Literacy Education
Literacy is more than the capacity to read and write – it is the ability to apply reading and writing skills to effectively connect, interpret and communicate information and ideas in today’s world. Consider a Master of Science in Education-Literacy degree if you would like to advance your teaching career in a specialty that may be the most important factor in a child’s educational development.
The Master of Science in Education - Literacy program combines academic courses in an online format with two 25-hour practicums that can be completed at a school near you to meet your needs as a working education professional.
You will be prepared to become an expert in literacy instruction—in your classroom, as an intervention teacher, or as a literacy coach for the school or district.
This program meets New York State requirements for Literacy (All Grades) certification for those who already hold an initial teaching certification.
Highlighted Courses
- EDR 507 Reading to Grow: K-12 Literature & Social Justice
- EDR 508 Advanced Emergent Literacy
- EDR 509 Teaching Reading in Classrooms of Diversity
- EDR 600 Role of the Literacy Specialist
- EDR 601 PreK-4: Diagnosis and Diagnostic Teaching Clinical Practicum
- EDR 604 Advanced Practicum: Grades 5-12
Distinctions
Students will complete two, 25-hour practicum/field experiences in grades preK-4 and 5-12. Students do not need to come to campus to complete their practicum field experiences.
Those who already hold a master’s degree in education should consider Canisius’s Literacy All Grades Advanced Certificate program that prepares students for NY State literacy certification in just 6 courses.
Testimonials
"The literacy program at Canisius University truly inspired me to continue growing as an educator. The coursework deepened my understanding of how children learn to read, and it has motivated me to pursue an Orton-Gillingham certification so I can better support all learners. I learned so much from Dr. Zimmer, as the program was filled with insight, practical strategies, and discussions. This experience has had a lasting impact on both my teaching and my professional goals."
-Barbara Staltare (currently at Oceanside NY AIS)
"My biggest takeaway from this program so far has been the practicum experience. By shadowing a literacy mentor and working one-on-one with two students, I have deepened my understanding of reading assessments, phonics instruction, and how to adapt my teaching techniques to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners. This part of the program has strengthened both my knowledge and confidence in reading instruction. It has also been incredibly fulfilling to see the progress made by my students as well as my own growth as an educator."
-Erin Tzetzo (currently at West Seneca Central School District, Special Education, Grades 1 & 2)