M.Ed. Literacy/Reading Specialist
Earning an M.Ed. in Literacy/Reading/ESL from Concordia University, Nebraska equips you with the knowledge you need to empower your classroom and instill a lifelong love of reading and writing in your students.
With an online M.Ed. in Literacy/Reading/ESL, you will:
- Enhance your teaching skills and equip you to encourage and support your students’ successful learning of reading and writing.
- Understand the psychological foundations of youth language and literacy development.
- Learn how to effectively assess students’ abilities and develop methods for intervention and learning assistance.
- Have the option to focus your studies on an area that fits your passions with a reading specialist endorsement or ESL endorsement.
standard rate
special rate*
*Special rate: Those who work in a Lutheran institution, members of Lutheran congregations, alumni of any Concordia University System (CUS) school or Nebraska residents1
Lowest price among CUS schools and in Nebraska
Equip Students with the Tools They Need to Master Reading and Writing
Start your journey today by filling out this quick form and one of our enrollment counselors will be in touch soon.
Program Highlights
WHY CHOOSE CONCORDIA FOR AN M.ED. IN LITERACY/READING/ESL?
With a Master of Education degree in Literacy/Reading/ESL from Concordia University, you’ll find a distinctive blend of faith-based training and real-world experience. You’ll also:
- Understand and support struggling students with teaching methods and practices that reflect Christ’s light and prepare kids for a future of success.
- Choose an emphasis area and teaching endorsement that fits your unique interests or needs in the classroom, including reading specialist or ESL endorsements.
- M.Ed. Literacy Emphasis with Reading Specialist Endorsement (33 hours)
- M.Ed. Literacy Emphasis with Reading Specialist & ESL Endorsements (48 hours)
- Reading Specialist Endorsement (30 hours)
- ESL Endorsement (15 hours + 45-hour practicum)
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from education experts who bring faith, years of experience and specialized knowledge to the classroom.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
“I entered this program feeling like I had no idea how to best meet the needs of my most struggling readers. This program was exactly what it says it is. I have gained tools, strategies, assessments and more that I can take into the classroom and help my students become better readers from whatever point they are starting at.”
Lauren H.
Information Sessions
These 20-minute sessions cover program details, the application process, financial aid, payment plans and any questions you may have. Click "RSVP" next to your preferred date and time to reserve your spot.
For Nebraska Public School Educators
If you're currently teaching or working in a public school in Nebraska, join one of these upcoming info sessions tailored specifically to your needs.
Information sessions coming soon.
For Private School, Lutheran School and Non-Nebraska Public School Educators
If you work in any private, parochial or Lutheran school, or in a public school that's not in the state of Nebraska, schedule a call with a Concordia graduate recruiter to learn more about your program of interest.
Accreditation
Concordia's online master's degree in Literacy/Reading/ESL is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCREDITATION
Degree Goals
A Literacy/Reading/ESL graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Understand the psychological, sociological and linguistic theoretical base of literacy education.
- Effectively teach writing to PK–12 students.
- Assess and design learning strategies for students with literacy difficulties and from varying backgrounds.
- Develop, plan and implement case studies to help children with special needs.
Career Outcomes
READING SPECIALIST
- Help students who may be struggling with reading and writing to accomplish their academic goals by supporting the improvement of their literacy skills.
- Evaluate and assess students, learning styles, curriculum planning and intervention methods.
READING COACH
- Create individualized improvement plans and work one-on-one with students who may be struggling with reading and writing.
- Offer guidance and counseling to educators by teaching assessment and intervention skills, creating teaching materials and facilitating professional development.
READING CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
- Lead the design and development of literacy curriculum within a school or across a school district.
- Help advance curriculum content and improve the overall effectiveness of instruction in schools.
READING CONSULTANT
- Work with schools, teachers and parents to provide support for students struggling with reading and writing.
- Work as an independent consultant to coach students and/or support their classroom learning.
FAQs
What can I do with a literacy/reading/ESL degree?
You can pursue a variety of careers within education. You can become a reading specialist, reading coach or reading curriculum specialist, or you can help students from varying backgrounds learn the English language. The degree also gives you the skills to teach adult students English to help them prepare for further education to get a job.
Is there a practicum required for this program?
Depending on which path you take for this program, you will need to complete a three-credit field-based case study that includes documented student interaction, evaluation and intervention. Adding the ESL endorsement will include a practicum devoted to working specifically with students who are learning English as their second language.
Is literacy/reading/ESL the right career path for me?
A career in literacy/reading/ESL may be right for you if you enjoy the written word and helping students develop their reading and writing skills so that they can achieve their goals.
As the field requires the assessment of student abilities and being able to adapt lesson plans to suit their needs, you should have analytical and problem-solving skills. If you also like teaching English to people whose first language is not English, then a career in ESL after earning your ESL/ELL Endorsement may be ideal for you.
How does this program stand out against others?
Concordia’s online M.Ed. in literacy/reading/ESL has received accolades from BestColleges.com as one of the top 25 best online master’s in reading and literacy programs in 2019.
Does this program lead to certification or endorsement?
Students from states who are not members of the Interstate Mobility Compact will be enrolled in a “field of study” program that does not lead to certification or endorsement. The coursework and requirements of field of study programs are exactly the same as those that lead to certification/endorsement in Nebraska. Questions? Please contact your enrollment specialist.
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1Discounted rate does not apply to course-only options.