Reading specialists are instructional leaders and advocates for literacy. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) Reading Specialist program at Salisbury University is a professional graduate program designed to prepare literacy professionals in instructional and leadership capacities for pre-K-12 school settings and leads to certification as a reading specialist in Maryland. Coursework integrates research, theory, and praxis to develop a rich and thorough knowledge base. Program graduates seek careers as reading specialists, classroom teachers, and literacy coaches in elementary and secondary schools.
The following deadlines are for admission into the Master of Education Reading Specialist.
Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
Spring Final Deadline: November 15
Summer Priority Deadline: March 1
Summer Final Deadline: May 1
Priority Deadline: June 1
Final Fall Deadline: July 15
Why Choose Reading Specialist at SU?
Our program reflects Salisbury University’s mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and core values necessary to participate in a democratic society and interdependent world. We accomplish this through small classes taught by experienced scholars and professionals and a curriculum aligned to the 2017 International Reading Association Standards for Literacy Professionals.
Theory and practice are complimentary throughout program course work at SU. An essential element of the program is fostering candidates’ awareness of and ability to act as advocates for teachers, students, families, and communities in relation to literacy learning and instruction. Through coursework, candidates will critically evaluate literacy curriculum, instruction, and policy in their own professional contexts. Clinical practicum with individual students and small groups provides candidates with hands-on experience.
Additionally, candidates will have opportunities to prepare professional presentations and publications, and to take leadership roles in community literacy activities and political advocacy.
Who should apply to the Reading Specialist Program?
Licensed preK-12 educators from any content area with:
a passion for reading and writing.
an interest in considering how social and cultural aspects of learning relate to literacy.
a desire to be an agent of change.
And whose professional aspirations include:
facilitating learning for preK-12 students and teachers
deepening a relationship with the larger literacy education professional community.
International Literacy Association (ILA) Recognition
The M.Ed. Reading Specialist program has been recognized by the International Literacy Association (ILA) for its outstanding preparation of literacy professionals. This designation demonstrates our program is aligned to the ILA Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 and is leading the way to advance excellence and equity in literacy acquisition.
Meet Robert – M.Ed. Reading Specialist Student
Find out how Robert has gained experience helping students one-on-one with reading through this program, as well as the knowledge to help his entire school.
Program Overview
For details on admission, program policies as well as the program requirements, visit the University's catalog:
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Faculty with Real-World Experience
Our faculty is committed to helping their students participate in professional development at local, state and national levels.
Opportunities to explore issues related to student diversity and its impact on learning are emphasized throughout our program and through research conducted in the candidate’s classroom.
Joyce Wiencek, Ph.D.Department of Literacy Studies Faculty
Graduates of the M.Ed. reading specialist program will be prepared to serve as instructional leaders in a variety of pre-K-12 professional roles, including reading specialist, literacy coach, classroom teacher, ELA department chair, mentor teacher, community-school liaison.
Florence Simonds & John B. May Scholarship Florence Simonds & John B. May Scholarship is awarded to a Master of Education Reading Specialist candidate. Candidates must have been formally admitted to the REED program, completed at least 2 courses in the program, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The scholarship is awarded to candidates who evidence academic scholarship and a deep commitment to the teaching of Reading. Providing full elaborate responses to two open-ended questions will enhance your application. Eligible students can apply December 1 - May 31 and should submit applications to the SU Scholarship website . Applications will be reviewed and scholarship winners selected by the Scholarship Committee in the Department of Literacy Studies. Award notifications will occur in mid-July.
Holmes Scholars Program The Salisbury University Holmes Scholar program in the Seidel School of Education offers academic support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to graduate students studying for degrees in education who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse.
Wicomico County Public School Teacher Scholarship Wicomico County Public School Teacher Scholarship is designed for current teachers employed by Wicomico County Public Schools. Participants must be enrolled in courses or matriculated into one of the following programs: the Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed. Reading Specialist, M.Ed. Education Leadership or, Master of Science in Mathematics Education (M.S.M.E.). Scholarships are limited and cover tuition costs only. Mandatory fees are the responsibility of the student. See the application for more information.
understand major theories and empirical research that describe the cognitive, linguistic, motivational and sociocultural foundations of reading and writing development, processes and components, including work recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge and reading-writing connections.
understand the historically shared knowledge of the profession and changes over time in the perceptions of reading and writing development, processes, and components
understand the role of professional judgement and practical knowledge for improving all students’ reading development and achievement
use foundational knowledge to design or implement an integrated, comprehensive and balanced curriculum.
use routines to support reading and writing instruction, using appropriate and varied instructional approaches, including those that develop word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, and reading-writing connections
use a wide range of texts and understand types of assessments and their purposes, strengths and limitations
select, develop, administer and interpret assessments to plan and evaluate instruction
recognize, understand and value the forms of diversity and their importance in learning to read and write
use a literacy curriculum and engage in instructional practices that positively impact students’ knowledge, beliefs and engagement with the features of diversity
The M.Ed. Reading Specialist program has been recognized by the International Literacy Association (ILA) for its outstanding preparation of literacy professionals. This designation demonstrates our program is aligned to the ILA Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 and is leading the way to advance excellence and equity in literacy acquisition.