Online Literacy & Reading Degree Programs

The field of literacy and reading is one of the most important areas of the education industry, as reading is a fundamental part of participation in society. Teaching literacy and reading skills to students helps them transition to more advanced work, and enhances their ability to enjoy school and be better learners. Studies have also found important correlations between literacy, poverty levels, and crime. Literacy is directly related to increased job opportunity, and indirectly linked with decreased crime and incarceration rates.

Teachers who specialize in literacy and reading may work as adult educators in community learning facilities or as teachers in the K-12 school system. Some focus on teaching non-native speakers of English.

Requirements for Teaching Literacy

A bachelor's degree is the standard minimum qualification for teaching literacy and reading. Literacy specialists typically go on to a master's degree in the field. Two-year master's degrees in literacy are widely available online, making them accessible to teachers balancing a full work schedule and continuing education.

Master's degrees in literacy go by the following names:

• Master of Education in Reading
• Master of Education in Literacy
• Master of Education in K-12 Literacy
• Master of Education in Elementary Reading & Literacy
• Master of Education in Adult Education with an emphasis on Literacy

In addition to advanced coursework, master's degree programs include opportunities for students to conduct original research leading to a thesis or capstone project.

Literacy Education Programs

Literacy education courses cover an array of special topics, including:

• Reading comprehension
• Literacy research and quantitative analysis
• Literacy assessment
• Techniques for teaching literacy and reading
• Literacy curriculum development
• Using technology to teach literacy

Teacher Licensure

In addition to a bachelor's or master's degree in literacy and reading, aspiring public school teachers must meet state requirements for licensure. Licensure typically involves a teacher training program and an exam. Teacher training programs typically take about a year to complete and involve supervised classroom teaching.

Literacy & Reading Specialist Careers

In addition to teaching jobs at various levels, literacy & reading specialists may work as educational consultants or instructional coordinators. Literacy specialists work with teachers and school administrators to develop reading programs, strategies, and assessment tools. The demand for literacy consultants has grown with the implementation of new federal standards for literacy education.

A degree in literacy and reading offers strong preparation for a teaching or educational consulting career. Teachers earned average salaries of $47,830 to $50,040 in 2007, depending on grade level. Instructional coordinators earned $58,070 in the same period. With literacy a high priority throughout the school system, opportunities promise to remain strong throughout the coming decade.

Literacy is a fundamental skill in today's society--without it, adults risk joblessness and social alienation. Literacy is fundamental to voting, driving, communicating, and a host of other life skills that many people take for granted. As a literacy and reading teacher, you have the opportunity to make an important contribution to individual students and communities at large.

• Education