Reading Specialist Program
Designed for Working Professionals
The Virginia Tech Reading Specialist Program is a state-approved Curriculum & Instruction program leading to the Reading Specialist Endorsement in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students can pursue a Master's (M.A.Red.) degree along with the Reading Specialist endorsement. The program prepares teachers for positions as reading specialists, reading/literacy coaches, or reading/literacy teacher leaders at the elementary, middle, or high school levels.
INTERACTIVE, INNOVATIVE, ONLINE INSTRUCTION
Completely redesigned - now a 5-semester program! Since 2015, the VT Reading Specialist Program has delivered high-quality, interactive, online courses for working professionals. Our innovative approach to online instruction helps students focus deeply on one course at a time, while managing the demands of life and work.
RELEVANT, RESEARCH-BASED PROGRAM
As a student in the reading specialist program, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to transform teaching and learning, conduct groundbreaking research, and lead learning communities within and beyond your school and district. Reimagining the future of education begins with instructional leaders who put educational excellence, innovation, and equity at the fore. Program faculty include widely published, nationally recognized authors and researchers with an average of over 15+ years of experience interfacing with K-12 educators (Heidi Anne Mesmer, Donna Fortune, and Dana Robertson.
COHORT MODEL
The Reading Specialist program operates on a cohort model. Members of each reading specialist cohort attend all of the same classes in the same sequence and pursue common plans of study.
The benefits of a cohort model are many. It is designed to facilitate social interaction, collaboration, and the formation of a supportive learning community.
Students in cohorts learn from and help each other with the successful completion of coursework and professional networking. They report a strong sense of community and are more likely to complete their programs of study in a timely manner.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Virginia Tech discloses whether its educational programs leading to careers that require licensure meet educational requirements for professional licensure in each state, view the determinations for each state here.
Program Deadlines & Dates
Priority Deadline: May 1
Standard Deadline: July 1
Cohorts limited to 20 participants to ensure personal attention for all students
Reading & Literacy Education News
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Reading & Literacy Education Events: Past, Present, and Future
Upcoming Information Sessions:
- Mon. May 11 at 4:00 p.m.
- Tue. May 19 at 5:00 p.m.
- Wed. May 27 at 5:00 p.m.
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Educational Leadership Programs & Reading Specialist Program Spring 2023 Information Session , articleJoin us March 1, 2023 in person or online!
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 6 , articleNovember 8, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 5 , articleNovember 1, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 4 , articleOctober 11, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 3 , articleOctober 4, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 2 , articleSeptember 27, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Fall 2022 Session 1 , articleSeptember 20, 2022 @ 5:00 pm, EST
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Virginia Educators Applying Reading Science (VEARS) Session 4 , articleApril 26, 2022, @ 5:00 pm EST
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National Recognized Faculty
Our Reading Specialist program faculty include widely published, nationally recognized authors and researchers with considerable experience working with K-12 educators.
Accreditation and Membership
Our Reading Specialist Program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
