Reading (C.A.S., M.Ed., M.S.Ed.) Type 10 Certification
Language and Literacy (M.Ed., C.A.S., M.S.Ed.) Reading
and Language (Ed.S.)
Program Descriptions:
The NLU master’s degree and certificate of advanced study programs in Reading are designed to give you an understanding of the research, theory, and practice related to the reading process and its instruction. Our programs meet the guidelines of the International Reading Association, NCATE and the State of Illinois for the preparation of reading teachers and reading specialists. When you complete the 36-semester-hour Reading Specialist program (32 semester hours for C.A.S.), and meet the testing and other requirements of the state, you can apply to the State of Illinois for Reading Teacher endorsement or K-12 Reading Specialist certification depending on your course of study.
The NLU master's degree and certificate of advanced study programs in Language and Literacy are designed for classroom teachers interested in integrating language arts instruction. The focus in this program is on designing effective instructional strategies to develop literacy.
The educational specialist program in Reading & Language contains rigorous coursework, focusing on the history of reading research, current literacy issues, language development, early reading acquisition, comprehension, literature, writing and staff development. We create curriculum and learning environments to engage students and faculty in the art of educational inquiry and critical understanding. This program’s curriculum includes coursework on topics central to the study of reading and language.
How You Will Learn:
Reading & Language is taught using both cohort model and traditional on-campus registration. In the cohort model, you go through the program with the same group of 12-20 students in a predetermined set of courses. In traditional on-campus registration, you pace your own course of studies. In both instances, the careful sequence of courses provides support and friendship of fellow students throughout the program.
What You Will Learn:
- How to design, implement and evaluate teaching practices in reading and language.
- An in-depth knowledge of language development, early reading acquisition, comprehension, writing and staff development and the research base for best practices.
- How to connect theories and research on language, cognition and learning to instruction.
- How to supervise and coordinate reading programs.
- How to communicate research results and data analysis.
- How to provide leadership in the area of staff development.
Where You Can Take the Program:
The Reading program is offered at Chicago, Lisle and Skokie (North Shore). Entry-level courses are sometimes offered on other campuses and in the field.
The Ed.S. program is available in Wheeling.
