Providing a pathway to professional certification in Literacy for educators teaching children Birth-12.
The Master of Science in Literacy Education offers rigorous instruction to prepare teachers who specialize in the teaching and learning of reading, writing, and language.
The 33-credit Literacy Education graduate program is designed for educators who already possess an initial, professional, or permanent teaching certification in any area of Birth through Grade 12 teaching.
The program embraces evidence-based instructional methods and content as well as ensures that the teachers it prepares are ready to teach in classrooms inclusive of students with widely diverse skills, cultures, and backgrounds. The Literacy Education Program prepares candidates to become literacy/reading specialists, literacy coaches, and classroom teachers.
Candidates who enter the program will learn about the Science of Reading as well as how to integrate literacy instruction into content areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition, candidates will be exposed to methods that enable them to differentiate literacy instruction for all learners. This program includes a practicum experience.
The Old Westbury
Literacy Clinic
The Literacy Education graduate program hosts a literacy clinic for students in Pre-K through Grade 12 each spring. Old Westbury's Literacy Education students work with students from throughout the Long Island community on reading, writing, oral language, and listening skills.
Graduate students who provide instruction through the clinic already have their New York State Initial Certification in childhood education, bilingual education, special education, or an adolescent content area - and they are working in area school districts.
Outcomes for our Graduates
Graduates of the program demonstrate specialized pedagogical tools to increase literacy skills in both childhood and adolescence in the areas of digital literacies, literacy assessment, and various content area strategies. With this preparation, they are then ready to serve in school settings in such positions as positions as reading specialists, literacy coaches, and classroom teachers.
Teaching Certification
The M.S. in Literacy Education is a pathway to professional certification in Literacy All Grades (Birth-Grade 12). Candidates will become knowledgeable about teaching literacy at the early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Time to Degree
The Literacy Education Program is designed for students who are working in the field. Classes are held in the evenings allowing candidates to take two courses per semester. The program can be completed within two and a half years.