Literacy Education Program 
The Graduate Programs in Literacy Education at Loyola include: Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in literacy either completing a Reading Specialist Certification (K-12) Program or a concentration as a literacy teacher. These programs are designed for the certified teacher who wishes to become certified by MSDE as a reading specialist or for the certified teacher who wishes to remain in the classroom and gain expertise as a literacy teacher. The programs are designed to meet various needs and backgrounds of teachers and administrators. The Program is nationally recognized by the International Reading Association.

Highlights of Programs

• Candidates are provided with a strong foundation in reading instruction and assessment at the PK-12 levels with emphasis on the development of leadership skills.
• Candidates receive a strong theoretical understanding of the reading process, as well as practical application with K-12 students.
• Candidates are prepared to assess, diagnose and instruct K-12 students and to provide leadership to other school professionals and parents.
• Candidates develop the skills necessary to assume the multiple roles of reading specialist or literacy teacher.

Coursework

• Employs research-based practice that directly addresses the literacy needs of struggling students in the 21st century
• Supported by hands-on experience
• Includes a summer or school-year practicum working intensely with individual students and their parents
• Teaches you to conduct full diagnostic assessments, prepare individualized instructional programs, work with students based on the individual programs, evaluate the effects of the instruction, and write complete case studies for each student

Testimonials

"The assignments were especially meaningful in helping us to understand current research in the field. The summer practicum was a phenomenal hands-on experience that added to my comfort level in the classroom and in designing reading programs for older children."
          Judi Hunter, Reading Specialist, 
          Laurel Woods Elementary School

"The fact that Loyola's classes are small and very personal is a great strength. The program is very hands-on, teacher-oriented, and concrete. Class projects allowed me to test out miniature lessons and were very useful in my tutoring practice."
          Mary Sinnott, Private Reading Tutor

Afra Hersi, Ph.D.
Director of Literacy Program
Loyola University Maryland
4501 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
410-617-2546
ahersi@loyola.edu

*If you desire to become a certified reading specialist through the state of Maryland, MSDE requires three years of classroom experience and current classroom certification or eligibility for certification in Maryland.