Online Master’s in Reading Education K-12 Degree
Online Master’s in Reading Education K-12 Degree
journey today.
Literacy is the foundation of learning, and all students deserve the opportunity to benefit from rich and varied reading experiences. However, many students require extra guidance from literacy specialists or interventionists. The Master of Arts in Reading Education K–12 degree program at Grand Canyon University is designed for current teaching professionals who would like to become reading specialists or interventionists to increase the educational success of K–12 students.
This master's degree in reading is for teachers who already hold a teaching license or educators with a year of verified teaching experience. This program does not contain the in-classroom teaching experience component necessary to obtain a teaching license.
You will be required to submit a copy of your current teaching license or provide evidence of a minimum of one year of teaching experience.
The Master of Arts in Reading Education K–12 degree at GCU requires 32 credits for completion, which includes online courses and a K-12 reading practicum. Students must have access to K–12 classrooms to complete the practicum courses and program assignments.
Highlights of this master’s in reading education degree program include:
Earn Your Master’s in Reading Education Online
Many employers prefer reading and literacy specialists who have a graduate level degree with specialized skills that aim to improve a child’s reading and writing abilities.1 By earning your online master’s in reading education at GCU, professionals can continue to work full time and earn their degree where and when it’s most convenient for them.
This Degree Is Offered Online
Students in this program learn through an innovative digital platform while connecting with peers and instructors that share the same purpose to help K-12 students reach their goals in the area of reading development.
The online master’s degree in reading education focuses on these key areas:
Essentials of language and literacy
Learning anchored in neuroscience
Foundations in educational research
Examination of reading assessment techniques
Proficient K-12 reading assessment and diagnostic strategies
Environments fostering literacy
Foundations of K-12 reading instruction techniques
Advanced strategies in K-12 reading, writing instruction and remediation
Guiding literacy intervention and remediation
Practical experience in K-12 reading
These reading specialist roles can prepare students for future learning by identifying reading delays or disabilities and implementing appropriate instruction, interventions or remediation to develop essential reading abilities.
Upon earning this degree, you may pursue career opportunities such as:
Reading specialist
Reading interventionist
Secondary reading teacher
Elementary reading teacher
The format and courses of this institutionally accredited program are aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. Further, GCU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission as well as authorization in Arizona from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. These accreditations signify GCU’s excellence and the quality of its academic offerings.
Master’s in Reading Education Degree FAQs
To assist in your decision-making process regarding the suitability of the Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12 program, we've compiled a selection of our frequently asked questions.
Reading specialist or interventionist qualifications may depend on state certification requirements. While some employers may only require a bachelor's degree, many prefer candidates who have a graduate degree.2 Serving in the field of education necessitates specific certifications and licenses, which differ based on your state of practice. For instance, certain states might mandate a comprehensive teaching license, while others might stipulate both a teaching license and a specialized certification for roles like a reading interventionist.2 This program may allow reading education degree candidates to work alongside teachers as they prepare to understand how to support and guide classroom teachers through the intense process of reading remediation. It is necessary to review each state’s reading endorsement requirements to prepare for a reading specialist title.
A reading specialist or interventionist helps children learn to read and write and supports the development of a wide range of literacy skills.2 A specialist can assess reading levels to identify children who need additional support and will then teach these children phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills in a small group or as individuals. Other responsibilities may include continually communicating with parents on a student’s progress or challenges, collaborating with teachers and school administrators to design reading and literacy curriculum, as well as guiding teachers on how to implement reading support into their classroom instruction. Also, reading specialists and interventionists may analyze collected data and typically administer state reading tests.
A reading teacher and a reading specialist are two distinct roles within the field of education, both contributing to the improvement of students' reading abilities in different ways. A reading teacher is typically a certified classroom educator who integrates reading instruction into their broader curriculum, either through small groups or in a classroom setting.2 On the other hand, a reading specialist is an education professional with specialized training and expertise in literacy and reading instruction.2 They often support, supplement and extend classroom teaching to implement a reading program that meets the needs of each student.3
Start Your Journey Today
Ready to take the next step in becoming an educator with a focus on literacy? Explore our Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12 and join a community dedicated to enhancing students' reading abilities. Learn more about how our program can help you become a proficient reading specialist today.
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 licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
- Indeed Editorial Team (2023, March 31). What Does a Reading Specialist Do? A Complete Career Guide. Indeed. Retrieved on Sept. 7, 2023.
- Indeed Editorial Team (2022, Sept. 30). How to Become a Reading Interventionist in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved on Aug. 17, 2023.
- International Reading Association (n.a.). Roles of the Reading Specialist. Retrieved on Aug. 18, 2023.