Online Reading & Literacy Education Degrees
Ask a Question
Reading and literacy teachers provide a vital and life-changing service to people of all ages and from all walks of life: They give them the power to read and write. To become a reading and literacy teacher, one must first earn a bachelor's or master's degree in language, reading, education, or a related field. Public school teachers must be officially licensed by the state in which they reside. Increased scrutiny of reading levels and test scores in the K-12 range, as well as growing immigrant populations have increased the need for reading and literacy educators in the United States.
Reading and literacy educators are experts in unlocking the potential of language; they break down complicated rules and ideas into easy-to-understand pieces. Reading and literacy teachers must be familiar with the elements of reading and language, as well as the psychological elements of how to teach and how to elicit student "buy in." Often, these teachers deal with students who have had years of difficulty learning a language, or else they are adult learners whose minds are firmly entrenched in the language of their homeland. Perhaps they have no formal language training of any kind and have gotten by on verbal communication and not much else. The literacy teacher must be part detective in this regard, unraveling the mystery of language for each student.
Teaching reading and literacy is done in almost every academic setting. K-12 schools need ESL and remedial reading and writing instructors to bolster their existing programs. Adult literacy programs cater to adults who lack language skills. Nonprofit organizations might also run classes in libraries or community centers. Some reading and literacy teachers take on private students as a way to earn extra money.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Reading & Literacy Education Degrees
- All
- Master's
- Doctorate
Learn more about Capella University
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language: ESL teachers specialize in helping people from other countries or who primarily speak another language to learn English. For instructors of adults, only a bachelor's degree may be required, though often state licensing of some kind is also necessary.
- Adult Basic Literacy/GED: This type of literacy instructor focuses on helping adults earn their high school equivalency diploma. Again, a bachelor's in education or a specialized field is a prerequisite, but a master's degree and state licensing may also be required.
- Juvenile ESL: As the number of children in the United States without English language skills continues to climb, the need for instructors with the skills and know-how to teach young students has grown. Teaching ESL at the K-12 level requires state licensing.
What degree levels are available?
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
All reading and literacy teachers in the United States must have at least a bachelor's degree. Oftentimes, teachers also have a master's degree, either in a specialized teaching area, or else in education theory/application. State licensing is also often a requirement to teach reading and literacy, especially in the K-12 setting. Only programs accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education can issue these credentials. Luckily, the department has a complete database of approved programs. Check to make sure that the program you are considering is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. (OPE.ED.gov)
The bachelor's degree lays the foundation for a career in education. Individuals wishing to teach reading and literacy can choose to major in English, communications, education, or any number of related fields before entering the teaching world. Liberal arts programs that focus intensely on reading, writing, critical thinking, analysis, and communications will do the best job of preparing one for a career teaching reading and literacy. Internships and volunteer work during school can also help.
After graduation, a master's degree in education, English, or another concentration approved by the state in which you want to teach can help you earn your teacher's license. Often you will have take a certain number of credits in education-related courses, or else the entire degree must be geared toward it. There is always a licensing examination at the end. Often educators are required to take a certain number of continuing education credits every year to keep their licenses valid. Certification varies by state. Usually a bachelor's degree is the minimum, followed by licensing tests. Many states require graduate-level work of some kind in the education field, coupled with continuing education credits to maintain a teaching license.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Reading Instruction and Early Intervention: You will learn how to properly and effectively teach kids to read in this course. You'll also learn how to act quickly when you spot a child who is struggling with reading.
- Writing and Reading Connections: Children will read better as their writing improves, and vice versa. Vocab and study technique are among the biggest concepts in this particular offering.
- Literature for Young People: Improve your understanding of the books that fit each age group -- early childhood, elementary school, middle school, and high school. You will also learn how to interweave the best books into curricula for students.
- Expansive Reading Comprehension: This class teaches you how to improve a child's reading in a variety of subjects, from English to math. Strong programs ensure that this course includes some study of the actual brain.
- 21st Century Learning: This class addresses the needs and advantages of teaching children in the new millennium. It also exposes you to modern modes of learning assessment.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Most online programs in reading and literacy education will not demand on-site training as a requirement for the degree program.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Special Education: This is the degree program to select should you want a career that involves children that are disabled, gifted, or talented. You will also learn about the special laws that apply to instruction in this field.
- Teaching: Reading and literacy education naturally dovetails smoothly with the teaching profession. You can specialize in myriad fields, such as ESL, preschool, or secondary education.
- Library and Media Technology: This program will inform you just how technologically souped up librarians have become these days. In order to work in most library settings, you will need a master's diploma.
