Masters Program Options in Literacy
Michigan State has a long history of educating reading specialists, literacy coaches, master classroom teachers, and other literacy leaders. Our outstanding faculty and masters students view masters-level education as a crucial piece of our efforts to understand and improve language and literacy education at all levels throughout the world.
A number of masters programs within the College can or do include coursework in literacy and language instruction, including the Masters Program in School Psychology, the Masters Program in Special Education, the Master of Arts in Education (MAED), and the Masters in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC). Within the Masters in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program, there are three ways to emphasize language and literacy instruction:
A concentration: This is comprised of three courses with a focus on literacy and/or language instruction, and qualifies for the MATC Concentration in Literacy and Language Instruction. Qualifying courses include TE 835, TE 836, TE 838, TE 842, TE 843, TE 845, TE 846, TE 848, TE 849, TE 850, TE 851, TE 853, TE 854, TE 877.
A specialization: This is comprised of six courses with a focus on literacy and/or language instruction. It not only qualifies for the MATC Concentration but also the State Classroom Reading Teacher Endorsement ("BT")*, the MSU "Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction." Qualifying courses are TE 842 or TE 843, TE 845, TE 848, TE 849, TE 853, and TE 873.
A Reading Specialist Certification**: This is comprised of eight courses with a focus on literacy and/or language instruction. It not only qualifies for the MATC Concentration, the State Classroom Reading Teacher Endorsement ("BT")*, and the MSU "Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction," but also the State Reading Specialist Endorsement ("BR")**. Qualifying courses are TE 842, TE 843, TE 845, TE 848, TE 849, TE 853, TE 854, and TE 873.
* Final determination of endorsement is made at the state level.
** Final determination of certification is made at the state level and involves a BR test.
Click here for an outline of these three MATC degree options.
MATC students seeking a Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction will learn to:
- Be a critical consumer of literacy research, instructional materials, policy and practice.
- Be able to provide high quality literacy curriculum and instruction based on standards, research, best practices, and responsiveness to individual students.
- Be able to provide instruction to bring all students, including those of multiple linguistic, cultural, and individual backgrounds, to high levels of competence in literacy.
- Be able to assume professional leadership roles in literacy education.
- Have the tools and disposition to continue to develop as a literacy teacher and leader throughout one's career.
- Be able to respond to the ever-evolving nature of literacy.
