Master of Education in Special Education with Dyslexia Credential

The Master of Special Education with Dyslexia Credential prepares current state-certified teachers and tutors to educate students who are reading below grade level or have been diagnosed with a reading or language disability. The program includes the courses and training needed for Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certification. Students who complete this certificate would become eligible for the Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner credential from the Wilson Reading System® Corporation. Additional coursework in Special Education provides foundational content knowledge and skill development that are applicable to the field of special education in general with an emphasis on dyslexia studies.

The program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree who currently hold, or who have completed all requirements to obtain, a state teaching credential. Read the Press Release at this link.

We are thrilled to be collaborating with Wilson Language Systems® to offer a credential in dyslexia instruction. Superintendents and school principals are eager to hire teachers who have this specialized skill set. They know this type of instruction can make a world of difference in the lives of many children for whom learning to read is a challenge. Likewise, parents often request a Wilson trained teacher because they know their track record for helping students with dyslexia to learn to read is exceptional.

Dr. Beth Schaper, Visiting Assistant Professor of Education (Secondary Education), Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and former School Superintendent

Program Information

The academic coursework of the program is sequenced to run during the summer, fall, and spring semesters with a full-time student completing the coursework in one academic year. This sequence will allow a full-time student to complete their Wilson Level I Dyslexia Practitioner Certification sequence and the remainder of the coursework during the same year. A part-time student will complete the Wilson Level I Dyslexia Practitioner Certification sequence and coursework during the 1^st year and the remainder of the coursework during the 2^nd year which concludes in the spring.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Master the methods of intensive multisensory, explicit teaching and assessment practices and apply them to help a student(s) with language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia) to read.
• Understand the structure of the English language as it pertains to the science of reading and multisensory reading instruction.
• Complete a 65+ lesson practicum with an approved student that helps the student make significant progress in learning to read and spell more effectively with the effective practitioner earning a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner® credential.
• Understand key components of effective practice in the field of special education including assessment, diagnosis of disabilities, inclusion, modified instruction, current research, and individualized educational planning.
• Apply knowledge and skills to educational programming for students with a variety of special educational needs. Understand and properly select from a variety of instructional and placement options to meet individualized students’ learning needs and develop appropriate plans for individualized support.

Tuition and Fees

• Graduate Tuition Rates: Education
• $830 Fee for Wilson coursework, in addition to tuition. This fee must be paid by all enrolled students and is not waived for anyone with a tuition waiver or Graduate Assistants.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• $65 application fee
• Résumé
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Official college transcripts (a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission)
• State-issued teaching credentials
• Statement of Interest (approximately 500 words):
  • Describe how you became interested in pursuing a credential in dyslexia studies. How do you envision this training being put to good use in your future pursuits?

Application Deadlines

Since this is a cohorted program, space is limited. If you are interested in joining the next cohort, please consider applying early.

Round 1: November 1st
Round 2: March 1st
Round 3: June 1st

All other applicants who submit their materials after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.