Reading Teacher Certificate
The online Reading Teacher Certificate program at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is designed to prepare Wisconsin educators to strengthen classroom reading and literacy instruction while supporting student achievement across PK–12 settings. The 18 credit program emphasizes the development of highly skilled reading teachers who can deliver effective, evidence-based reading instruction within general education, intervention, Title 1, and other content areas.
Through coursework and applied experiences in developmental and exceptional literacy instruction and assessment, candidates build the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to meet the diverse literacy needs of students. The curriculum integrates the requirements of Wisconsin Act 20, including structured literacy practices, science of reading research, early screening measures, and data-informed instructional decision-making aligned with Wisconsin’s comprehensive literacy framework.
Completers of the Reading Teacher Certificate program are prepared to:
- Implement current and authentic best practices in PK–12 literacy instruction;
- Apply structured literacy and science of reading principles in core and intervention settings;
- Select and use research-based instructional strategies and materials;
- Administer and interpret literacy assessments to inform instruction;
- Collaborate with colleagues and families to support student literacy growth;
- Advocate for equitable and effective literacy instruction for all learners.
The Reading Teacher Certificate program is aligned with the 2017 Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Literacy Association and the Wisconsin Teaching Standards. These frameworks emphasize a comprehensive view of literacy, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing across print and digital environments.
Completers of this program are eligible for a Wisconsin Reading Teacher (1316) license.
The program typically begins in fall, spring, and summer terms.
Admission
To qualify for admission to the Reading Teacher (1316) Certificate, a candidate for the program must have:
- Meet all UWL graduate application requirements.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited institution.
- Have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.85 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
- Evidence of teaching license (i.e. copy of teaching license).
- Provide a resume that documents at least one year of full-time teaching in a K-12 setting and current employment in a K-12 school.
- 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
(18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RDG 601 | Literacy and Language Development and Instruction | 3 |
| RDG 702 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 703 | Literacy Assessment and Instruction | 3 |
| RDG 704 | Emergent Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 714 | Reading Teacher Practicum | 3 |
| RDG 715 | Children's and Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Program completion and eligibility for certification
Eligibility for Reading Teacher (1316) certification is contingent upon:
- Satisfactory completion of Reading Teacher (1316) Program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts.
- Cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete DPI employment verification form indicating at least two years of employment as the teacher of record in K-12 schools or hold a WI Lifetime Educator License.