Plymouth State University offers a number of of Reading and Writing program options to meet a variety of student needs and interests. PSU offers a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program, as well as programs leading to advanced degrees and certification as Reading and Writing Specialists.
Each of the comprehensive programs will prepare students with a background in the theoretical foundations of the development of literacy, the role of assessment and evaluation in literacy development, and the application of the best practices in the teaching of reading and writing. Students in a PSU Reading and Writing program work closely with faculty, who have extensive experience and expertise in the field. The Reading and Writing program is certified at the state and national levels.
Program options are:
K-12 Reading and Writing Specialist
MEd program
The Reading and Writing Specialist Master of Education (MEd) program is designed for students to concurrently pursue the master’s degree and reading and writing specialist certification. The program is designed to help one advance to a leadership position in a school system. Those with Reading and Writing Specialist certification provide service through many roles, including co-teacher with the regular classroom teacher, professional development provider, literacy coach, Title I coordinator, mentor, and RTI interventionist. Reading and Writing Specialists develop the competencies in providing leadership for school and district programs, assessing and evaluating reading achievement and literacy programs, and communicating information about literacy to staff, administration, parents, and the community. Students in this program must be certified teachers. In order to gain certification, students in this program must have a minimum of two years teaching experience upon completion of the program.
The curriculum contains 36 credits, 6 of which are required master’s core courses. Dual practica in reading and writing, as well as reading diagnosis and remedial reading, provide a capstone experience at the end of your program. Coursework follows the standards outlined by the International Reading Association and standards set by the state of New Hampshire. Faculty will work with you to develop your assessment, instruction, and leadership skills in the areas of reading and writing instruction.
Certification only option
Those who hold another master’s degree, may be interested in the PSU program that leads to K-12 Reading and Writing Specialist Certification. See complete program requirements. Students in this program must be certified teachers. In order to gain certification, students in this program must have a minimum of two years teaching experience upon completion of the program.
NEW—Reading and Writing Teacher Certification, K-12
If you are a certified classroom teacher who would like to increase your understanding of the theoretical foundations of the development of literacy as well as the application of the best practices in the teaching of reading and writing, this new certification program is designed for you. Once the program is completed, Reading and Writing Teacher certification would be added to your other certification area. Students in the certification program must be certified teachers.
CAGS in Educational Leadership with K-12 Reading and Writing Specialist Certification
This is an advanced program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership with K-12 Reading and Writing Specialist certification. See complete program requirements. Students in this program must be certified teachers. In order to gain certification, students in this program must have a minimum of two years teaching experience upon completion of the program.
Getting started is easy!
Completing your degree at Plymouth State is more convenient than ever because we offer courses on- and off-campus throughout New Hampshire, including Plymouth, Concord, and Waterville Valley. Evening and weekend class times, intensive institutes, and online classes allow you to take courses while maintaining your job and home life.
With rolling admission, you may start your program during any term. In fact, you may take up to 12 master-level credits or three CAGS-level credits before even being admitted to Plymouth State. Financial aid is available to qualified students.
Apply today or request more info
To begin planning your program, contact:
- Edith Patridge, (603) 535-2636 or e-mail: epatridge@plymouth.edu
