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Education

Reading Specialist

License-Only, Initial Licensure Program

Use your passion for reading and writing to advance children’s literacy.

If you have a master’s degree and an initial or professional license in early childhood, elementary, or special education, you can take this program to become an accomplished reading specialist at the PreK-12 school or district level. Reading specialists also become literacy coaches, tutors, staff developers, consultants, and more.

Learn ways to expand struggling students' literacy skills in one-on-one, small group, or classroom settings. You'll also explore how to assess students, teach English language learners, and work with families and communities. You’ll work with faculty who will support you as you advance your own inquiry, co-constructing knowledge and applying theory to practice. And through self-reflection, you'll explore ways to come to greater cultural awareness.

Here, you'll get thorough training in the latest literacy strategies, and work with professors on research and policy. Apply your coursework during immersive student teaching opportunities. Emerge confident in your skills and ability to make a vital difference in students' educational experiences.

Get your reading specialist license from New England's premier university for teacher preparation, knowing you have what you need to land the career you're passionate about. Our reading specialist programs have earned a reputation for their outstanding graduates. Many hold leadership roles in the Massachusetts Reading Association and other regional and national literacy organizations. Employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley alumni, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one.

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus or off-campus program

27 Credits
On-Campus Graduate Education Programs

Our on-campus programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face, remote synchronous via Zoom, or asynchronous online courses. Whatever the delivery mode, you'll get the same careful attention and support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you have any questions.

Gain Skills and Expertise
Our reading specialist program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Barbara Steckel headshot
Reading & Literacy
Dr. Barbara Steckel
Barbara Steckel is program director for the Specialist Teacher of Reading program and a professor of literacy. Her courses are enriched by her background as an elementary and middle school reading specialist, literacy coach, adolescent literacy consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and director of a district literacy program. She is active in the Massachusetts Reading Association and several other professional organizations.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this license-only program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Reading Specialist
  • Tuition
    $925/credit x 27
    $24,975
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $675
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $750/credit x 27
    $20,250
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $675
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $562.50/credit x 27
    $15,188
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $675
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.