptance of state-approved educator preparation programs between certain states to facilitate educator mobility.
Teacher Certification Reciprocity
Arcadia University School of Education is an approved provider of educational programs leading to Pennsylvania Department of Education Professional Certification and offers certification at the undergraduate and post baccalaureate (graduate) levels. Arcadia University has not determined if our curriculum meets the requirements for teacher certification in other states or US territories.
Admission Requirements
For working professionals seeking graduate degrees or certifications, we offer full-time, part-time, online and options to build your own degree.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about the cost differences for part- and full-time students and any specialized School of Education program costs.
