Reading Education, M.Ed.

Designed for experienced teachers, the M.Ed. in Reading Education program qualifies graduates for the North Carolina Advanced Standard Professional II teaching license in K-12 reading education. Relevant to all areas of the K-12 curriculum, this program is designed for classroom teachers and aspiring literacy specialists who are interested in improving instructional programs and practices that promote literacy among all learners.

Based on professional standards published by the International Reading Association and the N.C. State Department of Education, the program prepares graduates who: 1) understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction; 2) use instructional approaches, materials and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing; 3) use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction; 4) create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect, and a valuing of differences and diversity in our society; and 5) demonstrate, and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a career-long effort and responsibility by serving as a resource to educate teachers, administrators, and the community.

At the time of Catalog printing, the M.Ed. in Reading Education program is offered fully online. The program is designed as a cohort model. Students can complete the degree within two years/five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring).

General Requirements for Admission to the Graduate School

Please refer to admission information in The Graduate School section.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants must hold an A level license in any teaching field from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or its equivalent from another state).

Degree Requirements

The M.Ed. in Reading Education program requires a total of 30 credit hours of courses in four phases:

Phase I: Foundations of Reading and Technology (9 credit hours)

Phase II: Expanding Content and Pedagogical Knowledge (9 credit hours)

Phase III: Developmentally Appropriate Assessment and Instruction (9 credit hours)

Phase IV: Leadership in Literacy Education (3 credit hours)

READ 6474 - Collaborative Leadership in Literacy Education (3)

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

Clinical Field Experiences

Students in the M.Ed. in Reading Education program participate in clinical field experiences that require them to apply coursework in classroom settings, analyze P-12 student learning, and reflect on their practice in the context of theories on teaching and learning. Students deepen their understanding of the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions that foster student learning. These experiences broaden their ability to help all students learn, including children with exceptionalities and students from diverse ethnic/racial, linguistic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. These structured field experiences can take place in multiple settings such as neighboring schools or districts, day care centers and after- school programs, alternate youth centers, or in the schools and classrooms in which the student works.

Assistantships

The Department typically has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships, pending resources. Applications are available from the Department of Reading and Elementary Education.

Program Approval

All teacher education programs at UNC Charlotte are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by North Carolina State Board of Education.