Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher License for Reading Specialist

Reading Graduate Coordinator: Heidi Wojcik
Phone: 508-929-8840
Email:  hwojcik2@worcester.edu

Admission Requirements

http://worcester.edu/Graduate

In addition:

• A teaching license at the Initial or Professional level.
• A foundation course in reading, taken as an undergraduate or graduate, or significant experience in teaching reading.
• A course in human, child, or adolescent development at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• For candidates who obtained licensure prior to the MTEL requirement, a passing score on the Communication and Literacy test or Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved waiver. 

Items Needed to Apply:

• Online application found at www.worcester.edu/apply
• Essay explaining reason for pursuing this certificate program
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Official transcript evaluation for any transcript from outside the United States
• An English language proficiency test if the student’s academic background is not in English
• Copy of a Massachusetts initial or professional teaching license
• Evidence of a foundation course in reading taken as an undergraduate or graduate or significant experience in teaching reading, as well as a course in human, child, or adolescent development at the undergraduate or graduate level
• For candidates pursuing licensure, a passing score on the Communication & Literacy MTEL or Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved waiver. 

The Initial Licensure Program Requirements

This program leading to an initial licensure for reading specialist is designed for candidates who have both a minimum of an initial teaching license in another field other than reading and are seeking an initial license as a reading specialist. It is a 31 credit, non-degree program. It consists of 25 credits of course work and a 6 credit practicum or practicum equivalent. Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL before registering for the practicum.

The courses are: