Reading

Graduate Certificate, Reading Teacher

Master of Science in Education, Reading Specialist

College of Education and Professional Studies

Recognized by the National Education Association as having one of the best teacher education programs in the country, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is uniquely able to offer relevant, practical, convenient, and high-quality courses in reading. The UW-River Falls teacher education programs are nationally recognized for excellence and are accredited by the North Central Association and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Learn More About This Program Minnesota Educator Finds Reading Program A Perfect Fit (PDF document) View the complete Reading Program Handbook (PDF document) View the College of Education web page

Who Should Enroll

• Educators in elementary, middle, and secondary schools who are seeking to become reading teachers or reading specialists

Key Features

• Cutting-edge curriculum based on the best research practices and standards of the International Reading Association (IRA) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
• A convenient schedule of classes during the summer and on evenings that accommodates practicing educators.
• Small group discussions, field experiences, presentations, action research, and other active engagements, which include integrating technology for reading instruction.
• At the annual Summer Institute, you can complete eight credits in 19 days and be on your way to completing the UW-RF Reading program in only 18 months.

Reading Teacher Certificate Program Curriculum

First Summer: Summer Reading Institute, 8 credits
READ 700 Foundations of Literacy, 2 credits
READ 761 Advanced Elementary Reading Instruction, 3 credits
READ 622 Content Area Literacy in Middle & Secondary Schools, 3 credits

First Fall:
TED 705 Language Arts in the Elementary School, 3 credits
READ 765 Appraisal and Intervention, 3 credits

First Spring:
READ 750 Children's Literature in the Reading Program, 3 credits
READ 785 Research in Literacy, 3 credits

Second Summer:
READ 775 Clinical Practicum in Literacy Instruction, 1-3 credits

Completion of a certification portfolio as specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (external site).

For the MSE degree and Reading Specialist licensure, add the following courses, research paper and competency and comprehensive exams:

Second Summer:
READ 710 Language Acquisition and Disorders for Reading Teachers, 3 credits

Second Fall (courses taken concurrently):
READ 766 Supervision and Administration, 2 credits
READ 779 Field Experience, 2 credits
Research Paper (Plan B)
Oral Comprehensive Exam

Completion of a certification portfolio for Administrator Standards as specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (external site).

Students are not required to begin the program in the summer. For information about alternate start times, contact the program coordinator.

Minnesota Teachers of Reading

Minnesota and Wisconsin do not have any reciprocal licensing agreements; however, we can provide Minnesota candidates with documentation on how our program specifically meets the requirements of MN Rule 8710.4725 TEACHERS OF READING.

Admission Requirements

• Completed application for graduate study at UWRF with application processing fee.
• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended as an undergraduate student, sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution.
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program.
• Teacher certification.

For More Information

College of Education and Professional Studies
Reading Coordinator Dr. Margaret Phinney
Email: margaret.phinney@uwrf.edu

Please contact your adviser for information regarding Wisconsin DPI portfolio requirements.