Masters of Reading
Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education Department
Montclair State University
Dr. Erik Jacobson, Program Coordinator
jacobsone@montclair.edu
(973)-655-3471
Overview
Two different degrees are offered:
- Masters of Reading (with Reading Specialist Certification)
- Reading Specialist Certification (for students who already have a Masters)
The MA in Reading (33 credits) and the Reading Specialist Program (30 credits) prepare educators to meet present and future demands as literacy specialists. The program emphasizes practice informed by current theory and research and provides a range of learning experiences that enhance candidates’ understanding of what it means to be an effective literacy educator. Program graduates will be prepared to serve in a wide array of educational roles in a variety of settings.
It is expected that students will graduate with a broad and multifaceted understanding of literacy, including key developmental, cultural and sociopolitical dimensions. Students will also be able to identify and respond to important shifts in literacy practices, such as those involving the use of digital technologies. Program graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively provide literacy instruction, engage with colleagues about ways to enhance practice and advocate for the field as a whole.
Beginning in May 2017, we will be offering an Accelerated Hybrid version of the Masters of Reading (enabling students to complete the degree in 18 months).
Sample Courses
READ 500 Literacy Foundations
READ 501 Techniques of Reading Improvement in Secondary Schools
READ 502 Administration and Supervision of Reading Programs
READ 503 Literature for Adolescents
READ 524 Teaching Multiethnic Literature in P-8 Classrooms
READ 508 Critical Thinking and Literacy
READ 511 Case Studies of Reading Difficulties
READ 513/514 Supervised Clinical Practicum
READ 505 Research Seminar in Literacy
READ 515 Literacy Strategies for the Inclusive Elementary Classroom
READ 519 Language and Early Literacy Development
Faculty Areas of Interest
Tina Jacobowitz (Department Chair)
Literacy in the content areas / Teacher dispositions for democracy / Teaching for critical thinking / Teaching an and for a democracy
Melissa Collucci
Emergent literacy / The development and implementation of successful, authentic language arts blocks / Linguistically responsive teaching
Margaret Freedson
Early literacy development and bilingualism / literacy instruction / teacher preparation
Erik Jacobson
Adult literacy practice and instruction / Supporting adolescent writers / Literacy and technology / Content area literacy / Teaching with graphic novels and manga
Michele Knobel
New literacies and digital technologies / In-school and out-of-school literacy practices
Dierdre Paul
Teaching and learning with multiethnic children’s literature / Popular culture literacy / The Millennial morphing of the digital divide / Closing the school discipline gap
Erik Weiner
Critical literacy / Cultural studies / Critical pedagogy / Social theory
Linda Wise
Social context issues in literacy development / Teacher education