Niagara University’s master’s degree program in literacy instruction now offers students greater flexibility for their careers by giving them professional skills and knowledge in both childhood and adolescent literacy development. Through course content and professional experiences, NU’s teacher candidates will be prepared to teach literacy skills to students from birth to grade 12 in various educational settings.
“Holding certification in literacy across all grades makes educators more marketable to potential employers,” said Dr. Kathleen McGrath, associate professor in the College of Education. “Schools often seek educators who possess expertise in literacy instruction to help improve students’ reading and writing abilities across different grade levels. Understanding the developmental spectrum across birth-grade 12 will greatly enhance educator competence.”
The 37-credit hour program, which can be completed in two years, focuses on literacy learning at different grade levels and stages of development and empowers teachers to address a variety of literacy strengths and needs in both traditional and inclusive classrooms with learners of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, racial, and social backgrounds. Graduates will be qualified for New York state initial certification as reading specialists leading to professional certification.
In addition to placements in elementary, middle, and high schools, teacher candidates gain valuable skills around literacy assessment, instruction, professional collaboration, and leadership in the college’s on-campus Family Literacy Center, where they work with the children in the community. This fieldwork adheres to the New York State Next Generation Standards and the International Literacy Association Standards, and is closely supervised by university faculty who are experts in literacy instruction.
Some of the programs offered at the Family Literacy Center include Literacy Boost, a personalized intervention for students in grades pre-K–8 that builds upon the children’s individual strengths while addressing specific areas of need and fosters ongoing literacy development. Another program, Beyond the Pages: Interactive Literacy, connects NU teacher candidates with students in grades 4 through 8 through engaging literacy stations that strengthen the children’s literacy skills.
For further information about the Master’s Degree Program in Literacy Instruction, visit https://www.niagara.edu/literacy-instruction/, or contact Dr. McGrath at 716.286.8401 or kmcgrath@niagara.edu.
