Reading Specialists

Literacy is one of the cornerstones of a solid education, and reading specialists are in high demand as schools attempt to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind and Race To The Top. If you are interested in a career in education, becoming a reading specialist is a great way to make a difference.  

Most state have state-specific coursework and certification requirements in order to helm a reading specialist program, for someone interested in an education career.  Be sure to get a solid undergraduate degree, either in education or in English – think about a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature or a Bachelor of Science in Language Arts Education.

For graduate programs, consider an accredited Master in Education program with a concentration in Reading and Literacy. You’ll need to be well-versed in how to work with teachers and administrators to implement school-wide and district-wide reading initiatives. At this time, almost every state requires a reading specialist to have a master's degree. A Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading and Literacy is the most traditional route; an M.Ed. will provide you with a solid foundation for whatever direction you want to take your educational career.   

If you currently have a bachelor's degree and are just now considering a teaching career in middle school or high school, look for a teaching program, preferably as part of a master’s degree in education.  

A reading specialist has the opportunity to help students develop the literacy skills that will help them not only in school, but throughout their lives, for work and for personal enjoyment.