Post Bacc Certification Requirements: PK-12 Reading Specialist
Post Baccalaureate PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification Requirements
The School of Graduate Studies: Online
The Graduate Studies PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification program offers Post Baccalaureate Certification that requires 24 credits (8 courses) including:
Certification Courses: 24 credits (8 courses). The program fully online program is designed for teachers who hold a current PA Instructional I
or II teaching Certification.
All Certificates: Graduate certificates are available for an additional 9-15 credits (3-5 courses).
All Education Programs Post Bacc PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification students can get a MA in Literacy with 2 additional courses. See MA in Literacy with Post Bacc PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification requirements for details.
Graduate Pennsylvania Certification Requirements
Please see below the requirements and steps to become certified in Pennsylvania on both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Rosemont College reserves the right to change any requirements, at any time, to comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements. Please contact the Certification Officer Dr. Falconi with any questions: [email protected]
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- Complete all program coursework with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- Complete and pass relevant Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) and Praxis tests (not applicable to ESL Program Specialist Certification).
- Meet with the Certification Officer (see below) to complete the certification request form and receive information and directions to submit your application to the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) site.
The Certification Officer will then affirm and recommend you for certification on the TIMS site.
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- You will be sent notification from the Certification Officer that this recommendation has been completed and will then wait for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to evaluate.
- Official contact from PDE varies during the time of the year, but is typically 4-6 weeks.
- Once contacted via email that you have been approved for certification, you will print your certificate from the TIMS site.
NOTE: Due to our merger, the time to apply for certification is limited: If you have not applied for certification, please contact Dr. Denise Falconi, Director of Teacher Education, as soon as possible.
Program specific requirements:
Complete a minimum of 100 hours practicum.
Post Baccalaureate PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification Courses (24 Credits)
EDU 4520: Teaching English Language Learners
Prerequisite: None
The focus of this course will be the teacher’s role in establishing an academic field of study through which English Language Learners (ELL) are instructed in social, cultural, and academic language skills to improve her/his school performance. Instruction involves the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at appropriate developmental and proficiency levels with little or no use of the native language. Classroom and ESL teachers are expected to collaborate for the delivery of an effective learning experience utilizing various assignments, lesson plans, projects, assessments and/or field work. All grade levels (K-12) are discussed, but for these specific certification curriculum purposes, the PK-4 broad ban will be specified in all assignments and activities.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4550: Teaching Special Needs Students
Prerequisite: None
This course will explore the complex theoretical and practical issues that are both the foundation for educating students with disabilities and the implementation of specially designed instruction in inclusive settings. A significant portion of the course will also be devoted to strategies and tips for teachers in providing appropriate supports, interventions and instruction for students with disabilities. In addition, students will be introduced to the various categories of disability. Students will learn introductory material about educational accommodation for these disabilities and will learn how to write the basics of an IEP. Finally, since the vast majority of students with disabilities have reading deficiencies, special attention will be paid to addressing this problem.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4563: Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theoretical bases of comprehension and meaningful vocabulary development with a focus on improving reading and writing skills across disciplines Best practices in teaching, writing, assessing reading comprehension, and vocabulary development are integral components of this course.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4565: Multicultural Literature
Prerequisite: None
Multicultural Literature addresses ILA Standard 4 (Diversity) through readings and discussion of writings by and about diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and socioeconomic groups. We will work together to critically examine K-12 literature and the context in which it is read. Categories of differences will be considered to explore relationships between ourselves and others including interpersonal and institutional relationships. This course is designed to engage us as critical readers and consumers of K- 12 literature.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4575: Children and Adolescent Literature
Prerequisite: None
This course presents an overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of the study of literature for children and adolescents. Students will develop both a wide familiarity with children's/adolescents' books as well as an understanding of how literature can be used in elementary/middle/secondary school curricula. Students will complete individualized course projects that focus on literature in specific classroom, research, critical, theoretical, home, community, and/or professional contexts.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4585: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Reading
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to explore current research-based instructional strategies and curricular practices that promote children’s literacy competencies in grades PK-12 in accordance with the International Literacy Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals. The focus throughout this course is intended to engender and enhance the pre-service reading specialist’s knowledge and ability to help students construct meaning
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4593: Classroom Assessment and Analysis
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the theoretical bases and the nature of differences in literacy acquisition. The developmental nature of literacy growth and the importance of instruction within the learner's zone of proximal development will be explored. How literacy differences are influenced by social, emotional, psychological, physical, and educational factors will be investigated. Best practices in teaching, supporting, and assessing students with literacy difficulties will be an integral part of the course.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 4596: Literacy Practicum and Seminar
Prerequisite: None
The Literacy Practicum and Seminar focuses on assessment and instruction of students experiencing literacy difficulties. A required field experience is scheduled across elementary and secondary levels under the supervision of a licensed Reading Specialist or other certificated mentor. Program participants will provide individualized and small group instruction at assigned schools and will meet on a regular basis with their college supervisor, or instructor, in a seminar format for additional instruction and support to attain and demonstrate the competencies and performance levels of effective Reading Specialists.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
Strengthen Your Program with a Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificates
Set yourself apart by adding a graduate certificate to your master's degree. Students enrolled in graduate professional studies programs may choose from a diverse selection of graduate certificates to further enrich their educational experience. The graduate certificates may be taken as a stand alone option or, in some cases, achieved with additional courses embedded within the course of study. This additional focus provides specialized knowledge and experience tailored to your career and personal goals.
At Rosemont, we offer a high quality education and a pathway to success that provides exceptional value within a challenging yet supportive environment. Recognizing the demands faced by adult learners, we offer flexible degree options designed to support your continued growth through education.
Choose Your Path to Success
At Rosemont, we understand the complex world of education. In fact, all graduate education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. While an MA in Education is the perfect steppingstone for many, we understand that depending on your desired career trajectory, you may require unique training and certifications. This is why Rosemont offers many opportunities for educators to enhance their credentials through graduate Education programs and certifications. In some cases, students may choose to pursue graduate certification without obtaining a master’s degree. Contact Program Director Denise Falconi for details.Â