Reading Specialist Endorsement Certificate

Contact Information

Sara Parrish
(775) 784-4383
saraparrish@unr.edu

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The program objectives for the online master’s program, of which this certificate program is a part, are aligned with the International Reading Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals. Graduates of the Online Multiple Literacies Master’s program will be able to:

• demonstrate foundational knowledge of literacy and literacy development,
• use curricular and instructional knowledge to meet the literacy needs of diverse students,
• use a variety of assessment tools to determine learning needs and objectives,
• engage students in literacy practices that develop awareness and respect for differences in our society,
• apply a multiple literacies perspective and employ multiple literacies tools in literacy instruction and assessment,
• create a literate environment for students, and
• value the importance of professional learning and leadership in literacy.

Student learning outcomes include summative assessments for each course which demonstrate learning in one or more of the above objectives.

Admission Requirements

Students applying to receive the endorsement only (those not currently enrolled in the M.Ed. graduate program) must have:

1. completed a Masters degree previously,
2. 3 years of teaching experience, and
3. a valid elementary or secondary teaching license.

Priority consideration will be given to M.Ed. graduate program applicants who meet the Graduate School admission requirements and:

1. have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale) or 3.0 for the last half of the undergraduate degree;
2. submit TOEFL scores (international applicants only);
3. complete the Graduate School application; 
4. complete the Literacy Studies Program Application, including:
   • application form,
   • a signed disposition statement for the degree sought,
   • confidential letters of recommendation from two persons who can comment on your professional qualifications and/or ability to be successful in graduate work,
   • a brief (1-2 page) resume, and
   • a brief (1-3 page) typed essay describing your educational philosophy and purpose for pursuing the certificate.

I. Program Requirements

Students who wish to complete the Endorsement Certificate only must complete the required courses below and 4 units from the elective list.

Endorsement Certificate students who are also enrolled in the M.Ed. program may earn the Endorsement Certificate along the way to the M.Ed. by completing the requirements for our M.Ed. program:

1. M.Ed. students must enroll in either the thesis option (33 units) or the non-thesis option (32 units) for the M.Ed. degree.
2. All M.Ed. students must complete 18 units of core courses (of which the required courses below are a subset), and a minimum of 15 units of courses at the 700-level.
3. In addition to 18 units of core courses, thesis-option students take an additional 9 units of electives and 6 thesis units (EDS 797).
4. Non-thesis option students take the 18 units of core courses, an additional 12 units of electives, and 2 comprehensive exam units (EDS 795).

II. Total Hours (minimum 16 units)

Undergraduate Requirements