Add-On Licensure for Reading

The Reading Add-on Licensure prepares initially licensed teachers for “M” licensure as a K-12 Reading Specialist in North Carolina. They will learn to advocate and integrate theory, research, and practice into a curriculum. They will learn about creating relevant, learner-centered opportunities for every student to develop the literacy skills needed in the 21st century.

Reading Specialists may work one-on-one with children needing help bringing their literacy skills up to grade level. They work closely with school administrations to provide educators with instructional tools. They may design intervention programs, assess and diagnose reading difficulties, collaborate with special education teachers and staff, provide professional development, and lead school literacy initiatives.

UNC Greensboro’s Add-on Reading Licensure requires 18 credit hours about literacy instruction, student assessment, and writing skills. Students will look at current issues and trends related to K-12 literacy. In-person and online courses will help them engage in reflection, research, and professional collaboration.

The reading licensure Student Experience

UNC Greensboro’s Reading Add-on Licensure is for professionals who have already completed a master’s program in education. They may also be currently enrolled in a master’s program and see the additional licensure as a reading specialist.

The licensure requires the completion of six courses in key literacy skills:

• Word Study
• Literacy Development and Instruction Across the Elementary Grades
• Practicum in Literacy Assessment and Instruction
• Issues and Trends in Literacy Education
• Writing Instruction Across the Grade Levels
• Youth Literacies: Advanced Topics in Education

Some of these credits may be completed as part of another graduate program. They are commonly taken with other master’s programs in the Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education and the Department of Specialized Education Services.

After receiving your add-on licensure in reading

With the Add-on Licensure for Reading, initially licensed teachers may qualify for “M” licensure as a K-12 Reading Specialist. Upon graduation, they will be able to innovative research-based teaching strategies in their own classroom settings. They may work with students from Kindergarten through high school. They can promote best practices among colleagues, administrators, and the community.

Other careers include:

• Literacy coach or interventionist
• Curriculum facilitator or reviewer
• Language Arts district coordinator

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Review the Licensure Reciprocity Information.

Earning a LIcensure While Living OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA

Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. State Authorization regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education. UNCG does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. Interested students should review the Professional Licensure.