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Master's for Reading & Literacy Teachers

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

Guaranteed 65% scholarship

Online learning options

Teach the school year following enrollment

Program overview

Literacy is critical to success in school and careers. Whether by working directly with students experiencing difficulties, or by coaching other teachers to become more effective with their students, you can impact many students by dramatically improving their reading and literacy outcomes.  Warner will prepare you to become an effective and innovative reading and literacy specialist, committed and able to help all students succeed.  

Our teacher preparation programs offer the shortest path to NYS initial and professional teaching certification and a guaranteed 65% tuition scholarship.

All the Warner programs described below prepare current teachers for NYS professional certification in Teaching Literacy (birth-grade 6 and/or grades 5-12), and are all offered at the graduate level only.

Key program features

  • Flexible: The program can be completed in 15 months of full-time study, or two years of part-time study while holding a teaching position.
  • Focus on Literacy: Includes 24 credits of literacy courses and two 100-hour reading practica.  
  • Unique Internship Opportunities: Option to conduct a special supervised internship as part of Project READ at School #33 and/or East High School.
  • Option to Add Extensions and Specializations: With only a few extra credits, you can get certified to teach at birth-grade 12 and/or add advanced certificates that can strengthen your effectiveness with diverse learners and make you more marketable.

Prerequisites (as required by NYS)

  • NYS Initial teaching certification in any area.
  • Some exceptions may be made; contact us

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Guaranteed 65% tuition savings

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships

Questions?

Certification options

Choose a certification to earn in addition to your degree.
What certification do you need? Learn more

Professional Certification Only

36 credits, including six credits of reading practica; for students who still need to obtain NYS professional teaching certification in their area or want to be eligible for student loans. Coursework for the master's programs in:

Non-Certification

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in literacy learning and teaching in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools, community colleges, schools and universities outside the United States, or a variety of informal settings (such as after-school programs, enrichment programs, summer camps, etc.). Coursework for the master's degree in literacy education (non-certification).  

Advanced Certificates

Advanced Certificates in Reading and Literacies

No more than 30 credits, including six credits of reading practica; shortest path. Coursework for the advanced certificate programs in:

Opportunities for additional specializations

In addition to taking the core program, students may want to consider supplementing their program to achieve other goals and pursue additional certification. Each option enhancement has specific prerequisites and/or course requirements.

  • Additional Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching in K-12 Schools
  • Advanced Certificate in Online Teaching
  • Advanced Certificate in Program Evaluation
  • Advanced Certificate in Teacher Leadership

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

University of Rochester Teacher Residency Programs

ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program and Monroe Regional Teacher Residency Consortium are a paid teacher residency programs designed to collaboratively prepare and sustain skilled teachers to effectively serve the varied needs of students, families, and school communities.

  • 1 year paid teacher residency while studying
  • $15,000 toward tuition
  • Earn your Master's in Teaching with Initial Certification
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Contact admissions

Request information

Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related certificates and degrees

Related Advanced Certificates

Opportunities for additional specializations with minimum additional credits required.

  • NYS Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and Leadership
  • Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching
  • NYS Certification in TESOL
  • Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities (10 credits)

Related degrees

  • Doctoral Programs focusing on Literacy Learning and Education
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

Start your application