Overview
Program Description
The Master of Education in Literacy Instruction program is designed to prepare candidates with a deep understanding of literacy instruction based on research-based best practices that are designed to meet the needs of all learners. Candidates' learning centers around the International Literacy Association’s standards focusing on foundational knowledge of literacy instruction, curriculum design & implementation, assessment & evaluation, diversity & equity, learners & the literacy environment, and professional learning & leadership.
The Master of Education in Literacy Instruction program at Centenary University will enable the candidates to meet the State requirements for the New Jersey Reading Specialist Certification while completing a Master of Education in Literacy Instruction degree. This certification enables a teacher to provide literacy instruction in grades K-12.
Students will have the following two options to pair with their M.Ed. in Literacy Instruction program:
- Master of Education in Literacy Instruction with a NJ Reading Specialist Certification and Supervisor Licensure
- Master of Education in Literacy Instruction with a NJ Reading Specialist Certification and ESL Certification
This program is offered in a blended format which alternates on ground learning in the classroom setting and online learning. If the course is blended it is listed next to the course title.
Program Goals
- Act as scholar-practitioners while applying contemporary research to theory in order to provide students with the most progressive, evidence-based pedagogy in literacy instruction.
- Develop supportive, motivating, student-centered literacy curricula that is designed to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
- Coach teachers and instructional leaders to enhance their knowledge and understanding of literacy curriculum and development in order to create optimal environments that maximize achievement.
- Explore, analyze and synthesize contemporary research topics in literacy instruction such as access, critical literacy, diversity, motivation and equity.
- Recognize the importance of our positionality as literacy leaders and use that knowledge to provide community service to at-risk children at no cost. During this practicum experience, powerful learning and developmental experiences are created through the practice of reflective inquiry.
Program Requirements
Students are required to successfully complete the following program of study comprised of eleven courses, totaling 33 credits.
Graduate students must achieve a grade of “B” or higher in each course and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to receive a degree. Any graduate student who receives more than one grade of “C” (to include C+, C, or C-) will be dismissed from the program. A graduate student who has received a grade of “C” must repeat the course. No grades of “D” will be given (anything lower than a C- is an F). A grade of “F” will result in dismissal from the program. Note: If a student repeats a course in which a grade of “C” has been received, both the original grade and the repeated grade will count in the GPA. The original grade of “C” will be used to determine eligibility to stay in or to be removed from the program.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Two professional or educational letters of recommendation
- Teaching Certification-Please send a copy of your standard certificate or your Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing with application. (If you do not have a teaching certification please contact the Transfer Admissions Office regarding the Post Baccalaureate teaching certification program).
Additional Reading Specialist Certifications requirements:
Individuals working towards their Reading Specialist certification will need to present the following additional requirements to the Education Department at the time of application for certification.
1. An original letter from the principal on the school's official letterhead
2. Must have at least 2 years of successful, full-time teaching experience.
Curriculum Requirements
M.Ed in Literacy Instruction with Reading Specialist and Supervisor Licensure
Reading Courses:
| GED-634 | Innovative Approaches in Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| GED-646 | Children's Literature for the Graduate Student | 3 |
| GED-639 | Diagnosis & Correction of Reading & Writing Difficulties I-Diagnosis | 3 |
| GED-640 | Diagnosis & Correction of Reading Writing Difficulties II-Correction | 3 |
| GED-663 | Multisensory (Reading) Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| GED-649 | Literacy in the Content Areas | 3 |
| GED-644 | Supervised Practicum in Reading Case Studies | 3 |
Supervisor Licensure Courses:
| GED-662 | Literacy Curriculum & Common Core Standards | 3 |
| GED-642 | Case Studies in Supervision | 3 |
| GED-650 | Principles & Practices of Supervision | 3 |
| GED-651 | Curriculum Development & Evaluation | 3 |
GED-662: Blended
Supervisor Standard Certificate- Endorsement Code: 0106-: From the New Jersey Department of Education- Please note that the NJ Department of Education requires you to have at least 3years of successful, fulltime teaching or educational services experience. Experience completed in a New Jersey public school must be completed under the appropriate certification.
M.ED in Literacy Instruction with Reading Specialist & ESL certifications
Reading Courses
| GED-634 | Innovative Approaches in Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| GED-639 | Diagnosis & Correction of Reading & Writing Difficulties I-Diagnosis | 3 |
| GED-640 | Diagnosis & Correction of Reading Writing Difficulties II-Correction | 3 |
| GED-644 | Supervised Practicum in Reading Case Studies | 3 |
| GED-646 | Children's Literature for the Graduate Student | 3 |
| GED-663 | Multisensory (Reading) Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| GED-649 | Literacy in the Content Areas | 3 |
| GED-662 | Literacy Curriculum & Common Core Standards | 3 |
Linguistics Courses:
| GED-664 | Sociolinguistics for English Language Teaching | 3 |
| GED-665 | Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| GED-666 | Applied Linguistics: Language Teaching | 3 |
English as Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Code: 1475-: From the New Jersey Department of Education- Please note that the NJ Department of Education requires that the candidate has secured their standard teaching certificate to apply for this endorsement. It is also required that the candidate attain a rating of at least “Advanced Low” on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPI) as administered by ACTFL. Candidates who pass the NJ department approved basic-skills test are exempt from taking the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT).