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Literacy is the foundation for learning across all disciplines. It includes the ability to read, write, listen, speak, and interpret media effectively—skills that are essential for PK–12 students and critical for living a productive, engaged life. 

The School of Education and Human Services offers graduate programs for experienced educators who want to specialize in literacy instruction and leadership. These programs are delivered through online, synchronous cohorts, allowing for flexibility and real-time collaboration.  

We also offer hybrid, district-based cohorts—a blend of in-person and online learning—when there is sufficient interest from a school district. 

Course schedules are designed to support working professionals, with evening classes during the academic year and daytime sessions in the summer term. Participants progress through the program by taking two courses per semester. 

Accreditation

The program adheres to the standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the International Literacy Association (ILA). Faculty in the Literacy graduate program are experts in literacy and literacy leadership. 

Graduate programs are fully approved by the Wisconsin DPI and include all required coursework for Wisconsin licensure as a Reading Teacher (1316) and Reading Specialist (5017). 

Wisconsin License 1316 - Reading Teacher

This license is required to teach reading for more than one class period per day or to be a Title I or Reading Recovery teacher.

In addition to coursework, candidates must meet these requirements to be endorsed for Wisconsin license 1316: Reading Teacher: 

  • Eligibility to hold a Wisconsin educator license. 
  • Two years of successful classroom teaching experience. 
  • Wisconsin tier II (provisional) or higher license, or a passing score of 233 on the Foundations of Reading Test for Wisconsin (FORT). 
 
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Wisconsin License 5017 - Reading Specialist

This license is required to direct reading programs or work with reading teachers, classroom teachers, administrators, or others as a resource teacher in reading. To be endorsed for the license, candidates must have a master's degree and must complete all required coursework.  

In addition to coursework, candidates must meet these requirements to be endorsed for Wisconsin license 5017: Reading Specialist: 

  • Meet all requirements for Wisconsin license 1316: Reading Teacher. 
  • Three years of successful classroom teaching experience. 
  • A passing score of 233 on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (FORT), except for individuals who already hold a Tier II administrator license.