Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Reading & Literacy Education | College of Education

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Department of Reading & Literacy Education

The Department of Reading and Literacy Education, in the College of Education, at Western New Mexico University, offers innovative, evidenced-based coursework leading to a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia or Master of Art in Teaching – Reading and Literacy Education.

Our graduate program allows you to follow different pathways: Dyslexia Specialist, Reading Specialist/Interventionist, and Literacy Leader/Coach. Coursework meets standards established through NMPED for the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy. Coursework focuses on evidence-based instructional strategies and practicum experiences.

Our undergraduate and graduate programs in Reading and Literacy are rated an A+ by the National Commission on Teacher Quality.

Our Dyslexia Graduate Certificate Program is aligned to the Knowledge and Practice Standards of the International Dyslexia Association. The certificate can be earned separate from the master’s degree.

Multiple Career Paths

The MAT Reading and Literacy Education prepares you as a reading professional to support diverse readers grades PreK to 12.

Multiple Pathways:

Certificate Program in Dyslexia. This certificate can be earned separate from the MAT-Reading and Literacy Education. Graduates will develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing and teaching readers with Dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
Specialization in Reading and Literacy Education. This specialization prepares future elementary and secondary teachers with core courses in the teaching of reading and literacy.
Reading Specialist/Interventionist. This pathway prepares professionals to support reading development across grade levels through assessment, instruction, and intervention.
Literacy Leader/Coach This pathway prepares professionals who can support teachers and specialists in teaching a range of diverse learners and readers within a school, district or other educational context.

Student Learning Outcomes

Across our program, regardless of your focus and professional goal, we will create personalized experiences.

You will learn the following:

Implement theory, research and evidence-based practice to support reading development for all students.
Use appropriate and varied instructional approaches to develop word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, and reading/writing connections.
Select, develop, administer, and interpret assessments to diagnose and intervene to support the development of reading skills, and support planning and evaluation of instruction.
Use a literacy curriculum and engage in instructional practices that positively impact students’ knowledge, beliefs, and engagement with the features of diversity.
Build a literate environment which supports reading instruction, using multiple classroom configurations (whole class, small group, and individual) to differentiate instruction.
Design a social environment that is low risk and includes choice, motivation, and scaffolded support to optimize students’ opportunities for learning to read.
Display positive dispositions towards the teaching of reading and writing. You will be encouraged to pursue the development of individual professional knowledge and behaviors that best meet your professional role and goal.
Develop advocacy skills to promote literacy within student populations, schools, communities, and nationally.

Program Requirements

All students pursuing a master’s degree in education are responsible for meeting the following requirements; Core Knowledge, Contextual Knowledge, and Reading Core. Areas of specialization or certificate will be determined by what courses satisfy your requirements.

Core Knowledge (9 units – Pick 3 courses)

RDG500 Methods of Research (3)
EDUC 503 Action Research (3)
OR ECED 531 (3)

and

EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education (3)
EDUC 528 Student Growth/Development (3)

Contextual Knowledge (3 units – Pick 1 courses)

BLED 545 ESL Methods/Content Literacy (3)
NES Essential Academic Skills subtests I, II, III passed with a score of 220

Reading Education Core Requirements (24 units – Pick 8 courses)

These courses will determine your specialization or pathway in our program.

RDG 505 Oral Language and Vocabulary Development (3)
RDG 507 Structured Literacy I (3)
RDG 510 The Teaching of Reading (3)
RDG 511 Assessment & Instruction (3)
RDG 514 Theoretical Models of Reading (3)
RDG 515 Supporting Readers, Grades 6-12 (3)
RDG 518 Structured Literacy II (3)
RDG 517 Foundations of Early Literacy (3)
RDG 520 Dyslexia (3)
RDG 537 Culturally Responsive Practices for Language and Literacy (3)
RDG 553 Children’s Literature & Other Instructional Methods (3)
RDG 560 Content and Disciplinary Literacy for Secondary Education (3)
RDG 579 Reading Seminar (3)
RDG 581 Practicum in Reading (3)

Dear Educators:

Our Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education appeals to educators and literacy professionals with a range of experience in education.

Most of our students, because of geographical distance, cannot attend graduate school on our university campus. Our courses are offered via distance learning; online courses through Zoom and Canvas with a small student/teacher ratio.

We offer courses over the fall and spring semesters, as well as in summer.

We welcome teachers returning to graduate school, graduate students in their initial certification programs, and students who want to begin specialization in literacy and reading.

We intend for our graduates to help us build a rich network of literacy professionals in education across New Mexico and beyond.

Contacts

Let us know if you have further questions about our outstanding program!

Prof. Tamara Ogilvie
Tamara.Ogilvie@wnmu.edu
(575) 538-6077

Dr. Catherine Gregorius
Catherine.gregorius@wnmu.edu
(575) 538-6419