Reading Teacher K-12 Graduate Certificate Program (ED)
Offered through the Department of Teacher Development
in the School of Education
A132 Education Building
Phone: 320.308.3007
Fax: 320.308.2933
Email: ed@stcloudstate.edu
Website: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/ed/default.asp
Department Chairperson: Dr. Stephen Hornstein
Department Secretary: Ms. Debra Schmitz
Program Coordinator: Dr. Joanne Larson
Graduate Faculty: Christian, Larson, Miller, Serrano
Reading Teacher K-12 Certification Program
Program Overview
The Reading Teacher K-12 Certificate Program is a five course program for licensed teachers interested in becoming either specialized teacher of reading K-12 in their school districts or focusing on improving their own classroom instruction. The program incorporates the Minnesota Board of Teaching Standards for Licensure as a Reading Teacher (8710.4725). Special emphasis is placed upon effective instruction and assessment for K-12 students who are struggling with reading.
This program is offered through the Department of Teacher Development and leads to a Graduate Certificate in Reading Teacher K-12 through St. Cloud State University’s graduate studies program. In addition, the courses taken for the Reading Teacher K-12 Certification may be applied to a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.
Key Features
- Provides advanced professional educational opportunities for licensed teachers.
- The program can be completed in five semesters, including summer sessions. A student takes one course per semester.
- Provides opportunity for teachers to develop professional networks.
Admission Requirements Specific to the Program
- For admission consideration to the program, a candidate must first meet the minimum GPA admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies at St. Cloud State University.
- The GRE examination is not required for graduate certificate admission consideration.
- Undergraduate GPA is closely reviewed.
- Have completed a baccalaureate degree in elementary education, secondary education, special education, or English language learning (ELL) from an accredited college or university.
- One year of teaching experience is strongly recommended before coursework begins.
- Apply for admission to the Reading Teacher K-12 Graduate Certificate Program through the School of Graduate Studies.
- Provide a one to two paragraph statement of intent in pursuing a graduate certificate as a reading specialist.
- Admission decisions are made throughout the year as completed application files are received. Students may be admitted for fall, spring and summer terms.
Application Deadlines Specific to the Program
Gainful Employment
Certain undergraduate and graduate certificates at St. Cloud State University prepare students for employment in specific fields and do not result in a degree. Federal law requires publication of data associated with those programs of study, including approximate program costs, program length, and employment statistics. The Minnesota State Colleges and University's (MnSCU) Chancellor's office has provided this report containing the aforementioned information for all required programs.
Location of Certificate Program
Classes are held on the SCSU campus in the Education Building. Parking is available on-campus in pay lots or with a parking permit.
Advising
Once admitted to the Teacher of Reading K-12 certificate program the student should meet with his/her advisor to complete the Graduate Certificate Program Form. After advisor approval, this form should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. Please note that any changes in the State of Minnesota certificate guidelines will take precedence and may result in changes in this process.
Graduate Certificate - Reading Teacher K-12
Certification Courses
15 credits
ED 616 Reading Development and Language Acquisition—3 credits
This course includes research-based study of K-12 reading and language development including appropriate practices for elementary, middle school, and high school. It is designed to explore and critique strategies that develop reading skills and promote appreciation of reading in all students including those who find reading difficult for a variety of reasons.
ED 617 Informational Reading and Writing—3 credits
This course examines and critiques methods for teaching strategies to assist students K-12 in exploring and learning about their world through informational reading and writing. This includes informational trade books, textbooks, and other forms of print and non-print material.
ED 618 Reading Assessment K-12—3 credits
This course explores the role of assessment in reading instruction and a variety of methods and tools to facilitate assessment. Various types of formal and informal reading assessment strategies are examined, applied, and critiqued. (Includes 20 hour practicum)
ED 619 Struggling Readers: Analysis and Assistance—3 credits
This course fosters teachers’ abilities to look closely and critically at students’ reading abilities and plan and implement a well considered and appropriate instructional program. (Includes 10 hour practicum)
ED 620 Administration and Supervision of the Reading Program—3 credits
This course examines the leadership role of the reading specialist including needs assessment, planning and providing for professional development, selecting and evaluating materials, understanding state and federal legislation, and developing budgets (includes internship).
Completion of Certificate Program
During your final semester of coursework, submit an Application for Certificate Completion to the School of Graduate Studies.The satisfactory completion of a certificate program is verified by an appropriate statement on the transcript, and a certificate is provided to the student after the end of the semester of completion.
Process for Licensure Approval
- Candidate must complete all coursework as per the approved list of courses. If changes are made they must be approved and signed by the program coordinator.
- Candidate must obtain a score of 590 or better on the Reading MTLE examination. Candidate must designate SCSU as the University where MTLE score is sent.
- Candidate must obtain signed approval from the program coordinator to transfer courses taken at another institution that meet the requirements. These changes must be documented on the program form.
- Candidate must submit the following licensure application materials to St. Cloud State University's Office of Records and Registration, Attention: Darla Calverley:
- Copy of certificate application.
- Completed, signed, and dated State of Minnesota Licensure Application and Conduct Review Form for an addition to a Minnesota Education License (obtainable from the Department of Education Web site: www.education.state.mn.us).
- Check payable to the Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Education for $57 for Licensure Fee.
- A separate check payable to SCSU for $5 for an official SCSU transcript. (The Registrar’s Office will request the transcript for you.)
- Photocopy of current Minnesota Teaching License.
- If applicable, original transcripts sent from all universities in a sealed envelope in which course work was approved by program coordinator.
- After all materials and examination score are verified, the application is sent to the State of Minnesota Department of Education for final approval of licensure.
Contact SCSU Records and Registration Office
Rita Moore at rcmoore@stcloudstate.edu or phone 320.308.4037
For more information on the certificate, start dates and course schedule contact:
Dr. Joanne Larson
Department of Teacher Development
320.308.2520
jlarson@stcloudstate.edu
