Online Master’s in Reading: Elementary Education

To determine the best master’s degree for your needs as an elementary teacher, consider your career goals and reflect upon how you can improve your teaching abilities. Elementary teachers may earn a master’s degree to meet state licensure requirements,^{(See disclaimer 2)} examine advanced competencies in their field or specialize in a particular area of pedagogy. If you’re interested in specializing in literacy, for example, then a master’s degree that focuses on reading may be the right choice for you.

Reading specialists may be referred to by various titles, including Title I reading teachers, reading resource teachers, literacy coaches and coordinators.^{(See disclaimer 6)} These professionals provide one-on-one or small group diagnostic, prescriptive teaching of reading and work closely with other educators to enhance reading and communication skills.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

There are different paths toward pursuing a teaching profession, and the steps often depend on state licensure requirements.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Before getting started, you should research the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which you plan to work. In general, however, you will typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in education that leads to initial teacher licensure. You should then plan on obtaining your teaching license or certification and gain some work experience.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}Then, consider enrolling in a master’s in reading program. Additionally, you may decide to further enhance your career qualifications by obtaining optional national certification as a reading specialist from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.^{(See disclaimer 7)}