At the heart of our nationally recognized Literacy Leadership program is a commitment to teaching all learners to read, write, and speak with passion, curiosity, precision, and confidence.
The Master of Arts in Literacy Leadership prepares licensed teachers to become effective and democratic leaders in language and literacy learning. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be eligible to add either the reading specialist, reading teacher, LBS1 or bilingual/ESL endorsement to their Illinois teaching licenses.
Location:
Schaumburg
Start Term:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Type:
Master's
Concentrations available:
- Reading Specialist
- Bilingual/ESL
- Reading Teacher
- LBS1
What Differentiates Us
Flexible Schedule
Flexible, online course schedules during the fall and spring semesters enable teachers to start this program in any semester and to complete assignments from home or at work. Summer coursework is face-to-face on the Schaumburg Campus, and centers upon guided teaching and learning in an intensive, reading clinic setting.
Learn From Experts
Courses are taught by highly productive full-time faculty who have published numerous books on language and literacy learning. Current practitioners in PreK-12 schools provide up-to-date perspective on strategies for working with diverse learners.
Choose From Three Concentrations
The ability to earn the reading specialist, reading teacher, or bilingual/ESL endorsement enables teachers to choose the course of study that will be most beneficial for their schools and students.
Expectations & Requirements
Standards
Educators with this degree fill an enormous need for teachers who can respond to the unique needs of PreK-12 students who need support with their reading, writing, and oral communication. Students can expect focused and practical assignments, flexible schedules for posting online responses to readings, and multiple opportunities to complete field experiences. Reading specialists are prepared to use evidence-based techniques and innovative methods to help students learn to read through intensive, guided practice in a reading clinic setting that has been in operation at the Schaumburg Campus for over 27 years.
Sample Courses
- Literature for Children and Adolescents
- Approaches to Teaching Language and Literacy to the Learning Disabled
- Supervision of Personnel and Curriculum Development in Language and Literacy
- Clinical Practicum in Literacy (6 semester hours, 200 hours of clinical practice required)
Outcomes
Career Options
Faculty
Testimonials
Our program infuses best practices in balanced literacy instruction into all of our coursework and shows teachers how to foster engaged professional learning communities that deepen knowledge of and commitment to these practices in PreK-12 classrooms. The opportunity to add on a bilingual/ESL endorsement provides our students with a unique opportunity to enhance reading, writing, and oral language communication among second-language speakers and learners.
Margaret Policastro
Professor, Language and Literacy, Roosevelt University
Admission Info
- Online Application
- $40 Application Fee
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities within the United States. Coursework completed outside the U.S. requires a Foreign Credential Evaluation to be submitted.
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- English Language Proficiency: All international students and individuals who completed a degree program outside the United States are required to meet this requirement.