A reading specialist is a rewarding profession that requires a blend of passion, expertise, and specialized training. Everyone deserves the chance to develop strong reading and writing skills. Limited literacy skills can result in low self-esteem and negative school experiences. Beyond impacting educational and professional prospects, low literacy levels are linked to poor health outcomes and poverty.

Reading difficulties can be reduced and even eliminated when literacy instruction is delivered by a highly knowledgeable and skilled professional. At MGH Institute of Health Professions, the primary goal of our program is to develop you as a literacy leader who can leverage your knowledge and expertise to improve reading and writing practices in educational and clinical settings. Obtaining certification or licensure as a reading specialist is often a necessary step. Did you know there is no national license for reading specialists? Requirements vary by state, and a reading specialist license is typically a teaching license issued by a state’s department of education. For example, in Massachusetts, a reading specialist license is a secondary teaching license and only those holding a primary teaching license are eligible to apply. 

Learn about the critical role reading specialists play in shaping literacy skills and the education and certification, needed to become a reading specialist.

Understanding the Role: What Does a Reading Specialist Do?

Reading specialists are education professionals with specialized training in literacy instruction. They work collaboratively with students, teachers, and parents to diagnose and address reading challenges, fostering a love for reading and ensuring students develop strong literacy skills. Reading specialists may also be asked to coach teachers, co-teach in classrooms, design or evaluate curriculum, design or execute multi-tiered systems of support and provide professional development.

Educational Foundations: Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree

The journey to become a reading specialist often begins with a bachelor's degree in education, English, speech-language pathology or a related field, although a specific major is not a requirement. During undergraduate studies, aspiring reading specialists gain foundational knowledge in pedagogy, child development, and language arts. A strong academic background in these areas forms the basis for advanced study in literacy.  

Advanced Education in Reading or Literacy: A Key Step

To become a reading specialist, a specialized certificate or master's degree in reading or literacy is typically required. This advanced education provides in-depth knowledge in areas such as literacy theory, assessment, and intervention strategies. Many programs also include practical experiences, such as internships or supervised teaching, to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Room with adults reading and interacting with children

 

Certification

Obtaining certification or licensure as a reading specialist is often a necessary step. However, there is no national license for reading specialists. Requirements vary by state, and a reading specialist license is typically a teaching license issued by a state’s department of education. For example, in Massachusetts, a reading specialist license is a secondary teaching license and only those holding a primary teaching license are eligible to apply. In addition to working under your primary teaching license for a minimum of one year, one needs to take additional coursework and pass a reading specialist licensure test It is also possible to obtain certification from a recognized professional organization. Certification ensures that teachers have the knowledge and skills to teach reading and writing using structured, systematic, and explicit methods backed by research.  

Gaining Classroom Experience: The Practical Aspect

Practical experience is invaluable in becoming a reading specialist. This often involves working in a classroom setting as a teacher, literacy coach, or intervention specialist. Classroom experience allows aspiring reading specialists to apply their knowledge, refine their instructional techniques, and understand the nuances of literacy development in diverse learners. Students in the IHP’s 20-credit program complete a 5-week intensive, structured literacy practicum in the Julie Atwood Speech, Language, and Literacy Center (SLLC). Candidates work with a dyad partner to plan and provide structured, systematic literacy instruction to clients with reading and writing challenges.

Staying Current: Professional Development for Reading Specialists

The field of education is dynamic, and staying current is essential for reading specialists. Engaging in professional development activities, attending conferences, and participating in workshops ensure that reading specialists are aware of the latest research, instructional methodologies, and technology advancements in the field of literacy.

Specialization and Continuing Education Opportunities

Beyond the foundational steps, reading specialists may choose to specialize in specific areas of literacy, such as early literacy, literacy for English language learners, or literacy interventions for students with learning disabilities. Continuing education opportunities, including workshops and additional certifications, allow reading specialists to deepen their expertise and stay at the forefront of effective literacy instruction.

Becoming a Literacy Leader: The MGH Institute of Health Professions Advantage

The MGH Institute of Health Professions offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language for students aspiring to become literacy leaders. This 20-month program equips educators with the expertise to identify the root of literacy challenges and design effective instruction for diverse learners. In addition to being equipped to provide explicit and structured literacy instruction, graduates are prepared for the multifaceted role of the reading specialist. You will gain a unique understanding of the oral language foundations of reading and the interrelationships among language, literacy and culture which are critical for an accurate assessment of readers and for the design of effective instruction. Coursework also prepares graduates to take on school and district-wide roles and become change leaders.  

 

Becoming a reading specialist blends academic knowledge with hands-on experience, culminating in the ability to make a profound impact on students' literacy development. By following these steps and considering specialized programs like the one offered by the MGH Institute of Health Professions, educators can embark on a fulfilling path to become literacy leaders, championing the cause of strong literacy skills for all learners.