Programs Preparing Literacy Teachers

Our graduates become educators who embrace curricula and pedagogical approaches that foster collaborative learning and recognize that knowledge of literacy is constructed through their students’ resources and everyday practices that they bring to the classroom. They help their students, as well as other teachers, discover that literacy is much more than conventional reading and writing. The students whom they work with develop a level of literacy that is a critical determinant of success throughout school and in their communities. They learn to read and understand complicated materials, think critically, and solve real-world problems.

Our program is built around the premise that children begin learning literacy as early as birth through everyday interactions, such as reading books, singing songs, interacting with others, and naming and pointing out objects. Meaningful literacy activities like these expand vocabularies, enrich their experiences, and impact a child’s development during the early and preschool years. This emphasis on developing literacy, through both new and traditional literacies and social practices, is carried out throughout the elementary and secondary school years, where literacy instruction is included in all academic areas, including math, science, and social studies, and across all grade levels.

Our program prepares literacy specialists who construct classroom environments that promote social justice. They develop an understanding of literacy as a social practice and apply that perspective into instruction practices that actively draw upon their students’ diverse interests and cultures as they use literacy in personal, purposeful, and meaningful ways. They look at what children bring to school and how classrooms can build on these experiences.

Lastly, they have the courage and conviction to lead struggles for social justice, in-depth knowledge of literacy, and the skills and understanding needed to help all students develop to their fullest potential. They also know what is appropriate for the age/grade level and the subject area that they teach and for the children, families, and communities in which they work. And, they lead efforts to advocate for full inclusion for students with disabilities in general education classrooms as part of their efforts to reform schools.

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.).

Check program-specific requirements for our MS in Literacy Education (GR1) or (Combined-GR2).

Warner offers both EdD and PhD programs that can be customized to include a focus on literacy, by:

• Choosing literacy courses for program core choices and electives.
• Constructing independent studies and projects in research methods courses related to literacy education.
• Conducting a dissertation project in the field of literacy education, sponsored by a faculty member with expertise in literacy education research and practice.

Learn more about our doctoral programs in teaching.