Master of Science Teacher of Reading for Initial Reading Licensure (PreK-12)
Offered in Attleboro, MA
Wheelock College, founded in 1888, enjoys a national and international reputation as a leader in early childhood education and related fields serving children and families. Wheelock’s graduate programs are designed to create leaders and advocates to improve the lives of all children and families.
Each graduate program is committed to an inclusive, developmental, and multicultural approach to child study. Wheelock College offers master's degree programs, a Certificate in Parenting Education, and several professional development courses and institutes. National and Regional programs are currently offered in locations throughout Massachusetts as well as in New Hampshire, Maine and South Carolina.
THE COHORT MODEL AND FORMAT
Our national and regional master's degree programs are designed as a cohort learning experience wherein a group completes the entire two year program together. The close bond that develops among students as they share professional, academic, and personal experiences is a special aspect of the program. Students work collaboratively and often find that strong support networks are built among cohort members, faculty, advisors, and staff lasting well beyond the two year academic program.
TEACHER OF READING PROGRAM
The Teacher of Reading master’s degree is designed for students who want to become reading specialists or classroom teachers who are experts in teaching, reading and writing in multilingual and multicultural settings. Through a set of courses and field experiences, students develop a base of knowledge about children’s literacy development, learn to observe and assess children’s reading abilities, and develop a repertoire of teaching strategies that reflect a balanced approach to literacy instruction. In addition, students learn how to partner with, advocate for, and support schools, families and communities in improving literacy outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program requirements and the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), students are eligible to apply for Massachusetts Teacher of Reading Initial License (preK-12). Before program entry, students must have an initial teacher license, typically in early childhood, elementary, middle school, or special education and must have at least one year of teaching experience in the area of this first license. The master’s in Teacher of Reading fulfills state requirements that lead to Professional Licensure for teachers with initial license in Early Childhood, Elementary, English as a Second Language (PreK-6) and Moderate Disabilities.
SCHEDULE OF COURSES
Each course will take place on 3 weekends. Classes are held Friday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are scheduled approximately every other weekend. The spring semester of the second year will also include a 150 hour practicum. Students who are employed may be able to use their workplace as a practicum site.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT
An initial teaching license and at least one year of teaching experience under initial license.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission decisions are based upon careful review of academic records, a written essay, three references, and relevant experience. Please refer to the this page for specific information regarding admission requirements and materials.
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
The current tuition for the National and Regional master program is $625 per credit. Federal Stafford loans and other supplemental education loans are available through government financial aid applications (FAFSA). For information on graduate financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 617-879-2206 or visit the Financial Aid website.
Program of Study
31 Credit Hours- HDF 530: Language Acquisition – 3 Credits
- RDG 558: Multicultural Children’s Literature – 3 Credits
- HDP 702: Language and Culture – 3 Credits
- RDG 530: Teaching Literacy to English Language Learners – 3 Credits
- RDG 622: Individualized Instruction in Literacy * - 3 Credits
- RDG 568: Developing Young Writers – 3 Credits
- RDG 618: Literacy across the Curriculum – 3 Credits
- RES 722: Research in language and Literacy – 3 Credits
- RDP 609: Teacher of Reading Practicum – 3 Credits
- RDG 626: Diagnosis and Correction of Reading – 3 Credits
- EDU 850: Advanced Capstone** - 1 Credit
* Must be taken prior to RDP 609
** Entrance to capstone requirement: passing scores on the Reading
Specialist and Communication and Literacy Massachusetts Test for Educator
Licensure (MTEL).
For additional information, contact us:
By phone: (617) 879-2311
By email: natreg@wheelock.edu
