Reading Education, M.A.Ed.

Updated Program Description

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Reading Education at UNC Pembroke is a graduate program designed to prepare experienced classroom teachers as literacy leaders, reading specialists, and instructional coaches who are equipped to meet the diverse needs of 21st-century learners.

Grounded in the Science of Reading and aligned with the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Reading Professionals, the program provides advanced training in evidence-based reading instruction, literacy assessment, intervention, curriculum design, and schoolwide program development. Candidates will strengthen their ability to translate reading research into practice and support the literacy growth of all students—including those with reading difficulties and those acquiring English as an additional language.

In response to evolving educational demands, the program includes focused coursework in instructional coaching, educational technology integration, and ESL pedagogy, preparing graduates to lead literacy efforts in diverse classrooms and school communities. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive teaching, data-informed decision-making, and designing equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Field-based experiences and collaborative projects offer candidates authentic opportunities to apply their learning while supporting colleagues and driving schoolwide literacy improvement.

Open to licensed teachers, this program is designed for those seeking to expand their impact beyond the classroom—whether through instructional coaching, curriculum leadership, or specialized roles in literacy intervention and program design.