Master of Arts in Literacy Education, Reading and Writing, Reading Specialist (Endorsement)
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA Endorsement
Classroom Type: Fully Online
Prepares educators to work with diverse K - 12 students to develop reading, writing, and oral language skills. This concentration and endorsement enhance literacy instruction skills and credentials and provide advanced knowledge and training to build on students' languages, abilities, cultures, and real-world experiences.
Application​ deadlines
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 30
Fall: June 30
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver Online
What you'll learn
CU Denver’s MA in Literacy Education with a concentration in reading and writing plus Reading Specialist (K-12) endorsement deepens the knowledge and skills of educators to work with diverse, K-12 student populations as they develop reading, writing and oral language skills. This concentration and endorsement will enhance your literacy instruction skills for all learners and provide you with the advanced knowledge and training to be developmentally and culturally responsive to students’ differing languages, abilities, cultures and real-world experiences.
As part of this program, you will learn to fully engage students in your classroom by exploring:
- Language and literacy acquisition
- Best practices in teaching reading and writing
- Culturally relevant teaching practices
- Children’s and adolescent literature
- Digital literacy & use of technology to enhance literacy instruction
- Literacy assessment and informed instruction
- Hands-on practical learning opportunities
- Teacher leadership
Our goal is to help you have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity and achievement, while also supporting you as a leader and innovator in your school and professional networks.
Courses
Recommendations for endorsements are made by the Literacy Education program, but endorsement is granted by the State of Colorado. Individual state requirements vary and may include teaching experience in addition to a valid teaching credential. Students should consult with the Colorado Department of Education or another state in which they wish to be endorsed for the most updated endorsement requirements. Please note that the Colorado Department of Education also requires two years of post-license teaching experience to apply for the Reading teacher endorsement.
If You Do Not Have a Teaching License
The MA in Literacy with Reading Specialist Endorsement program does not lead to an initial teaching license. If you do not currently hold a valid Colorado teaching license, you may apply to the MA in Literacy program without endorsement and complete RLE coursework for the MA in Literacy with Reading Specialist Endorsement, but the Reading Specialist Endorsement can only be added by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) after you earn a Colorado teaching license and have three years of teaching experience. Note that you will need access to students and a school learning environment for at least four courses in the Reading Specialist Endorsement program. By applying, you acknowledge that you understand these requirements and will have consistent access to a K–12 educational setting throughout the program.
The MA in Literacy Education, reading and writing, reading specialist (endorsement) is recognized as a leading MA program
by the International Literacy
Association.
Sample Courses
- LCRT 5810 - Language and Literacy Use in Schools, Homes, and Communities 3 credits
- LCRT 5720 - Responsive Writing Instruction 3 credits
- LCRT 5020 - Equity and Joy in Reading Instruction 3 credits
- LCRT 5055 - Literacy Assessment & Informed Instruction 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years
Required Credits for Completion:30
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice rolling admission and strive to notify applicants of their admission status within two to three weeks after receiving a complete application.
The following deadlines are firm. Early submissions are encouraged.
- Spring: Nov. 1
- Summer: April 30
- Fall: June 30
Application Requirements
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or CV
- Written statement describing your interest in the program, your strengths and your professional goals
- $50 application fee
International Applicants
Proof of English language proficiency is required. This program does not meet visa requirements for students planning to use either an F-1 or J-1 visa. Questions regarding visa requirements should be directed to [email protected].
Admissions Interview
An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If required, applicants will be contacted with additional information. For more information, email [email protected] or call 303-315-6300.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from licensed individuals who have a strong interest in bringing hands-on literacy learning to their students.
A teaching license is not required for this program, but access to students is required.