Reading Specialist Add-On Certification
This add-on certification is provided for candidates who are ready to take on increased leadership in literacy.
Candidates must currently hold a Reading Teacher (1316) license and have completed a master’s degree which includes a significant culminating project related to reading. This program provides candidates with the administrative Reading Specialist (5017) license, which prepares individuals to direct reading programs or work with school districts and Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) organizations as a resource for literacy. The program is comprised of six credits and is completed in one semester.
This program is a cohort model of 14 or more admitted students to start. Program start dates are in fall and spring terms.
Admission
Applicants to this program must:
- Meet all UWL graduate application requirements.
- Provide a resume that documents at least three years of full-time regular teaching experience in a K-12 classroom and current teaching position in a K-12 classroom.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.85 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
- Provide copies of teaching licenses or certificates.
- Have a Reading Teacher (1316) license or equivalent.
- Have a master's degree in reading or literacy.
- Have research background in reading or literacy.
- Complete a successful criminal background check (initiated by UWL).
Criminal background check
The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that candidates for admission to a teacher education, administration, or pupil services program successfully pass a criminal background check (CBC) as one criterion for admission. By applying for admission to one of these programs, candidates agree to provide the necessary personal information to UWL in order to initiate their CBC and to complete their portion of the process prior to the deadline specified in their admission letter. Program candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).
Out-of-state applicants
This program may meet other states' licensing requirements. An applicant's state may or may not require that the applicant get a Wisconsin teaching license to be endorsed for their program of study. The Wisconsin licensing process may include taking coursework in Native American Studies (ACT 31). The applicant should check with their state licensing board prior to applying to ensure they understand the appropriate pathway to meet their state's licensing requirements.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RDG 718 | Guiding and Directing a Schoolwide Reading/Literacy Program | 3 |
| RDG 780 | Reading Specialist Practicum | 3 |
Program completion and eligibility for certification
Eligibility for Reading Specialist (5017) certification is contingent upon:
- Cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
- Passing score on the WI Foundations of Reading Test or hold a WI Administrator license.
- Completed DPI employment verification form documenting completion of at least six semesters of employment of teaching experience in K-12 schools or hold a WI Lifetime Educator license.
- Satisfactory completion of Reading Specialist (5017) program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts.