Information on Master of Literacy Education Degree Program
Majors Overview August 5, 2015This article talks about Master of Literacy Education degree programs and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Master of Literacy Education Programs
Teachers looking to become adept at handling the complex demands of literacy education, assessment, and administration may enroll into a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) in Literacy Education. After they complete a program, students can seek employment in community sites or schools as a certified literacy specialist.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, usually in education or a related major. In many programs, applicants are required to have obtained a teaching license and/or have prior teaching experience. Passage of the Millers Analogy Test and provision of resumes, references, and transcripts may also be requirements.
Coursework
Completion of courses included in the literacy education program can act as preparation for certification as a literacy specialist in secondary and elementary schools. In most programs, students have to submit a thesis project. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Literacy assessment
•Literacy practices in secondary and elementary schools
•Experimental research methods
•Literacy foundations and models
•Supervision of literacy programs
•Reading and writing practices
Skill Requirements
Field experiences in a classroom must be completed by most enrollees. As students in most programs are required to be current certified teachers, their classrooms can be used by them to meet field requirements. A local classroom may be a requirement for field use by those who aren’t in current teaching occupations. The program is devised to impart skills such as:
•Disability recognition
•Lesson planning techniques
•Research techniques
•Teaching theory
•Administrative skills
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek employment in educational administration or apply the knowledge gained in teaching jobs at various levels. They can also seek positions such as certified literacy specialist or learning coordinator. Professionals can also use their literacy skills for career advancement to a special education, adult, secondary, middle, or elementary instructor position.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a slower-than-average job growth rate has been predicted for secondary school teachers. Over the same period, instructional coordinators and elementary school teachers are expected to see average job growth (BLS). In May 2014, elementary school teachers brought in an average annual wage of $56,830. Secondary school teachers and instructional coordinators earned respective average annual wages of $59,330 and $64,040 (BLS).
