BS in Elementary Education: Teaching Reading Emphasis
BS in Elementary Education: Teaching Reading Emphasis
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The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading at Grand Canyon University is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as an elementary teacher and take the steps to earning their initial teacher licensure. The reading specialist courses are taught by professionals who offer additional reading instruction that supports the processes of reading diagnosis, remediation and intervention. If becoming an elementary reading teacher excites you, this may be a good education path for you.
A reading specialist is a professional with advanced experience in teaching reading and who helps children improve their reading abilities individually or as part of a group.(See disclaimer 1)
Reading specialists have in-depth knowledge of:
This specialty often requires additional certifications beyond an elementary teaching license to provide supplemental instruction for students who need additional practice.(See disclaimer 2)
This program prepares you to work toward becoming an elementary teacher who has additional credits in the area of reading. At GCU, you will be taught to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program for career readiness. You will focus on supporting readers during your elementary education field experiences that guide you through 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences.
As a teacher candidate, you will be exposed to elementary learning environment practicums completed in a 15-week student teaching experience. Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue their elementary education teaching credential in the state of Arizona (120 credits). Ensure that you carefully review the requirements for obtaining a teaching license in the state where you plan to teach.
Imagine the satisfaction of guiding children on their journey to becoming proficient readers and empowering them with lifelong skills. This can be possible with the flexible online format at GCU. It allows you to achieve your goals while balancing your studies.
Prepare to pursue a teaching role with a solid foundation in teaching reading to elementary education students today. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor.
This comprehensive program encompasses a wide range of content areas spanning kindergarten through grade eight, including:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
The degree emphasis in teaching reading courses will focus on educating teachers with additional skills and refined knowledge in the reading remediation process. Accordingly, graduates may be able to position themselves to pursue an elementary education teacher position with a focus on teaching reading in the K–8 classroom environment, as well as a teaching position in postsecondary education.
This bachelor’s in elementary reading teacher emphasis leads to initial licensure in the area of elementary education. Graduates who wish to become full reading specialists will need to move on to pursue a graduate-level certificate in reading for elementary educators and/or a Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, advanced programs for continuing professional education that can enhance your qualifications for specialized teaching opportunities in reading.
The structure and curriculum of this accredited program, Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading, is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. Courses are taught by professionals in their respective fields who lend their knowledge and experience in areas of elementary education and educational psychology. All courses are directly aligned with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
If teaching reading in elementary education is something that interests you, consider pursuing this BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading degree. We understand this is a big commitment, so we’ve gathered a few of our most frequently asked questions when deciding to to become a K-8 educator.
What is the difference between a reading specialist and a reading teacher?
Can you become a reading specialist with the BS in Elementary Education: Teaching Reading emphasis?
How do I become a reading teacher for K-8 after graduation?
Is the Teaching Reading emphasis hard?
Is becoming an elementary reading teacher worth it?
Throughout your academic journey, you will have the opportunity to develop competencies in various crucial aspects of elementary education, including development, learning, motivation, curriculum content instruction, assessment and professionalism.
Areas of study covered in GCU’s reading specialist courses include:
Foundational literacy skills and phonics
Methods and strategies for reading instruction
Assessment and remediation of reading proficiency
Research-based reading development and interventions
Diagnosis and remediation of reading proficiencies
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
