The Literacy/Reading Instruction Graduate Certificate offers coursework to prepare teachers to serve as literacy leaders, reading specialists, or literacy coaches in K-12 settings.
Available Concentrations
The Reading Specialist (K-12) concentration is designed for teachers who already have a master's degree and are interested in developing the expertise needed to serve as literacy leaders. Coursework helps teachers develop an in-depth understanding of literacy development, scientifically-based literacy research, and evidence-based instructional, assessment, and intervention in literacy. It also provides opportunities to develop the leadership skills needed to serve as a Reading Specialist. Successful completion of this state-approved sequence of courses may lead to eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist license in Virginia. Additional state requirements that must be met for the K-12 Reading Specialist license include holding a master's degree, having an initial teaching license, earning a satisfactory score on the state-mandated licensure exam, and having at least three years of teaching experience under contract. This concentration is offered in both hybrid and fully online formats.
The Literacy Coaching concentration is designed for current Reading Specialists or others with a strong background in literacy who want to more effectively support teachers' professional learning, and ultimately student achievement, through literacy coaching. Coursework provides an in-depth understanding of adult learning, effective professional development techniques, strategies for supporting collaboration and communication, using data to foster change, ways to more effectively use technology when working with teachers, and issues of diversity and equity in literacy instruction. This concentration is offered in a fully online format.