Reading Education, M.A.Ed.

Director: Heather Kimberly Dial Sellers

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Reading Education is designed for classroom and reading teachers to prepare them as leaders in the field of literacy instruction and as reading specialists. Since the program builds on the knowledge base and experience of the practitioner, teachers who enter the M.A.Ed. must be licensed to teach in North Carolina. Graduate study in reading education will enable teachers to develop expertise in the teaching of reading, the diagnosis and remediation of problems, and the development of successful reading programs. Teachers will also have opportunities to develop leadership competence in the design, delivery, and assessment of reading and services.

Special Program Admission Requirements:

Applicants who do not have a degree in a reading-related discipline such as elementary education, special education, or English/ language arts are subject to special program admission requirement(s), which may include prerequisite courses, based on the Program Director’s evaluation of the applicant’s transcript.

Program Goals

The revised M.A.Ed. in Reading Education is organized around four major standards established by the International Reading Association (IRA) for Master’s level literacy specialist. These reflect state-approved standards for reading teachers and expectations set forth by NCATE. All reading courses reflect the four program standards in content, learning opportunities, and requirements.

The four standards are:

1. Reading teacher candidates have knowledge of the foundations of reading.
2. Reading teacher candidates use a wide range of reading assessment tools and results in order to provide developmentally appropriate instruction.
3. Reading teacher candidates understand and apply best instructional practices and techniques in the reading process of all learners.
4. Reading teacher candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing competencies by integrating foundational knowledge and technology.

Please contact the Program Director for the Reading Education Program Progression Worksheet.