Reading Teacher Endorsement

The Reading Teacher Endorsement is designed for teachers who teach reading in a setting other than a self-contained classroom. This endorsement can be obtained on an early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special certificate.

The endorsement requires 24 semester hours of credit with coursework in the following areas:

  • Foundations of reading
  • Content area reading
  • Assessment and diagnosis of reading problems
  • Developmental and remedial reading instruction and support
  • Developmental and remedial materials and resources
  • Literature appropriate to students across all grade ranges
  • Reading practicum (at the level of your licensure band)

Candidates must s successfully pass the Reading Teacher (177) or Reading Specialist (176) test.

The endorsement is added to the existing PEL; candidate only able to be “Reading Teacher” at his/her current grade level range (e.g., elementary, middle, or high school level)

Program Goals

Deep understanding of reading and reading instruction; understands how to diagnose reading disabilities and how to teach and support the education of students with reading disabilities; participates in curriculum design and implementation; communicates and works with the public and other professionals; and has high professional standards.

Courses

The courses are 3 credits each and generally delivered in the following sequence:

Phase I. Foundations in Literacy (15 credits)

  • LTRE 500—Improvement of Reading in the Elementary School
  • LTRE 505—Teaching Reading in the Middle School
  • LTRE 511—Content Area Reading
  • LTIC 515—Bilingualism and Reading
  • LTLA 543—Writing Instruction

Phase II. Diagnosis and Remediation (9 credits)

  • LTRE 520—Diagnosis and Treatment of Reading Difficulties
  • LTRE 530—Practicum in Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties
  • LTRE 531—Practicum in Problems of Teaching Reading

For more information about the program, contact Nick Slicer at nslicer@niu.edu.