Master of Education in Literacy
Master of Education in Literacy
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.
A Master’s of Education in Literacy provides teachers with:
- The skills and strategies needed to support their students development as readers and writers.
- The knowledge to support content area learning.
- The opportunity to earn a reading specialist/literacy consultant certificate which opens up new employment options.
- Additional leadership skills to take on the role of literacy leader.
- Proficiency in the Science of Reading.
Our Students
- Recent PC graduates with degrees in Education
- PK-12 Teachers
- PACT Teachers
- Education majors from other colleges and universities
Why PC?
- Complete the program in 1.5 years (*contingent upon your schedule)
- Flexible schedule
- Establish real-world experience through case studies built into the program
- Connect with like-minded educators and build a network
- 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.
The program reflects a commitment to the integration of literacy theory, curriculum, and practice with methods of research and inquiry. In addition, participants will develop the leadership skills necessary to organize and support school wide literacy programs. Students may complete all of the requirements in as few as 1.5 years or as many as 5 years; the typical teacher in the program will complete it in 3 years.
In the News
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.
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
I would not be the teacher I am today without this program and its amazing instructors.
Callie Dulong ’21G
Current Providence College education majors may be interested in the 4+1 Program, please click here for more information.
Application Deadlines*
March 1
July 1
November 1
Start Term
Summer
Fall
Spring
*Students can take up to 2 courses while their application is under review.
Admission Requirements
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)
- 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.
Beverly A. Paesano, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Literacy Program
Harkins Hall 336
401.865.1987
bpaesano@providence.edu
Annalise Giuffrida
Graduate Assistant
Harkins Hall 334
401.865.1347
agiuffri.ga@providence.edu
