Master of Education in Literacy
Master of Education in Literacy
Proficiency in the 2019 RI Right to Read Act
The Graduate Literacy Program at Providence College prepares certified teachers to be reading specialists/literacy consultants who are proficient in the Science of Reading. Literacy candidates are prepared for proficiency in evidence-based literacy instruction through 12 courses and 300 hours of field and internship experiences documented in written reports. An analysis of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and a series of coaching experiences further support the candidates’s mastery of evidence-based practices related to K-12 literacy development.
Graduate Education Virtual Info Sessions
Aligned with the most recent International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Reading Professionals, the graduate program in literacy highlights the skills and competencies consistent with structured literacy and science-based reading instruction. Through a carefully designed sequence of courses and experiences, graduates will be prepared to meet the literacy needs of students in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. This program requires participants to complete 36 semester hours of graduate credit, which includes both campus-based courses and practical field experience in local schools.
- Additional Certification: Graduates of this program are eligible for an additional certification as a literacy specialist through the Rhode Island Department of Education.
- Right to Read: According to the Right to Read amended legislation, graduates of a Master’s in Literacy program fulfill proficiency requirements in the Science of Reading and structured literacy practices.
Current Providence College education majors that may be interested in the 4+1 Program, please click here for more information.
Literacy Master’s Fast Facts
- 36 credit hours (includes both campus-based courses and practical field experience in local schools.)
- On campus delivery.
- May be completed in as little as 1.5 years (depending on schedule)*
- Tuition Information
- Deadlines: November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer, and July 1 for Fall with rolling admission on a space available basis.
- Students can take up to 2 courses while their application is under review.*
- Admission Requirements below.
I would not be the teacher I am today without this program and its amazing instructors.
Callie Dulong ’21G
Take the chance and go for it! The support system that exists throughout this rigorous program is unwavering; it has changed me professionally, while also opening my eyes up to all the possibilities and ways of being both a great teacher and an effective reading specialist.
Olivia Orlando ’22G
Graduate Education Stories
Literacy Stories
Literacy Alumna Wins Prestigious National Award
Emily Rendine ’19, a third-grade teacher at Hennessey Elementary School in East Providence, has received the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This award identifies “early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.” Nicknamed the “Oscar of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Award honors educators across the nation with $25,000 in unrestricted funds and a trip to an awards event in LA. For more information, visit this link.
Admission Requirements
Deadlines:
- November 1 for Spring
- March 1 for Summer
- July 1 for Fall
Complete the online application
Application fee of $65.00
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts – PC students do not need to send PC transcripts
Two Recommendation Forms (one from your principal, supervising administrator, or cooperating teacher) – instructions will be emailed to Recommenders
Professional Statement (approximately 1,000 words)
Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career as a reading specialist? Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following:
- the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position
- the experiences that have shaped your thinking
- your observations of other professionals in this position
- the impact you hope to have on a school community
State teaching certification required for full admission.
A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission.
Program Requirements
To earn a degree, candidates are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in all course work and develop a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of current ILA Standards for Reading Professionals.
Successful completion of the program qualifies candidates for a M.Ed. degree and fulfills the coursework requirements of a PK-12 Reading Specialist/Consultant certificate in Rhode Island.
Candidates who have successfully completed the literacy program at Providence College, who have three years of teaching experience, and who have passed the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment are eligible for Rhode Island certification as a reading specialist. Click here for more information regarding the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment.
For more information about program requirements, please refer to the PROGRAM HANDBOOK.
Required Courses
Candidates follow a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses. Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next.
Strand I: Developing Core Knowledge
EDU763: Research in Literacy
EDU765: Models and Processes of Literacy
Strand II: Applying Core Knowledge to K-12 Learners
EDU767: Fostering Cultural Awareness and Development: Diverse Literatures K-12
EDU830: Evidence-Based Practices in Primary Grade Literacy Instruction
EDU832: Evidence-Based Practices in Middle/Secondary Grade Literacy Instruction
EDU835: Understanding Learning Differences and Responsive Pedagogy
EDU840: Evidence-Based Practices in Intermediate Grade Literacy Instruction
EDU851: Teaching Writing K-12
Strand III: Developing Leadership through Internship
EDU837: Organization and Supervision
EDU842: The Literacy Coach
Consult program handbook for additional information.
Additional Resources
Beverly A. Paesano, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Literacy Program
Harkins Hall 336
401.865.1987
bpaesano@providence.edu
Angelica Moschetti
Graduate Assistant for Literacy & Leadership
Harkins Hall
amoschet.ga@providence.edu
