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Reading Specialist Impact

Reading Specialist

Transition to a career as a Reading Specialist and elevate your teaching skills

The Reading Specialist Program at Fairmont State University provides an opportunity for currently licensed teachers to earn the credits required for the Reading Specialist Certification in an online program. The program offers the following two tracks for candidates:

Masters of Education - Reading Specialist degree

A 30-credit hour online degree program that includes a Reading Specialist licensure endorsement.

Reading Specialist Certification (licensure endorsement only)

A 24-credit hour online program for licensed teachers who currently hold a Masters degree and would like to add a Reading Specialist endorsement.

 

The Reading Specialist Certification program prepares candidates to serve as Pre-K to Adult reading specialists who offer literacy leadership and work with other educators to evaluate students' reading abilities, plan assessments, and provide appropriate reading and writing instruction and support for struggling readers.  Program graduates have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve their schools and communities as resource persons and plan collaboratively and cooperatively with other professionals to offer programs for diverse populations of learners. Graduates of the Reading Specialist program are also prepared to provide leadership as they advocate for children and families, and provide professional development opportunities at local and state levels.

Mission

The mission of the Fairmont State University College of Education, Health & Human Performance is to prepare reflective and responsive educators who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help all students learn.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Submit application to the Office of Admissions. Apply online now!
  • Pay $50 application fee
  • Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Submit proof of valid teaching license

Application forms can be found on the Graduate Studies Forms page.

Once the Fairmont State Office of Admissions receives all of the required documents, your application file will be reviewed by the Department of Education.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Deadline: August 1st
  • Spring Deadline: January 1st
  • Summer Deadline: May 1st

Program Cost

Check out Online Graduate Tuition on the Tuition and Fees Chart

International Literacy Association

The M.Ed. Reading Specialist program is fully accredited by the International Literacy Association.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Candice Moench

Assistant Professor of Reading Education

 335 Education Building

 (304) 367-4665

 Candice.Moench@fairmontstate.edu