Literacy and Language - M.Ed.

Master of Education

Learning Format

Online

Types

Master's
Literacy and Language - M.Ed.

Empower Your Teaching Journey with an M.Ed. in Literacy and Language

Are you passionate about guiding students in their reading and language development? At Framingham State University, our Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Literacy and Language is designed to empower you to become a Specialist Teacher: Reading. This program not only provides comprehensive coursework but also includes a supervised practicum, ensuring you meet the requirements for Initial Licensure in Massachusetts as a Specialist Teacher: Reading. With this licensure, you’ll be equipped to work with students across all age groups and grade levels in reading and language arts.


Why Choose Framingham State’s M.Ed. in Literacy and Language?

  • Career Advancement: Our program is tailored for those who aim to specialize in literacy and language instruction, providing a direct pathway to licensure and enhancing your qualifications to take on specialized teaching roles.
  • Flexible Licensure Options: If you already hold an Initial License in Elementary, Early Childhood, English, or Moderate Disabilities education, our program enables you to meet the requirements for Professional Licensure in these fields without the need for an additional practicum.
  • Accredited and Recognized: Our curriculum aligns with the Standards for Reading Professionals set by the International Literacy Association and is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring you receive a top-tier education.

The licensure program conforms to the Standards for Reading Professionals as developed by the International Literacy Association. These standards were approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Program & Admissions Requirements

Program & Admissions Requirements

This program requires the successful completion of ten (10) courses, a digital literacy portfolio, and an oral comprehensive examination. The professional portfolio, completed as part of the degree program and based upon the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Professional Standards for Licensure, must be completed and submitted to the advisor of the Literacy and Language program two (2) weeks prior to the oral comprehensive exam date.

Candidates seeking the Initial License as a Specialist Teacher: Reading will need a 150-hour supervised practicum. The practicum is taken only after successful completion of the Master of Education with a concentration in Literacy and Language program and submission of a passing score on the Reading Specialist 08 MTEL.

One (1) month prior to the practicum semester, candidates must submit an application to the program advisor. Students must locate their own practicum (fall and spring only) site, which must be approved by the University. The LTRC 988 (summer) practicum course is in collaboration with a local school district. 

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires teachers seeking the Initial Licensure as a Specialist Teacher: Reading to have at least a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License (Early Childhood PreK-2, Elementary 1-6 or English 5-12) and at least one year of experience under that license.

*Candidates for Initial Licensure as a Specialist Teacher: Reading must complete a Literacy and Language research project.

The above 10-course program in Literacy and Language enables candidates holding an Initial License in Elementary, Early Childhood, English, or Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities to meet the requirements for Professional Licensure in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, English, or Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities. The additional supervised practicum (below) is not required for candidates seeking a Professional License in these four fields.

  • Complete the online graduate admission application
  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA from a regionally accredited college/university and must submit all official college-level transcripts. Applicants who studies outside of the United State must submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation for US equivalency. 
  • Two (2) recommendations must be submitted electronically through the Recommendation section of the application. One letter must be from an employer or supervisor, and the second letter must be from a faculty member who has taught the candidate at the collegiate level if the candidate attended classes in the last five years; if a faculty recommendation is not possible, the second letter should be another professional recommendation. 
  • Submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.
  • Hold a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Initial License in Early Childhood Education PreK-2 or Elementary 1-6. 

EFFECTIVE AS OF THE 2023-2024 GRADUATE CATALOG

Meet Your Coordinator

Photo of Laura Hudock, Ph.D.

Laura Hudock, Ph.D. (On Sabbatical, Spring 2025)

Program Coordinator and Advisor, M.Ed. - Literacy and Language and Assistant Professor, Education Department
508-215-5123
lhudock@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall

Required Practicum for students seeking Initial Licensure as a Specialist Teacher: Reading

Per the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), candidates seeking Initial Licensure as a Specialist Teacher: Reading must obtain the Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) endorsement in one of the following ways:

  • Complete an undergraduate program that includes an approved Sheltered English Immersion course.
  • Complete the DESE-approved Sheltered English Immersion course through a school district.
  • Complete the DESE-approved Framingham State University course, TESL 910 Sheltered English Immersion.
  • Complete a DESE-approved Sheltered English Immersion course through another licensure program.
  • Earn a passing score on the Sheltered English Immersion 056 Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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