More than three years since COVID-19 disrupted U.S. classrooms, students are struggling to catch up on critical reading skills. Last year, only 33% of fourth graders scored proficient or better on a national reading exam administered by federal officials, according to The New York Times. No state, including New Jersey, reported significant improvement from previous years.
This challenging reality has created more demand for certified reading specialists who can help students of all ages gain literacy skills that will set them up for success in the future. William Paterson University’s online Master of Education (MEd) in Literacy with a concentration in Reading Specialist program prepares educators to step into a classroom, tutor an adult learner or coordinate reading and writing programs across a school district.
Understanding the Role of a Reading Specialist
Depending on their responsibilities or the school district, reading specialists often have different job titles, such as literacy coach or reading interventionist. At many schools, specialists work directly with students and provide supplemental instruction based on an individual’s specific reading challenges.
In other educational settings, literacy coaches provide professional development training and support for teachers tasked with implementing reading programs in their classrooms, according to the International Literacy Association. As reading specialists grow in their careers, their duties may involve developing and evaluating a school’s overall literacy program. Specialists often work across departments and grade levels to determine a plan that meets student needs.
To achieve measurable improvement in student outcomes, educators must master the elements of literacy instruction and learn strategies that work across diverse populations. William Paterson University’s online MEd in Literacy – Reading Specialist program offers courses in diagnosis and remediating reading problems; designing curricula for children, adolescents and adults; and instructing English language learners on content and literacy skills.
Graduates will better understand how to plan, develop and execute remediation sessions based on a student’s specific needs. They will also be prepared to earn the endorsement to become a reading specialist at a New Jersey educational institution.
Requirements for New Jersey Reading Specialists
Before reading specialists can begin their careers at a K-12 school in New Jersey, they must complete a series of steps. To be eligible for the state of New Jersey’s reading specialist standard certificate, also known as Endorsement 3310, educators must obtain a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Candidates must own a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate. They must also submit official transcripts documenting 30 credit hours of graduate coursework to the state.
Graduates must complete coursework in reading foundations, diagnosis of reading problems, correction of reading problems and supervised practicum in reading. They must also pick at least three other areas to study, including children’s or adolescent literature, measurement, organization of reading programs, psychology, staff supervision, linguistics, special education, research or foundations of education.
Prospective specialists must also submit a Record of Professional Experience form filled out by an employer that documents at least two years of full-time teaching experience. Education department officials will make a final determination on whether or not the work experience meets state regulations.
Professionals then submit an application to the state’s education department online. The application typically requires a certification fee, but the state will waive all certification and credentialing fees for educators between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Once educators obtain a reading specialist certificate in New Jersey, Zippia estimates they can expect an average salary of $65,304. Zippia projects the national market for reading specialists will grow by 3% over the next five years. The demand is evident in New Jersey, with more than 1,000 job openings statewide.
Satisfy Graduate Education Requirements Through William Paterson University
William Paterson University’s online MEd in Literacy – Reading Specialist program is designed to help graduates earn a degree that meets the New Jersey Department of Education’s certification requirements. Educators can earn their master’s degree knowing they are ready to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online MEd in Literacy with a Concentration in Reading Specialist program.
