The M.S. in Literacy program is open to individuals who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and a GPA of 3.0, as well as Initial Certification in another teaching area conferred or closely pending. 

Applicants will be expected to possess the appropriate number of liberal arts and sciences credits as determined by New York State’s most updated regulations.

PLO 1: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to recognize the range of individual differences in how students learn and customize instruction to accommodate such diversity.  

PLO 2: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to develop culturally responsive curriculum and instruction that draws on linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as family background and community values as assets that can be used to promote learning.

PLO 3: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to maintain an inclusive learning environment that promotes positive social interactions, acceptance, collaboration, mutual respect, multicultural awareness, an appreciation of diversity, and a concern for others.

PLO 4: Teacher candidates demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts, principles, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplinary areas that they teach and create meaningful learning experiences to ensure learner mastery of the content.

PLO 5: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to make content knowledge relevant to learners by connecting it to local, state, national, and global issues.

PLO 6: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to align lessons with NYS curricular standards for college readiness and successful performance on state-mandated tests.

PLO 7: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to use a variety of instructional strategies to engage, motivate; promote critical thinking, self-directed learning, creativity, and collaborative problem solving to extend learners’ understanding of the content areas.

PLO 8: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to integrate new technologies across content areas to deliver instruction in meaningful ways and add value to the overall learning experience.

PLO 9: Teacher candidates demonstrate an understanding of the uses, strengths, and limitations of various forms of assessment practices to document learner progress and adjust instruction as needed.

PLO 10: Teacher candidates support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students through dispositions such as acceptance, empathy, caring, fairness, student advocacy, and the belief that all students can learn.

PLO 11: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to be self-reflective and use this knowledge to seek critical feedback, enhance their repertoire of teaching skills, and pursue professional development opportunities in the best interest of learners.

PLO 12: Teacher candidates demonstrate the ability to foster positive interactions and collaborate with progressional colleagues and school personnel in support of student learning, development, and well-being.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be eligible for an official Institutional Recommendation for New York State Initial Certification in Literacy (All Grades). 

To complete NYS Certification, students must pass New York State Certification Examinations and complete mandated workshops. Graduates qualify for positions as literacy teachers and coaches in P-12 schools, as well as for non-classroom careers within higher education institutions and community and government agencies.

📚 Reading or Literacy Specialist
• Support students in developing strong reading, writing, and comprehension skills
• Work with small groups or individual students who need additional literacy support
• Help teachers implement effective literacy strategies across subjects

🧑🏫 Classroom Teacher with Literacy Expertise
• Integrate advanced literacy instruction into classroom teaching
• Strengthen reading, writing, and critical thinking skills across grade levels
• Support diverse learners through targeted literacy strategies

✏️ Curriculum Developer or Literacy Education Specialist
• Design reading and writing curricula, literacy programs, and instructional materials
• Work with schools, publishers, or educational organizations
• Ensure literacy instruction aligns with state and national standards

📖 Literacy Coach or Instructional Coach
• Mentor teachers in improving literacy instruction and classroom practices
• Lead professional development workshops on reading and writing strategies
• Help schools strengthen literacy programs and student outcomes

🏫 Education Program Coordinator or School Leader (with experience)
• Manage school-wide literacy initiatives and intervention programs
• Support teachers and staff in improving literacy achievement
• Develop policies and programs that promote student success in reading and writing