Reading Education (MEd)
Change lives through literacy.
Literacy is the fundamental building block of all education. But more and more students at all levels fail to meet basic standards of literacy, as outdated one-size-fits-all methods of reading instruction allow the most in-need students to fall through the cracks. With the most current evidence-based practices, a degree in reading education can make you a literacy hero in the lives of your students, setting them on a path to success.
You must be able to complete practicums in accredited schools in order to earn this degree.
- Time to Completion18 months
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Education
Next steps
Why Study Reading Education at Mary Baldwin?
A love of reading can create life-long learners, setting students on the road to academic success. But many students lack the necessary skills to succeed in their educational careers, and the students most in need are often the ones most likely to fall through the gaps. MBU’s reading education program gives experienced teachers the tools to help catch those students before they fall, improving literacy outcomes for K–12 students.
The reading education program at Mary Baldwin stresses evidence-based reading practices including the Science of Reading, targeted, differentiated instruction, and utilizing technology to enhance literacy learning. In addition to online classes, we want you in the K–12 classroom, practicing techniques of instruction, curriculum design, and assessment for the benefit of the students who need it most. Practicums at all levels are tied to coursework and help you develop skills in action for a highly marketable degree that can create real change in the lives of students.
Students in the Education Program do not have to be Virginia residents, but they will be required to comply with all competencies, assessments, and Virginia Standards of Learning for their area of endorsement to become licensed only in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Candidates pursuing this program must hold a bachelor’s degree. To add Virginia’s Reading Specialist endorsement, students must hold a current Virginia teaching license, have successfully completed at least three years of full-time teaching and must pass the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment before they can submit to the VDOE for the additional endorsement.
Next steps
“MBU focuses on inquiry teaching and leadership to serve the needs of our students and school partners by enhancing the pool of quality, qualified applicants.”
Dr. Pamela BaileyAssociate Dean and Director
Evidenced-Based Practices, Data-Driven Strategies
With courses such as Literacy Diagnosis and Remediation; Instruction, Reading and Writing in the Content Areas; and Technologies to Advance Learning, the reading education program focuses on the most contemporary approaches to literacy learning. You’ll go where the data leads you, completing an inquiry research project as a capstone to your degree and applying what you learn with practicum experiences at all educational levels.
Sample Courses for the Endorsement
- Literacy Diagnosis and Remediation I with Practicum
- Literacy Diagnosis and Remediation II with Practicum
- Child and Adolescent Literature for Educators
- Word Knowledge: Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary
- Literacy Leadership with Practicum
- Literacy Instruction for ESL Students
- Integrating Literacy to Improve Content Area Learning
- IEP Development and Implementation
Additional Courses for the Degree
- Methods of Professional Inquiry
- Inquiry Research Project
An In-Demand Degree
The MEd in reading education concentration provides a reading specialist endorsement (K–12) and prepares you to improve reading outcomes of students at the elementary and secondary levels. The skills to assist students with varying cultural and linguistic backgrounds and academic abilities make you one of the most vital and in-demand candidates for teaching positions all over the country.
Next steps
Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
The MEd in reading education can be completed in just a year and a half, combining online classes with in-person practicum experiences to get you your degree fast.