Program Overview

Program Overview

The Reading Specialist Certification Program at Penn State Harrisburg is designed to provide full-time and part-time graduate candidates with a focused program of study leading to a Pennsylvania Department of Education certificate as a PK-12 Reading Specialist.

Program Goals

The goals of the program are to develop:

• Specialized, in-depth knowledge about the teaching of literacy
• Diagnostic and clinical skills necessary to support and plan instruction for a diverse range of students
• The ability to interpret, evaluate, and use literacy research to inform practices
• Opportunities to use both digital and traditional texts to teach literacy across the curriculum
• Knowledge about the role of social context in supporting PK-12 learners’ acquisition of language and literacy
• The literacy leadership skills necessary to support and inform professional practice in PK-12 settings

Program Details

• The program provides students with 24 post-baccalaureate credits to earn their Level II teaching certificate.
• Following successful completion of the program and a passing score on the Praxis 5301 exam, students are eligible to earn their Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) PK-12 Reading Specialist Certificate.
• The Reading Specialist Praxis Exam consists of questions about assessment, literacy development, leadership skills, and case study analysis.
• Program completers have a high success rate, with 100% of candidates passing the exam.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please note the requirements for your state.

Degree Conferred

Certification only

Program Structure

• Curriculum
• Courses Overview
• Program Requirements for Admission
• Program Contacts

Related Programs

• Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)
• English (B.Hum.)
• Mathematical Sciences (B.S.)
• Secondary Education Social Studies (B.Sosc.)
• Teaching and Curriculum (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Coach (Endorsement)
• Mathematics Coach (Endorsement)
• Reading Specialist (Certification)
• Secondary Education: English (Certification)
• Secondary Education: General Science (Certification)
• Secondary Education: Mathematics (Certification)
• Secondary Education: Social Studies (Certification)
• PK-12 Special Education (Certification)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist (Certification)
• Literacy Leadership (Certificate)
• Elementary Education (PK-4) (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): English (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): Mathematics (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): Social Studies (Certification)