MEd: Elementary Education

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Reading Emphasis

Specialize in Literacy

The Master of Arts in Elementary Education, emphasis in Literacy provides elementary school teachers with advanced knowledge of research, theory and practice in reading and language arts, with a strong emphasis on teaching literacy to students who are in diverse settings. This program prepares beginning teachers to teach literacy and to integrate literacy instruction within and across content areas. It also prepares experienced teachers to become literacy specialists or literacy coaches through our Literacy Specialist program (K-12).

Teachers in this program take literacy courses with professors who are nationally and internationally known experts in the field of literacy education. These courses include the latest research and teaching strategies for preparing students to be literate with 21st century literacies, three of which are clinical courses that are associated with the Burnett Literacy Clinic. The Literacy Clinic is a collaborative learning site that focuses on the preparation of future teacher leaders and researchers. Teachers in the Literacy Clinic provide reading and writing assessment and instruction to children, adolescents and adults in the community. They also design family literacy practices with parents who come to the Clinic. Teachers enrolled in the Masters of Elementary Education, emphasis in literacy program have the opportunity to use the resources associated with the Literacy Clinic. These resources include: the newest instructional videos in the field of literacy education; a multicultural, leveled book room; and each year the Literacy Clinic invites a literacy researcher to campus to share new advances in the field.

Many of the teachers in this program also work toward their state Reading Certification, an endorsement that positions teachers to assume leadership roles in literacy coaching, curriculum and instruction or professional development.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA)

To determine if this program meets the reciprocity requirements for like state educational certification programs outside the state of Missouri, follow this link for further contact information and resources.