Master of Science in Teacher of Reading for Initial Licensure
(Also offered in Attleboro, MA)
The master’s program in Teacher of Reading is designed for professionals who already possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree and initial licensure and who now want to become reading specialists or classroom teachers versed in the practice of teaching reading and writing in multilingual and multicultural settings. Students develop a knowledge base in children’s literacy development, learn to observe and assess children’s reading and writing abilities, and develop a repertoire of teaching strategies that reflect a balanced approach to literacy instruction. They also learn how to partner with, advocate for, and support families and communities on literacy and other language issues.
Successful completion of this program leads to the Massachusetts Initial License, Teacher of Reading (preK-12). This program is also an “approved master’s degree program” for teachers with initial licenses in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities who wish to qualify for professional licensure in these teaching areas.
Signature Courses
Students select courses in human development, multiculturalism, research and language and culture requirements. There are two opportunities for unique experiences within the curriculum of this master’s program.
Individualized Instruction in Literacy (RDG 622) Wheelock offers an innovative practical learning opportunity in the literacy laboratory in a local urban elementary school. In RDG 622 students work in the lab twice a week, developing skills at diagnosing literacy needs through formal and informal assessments and planning research-based instruction. Related to this experience, students can also take Diagnosis and Correction of Reading (RDG 626), working in the same lab and extending the competencies gained during RDG 622.
Language and Culture (HDF 702) In this course students are introduced to the relationships between language and culture and they examine methods to help linguistically diverse students develop literacy abilities that draw upon and extend home language competency. Special attention is given to the cultural base of language and literacy learning among African-American and Latino families and communities.
For a detailed list of courses, please go to the graduate section of our catalog in .pdf and click on School of Education and Child Life: Language and Literacy.
Certification
Upon successful completion of this program and the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure, students are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts Initial License, Teacher of Reading (preK-12). The Teacher of Reading license is an advanced specialist credential.
Field Experience
Working in real-world settings to apply what you have learned in the classroom is the foundation of graduate study at Wheelock College. Students in the Teacher of Reading program participate in two kinds of closely-mentored clinical experiences. For two semesters, students work two afternoons a week in a college-supervised literacy laboratory in an urban elementary school in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Additionally, students participate in a 150-hour practicum with a reading specialist in an elementary school, typically in Boston, Brookline, or Cambridge, Massachusetts. To find out more go to our Field Experiences Website.
FAQs
Q: How many credits is this program?
A: 31
Q: Can I begin this program in any semester?
A: Yes, students can enter this program at the start of any
semester. We recommend enrolling in the fall semester if you intend
to complete it as a full-time student in three semesters.
Q: Do I need to be a full-time student to participate in
this program?
A: Students may enroll in this program with full-time or part-time
student status.
Q: Do I have to interview for admission to the program?
A: No. But informational interviews to learn more about the
program and its fit with your professional goals are encouraged. To
schedule an interview with a faculty member, email the Office of Graduate
Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu.
Q: Do I need prior experience to qualify for admission to
this program?
A: Yes, to be admitted to this program, applicants need at
least one year of post-license teaching experience in the area of their
license. The year of teaching needs to be complete by the time the
candidate is scheduled to start this program.
Q: What if I do not have teaching experience or an initial
license?
A: The program advisor may be able to assist you with finding
a paid or unpaid internship through Wheelock’s partner schools
to help you meet the teaching experience requirement. Similarly, we
may be able to help you to plan a coordinated program that begins with
a graduate level licensure-only course sequence in elementary education
leading into admission to the Teacher of Reading program. Those interested
in this option should schedule an interview with a faculty member by
emailing graduate@wheelock.edu.
Q: How many total hours are the program practica?
A: Each student will participate in a total of 200 hours of
clinical experience, 50 at the college’s after school literacy
laboratory in Roxbury and 150 practicum hours with a reading specialist
in an elementary school.
Q: Am I paid for my practicum?
A: No, usually the practicum is not a paid position.
Q: Will I be able to use my current job as a placement opportunity?
A: In some instances, students can build a practicum experience
in their current school, collaborating with the school’s reading
specialist. Students should discuss this option with the program coordinator
or faculty advisor. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at
graduate@wheelock.edu to
be connected with a faculty member who can discuss this option with
you in greater detail.
Q: What is the deadline for application?
A: April 1.
Q: What will I need to submit if I apply to this program?
A: A graduate
program application, a 3-5 page essay, a copy of your resumé,
copies of your academic transcripts and 3 letters of reference. Applicants
must also submit documentation of an initial teaching license and should
show evidence in the resumé that the required teaching experience
will be completed by the program start date. For full details of required
admissions materials visit our Graduate
Admissions.
Applying to a Wheelock College Graduate Program
Go to our application process web page to find out more on how to apply to this program.
If you have any questions about these programs, other graduate programs at Wheelock College, or about applying to Wheelock College, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu or call (617) 879-2206, (toll-free (800) 734-5212), or visit the Office of Graduate Admissions Web Site.
