Many of us take the ability to read this sentence for granted, but it’s a legitimate challenge for more than 59 million adults in the United States who struggle with basic reading, writing, and math skills. Students who struggle to read and write may have both socioeconomic and psychological effects that can be detrimental to individuals across the lifespan and generally interfere with life skills and safety.
As noted by experts in literacy education, illiteracy affects not only the daily life of the person experiencing it, but also society as a whole. For example, one result of literacy issues is difficulty finding adequate employment, which affects both the individual and their family. In many cases, literacy intervention can help alleviate this situation. Current discussions about the Science of Reading and how artificial intelligence may shape student learning are ongoing.
If you are passionate about helping others, a master’s degree in education with a focus on reading, writing, and new literacies can build careers working with both children and adults who have reading and literacy challenges. A master’s degree can also help you develop or hone skills specific to your career of choice, and can increase your salary earning potential.
This article explores the skills you develop through a literacy graduate program and some of the many careers available to reading and literacy specialists.
What’s the Difference Between Reading and Literacy?
Reading and literacy are both concerned with decoding and interpretation of text, although the term literacy is a bit more inclusive. Literacy refers to reading, writing, listening, talking, viewing, and representing visually. Reading, along with listening and viewing, is a receptive, comprehension, or intake ability. Writing, talking, and composing are expressive, creative, or constructive products. Both literacy and reading involve learning and using the mechanics and meaning of symbols and text, including new literacies.
More: Learn how professional development can transform teaching outcomes.
What Careers Can You Pursue With a Master’s in Literacy?
Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist Responsibilities
Reading and literacy teachers work in public and private school settings with students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. These specialists assist classroom teachers and visit with students individually or in small groups outside of the classroom.
Reading teachers work with students on the following foundational skills using traditional and digital text:
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Fluency
- Grammar
- Word identification, or graphophonics
- Phonological Awareness
- Writing
- Children’s and Adolescent Literature
According to the National Education Association, the average starting salary for a teacher with a master’s degree is 8.3% higher than the salary for a teacher with only a bachelor’s. Additionally, Lightcast reports that the median advertised salary for a teacher with a master’s is 14.4% higher than average.
There are basic and specialized skills that are required to be a successful literacy coach and teacher, including communication, writing, and lesson planning.
Basic Skills for Literacy Specialists
- Diagnosis and Intervention Strategies
- Literacy Approaches and Practices
- Research Theory and Data Collection
- Coaching of Classroom Teachers
- Individual, Group, and Whole-Class Instructional Planning
- Communicating with Families and Professionals
Specialized Skills for Literacy Teachers
- Knowledge of Language Development and Cultural Differences
- Technological Proficiency and Artificial Intelligence
- Understanding of Children’s Special Needs
- Advanced Communication Strategies
- Grammar and Language Arts
- Disseminate Evidence-Based Practices
- Familiarity with Progress Monitoring Programs
Source: Lightcast
Reading Teacher or Literacy Specialist Requirements
One question that comes up often in regards to the requirements for reading and literacy specialists is if you need a graduate degree to be a literacy or reading teacher in a K-12 public school. The answer is, maybe.
Each state has its own requirements. In many states, it is necessary to first be a classroom teacher before you can specialize in literacy. For example, to teach at a public K-12 school as a literacy specialist in New York state, educators teacher must complete an NYS Registered Program in Literacy in addition to other requirements. It is important to find out the requirements in the state where you plan to teach before you enter a master’s program.
Community Roles for Literacy Specialists
Many reading specialists make an impact outside of the classroom and take on leadership roles within the community. These specialists work in places like libraries, tutoring centers, community colleges and resource centers. One way to prepare for these roles is to take advanced coursework that features classes in reading assessment, and literacies in culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Libraries often feature adult literacy classes for community members. A literacy specialist at a library may teach in the literacy program. They might also coordinate the program, and bring in other specialists to assist in a volunteer capacity.
In community colleges, these specialists might take on the role of high school equivalency diploma teachers, helping adults with essential and basic skills, like speaking and reading English. Community college employment is often adjunct or part-time. In addition, tutors at literacy centers offer assessments of an individual’s current reading skills, and create a plan to help improve those skills.
Basic Skills for Adult Literacy Instructor
- Literacy
- Teaching
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Communication
Specialized Skills for Adult Literacy Instructor
- Reading instruction
- Data analysis
- Curriculum development
- Small group instruction
- Guided reading
Source: Lightcast
Administrator
Administrators work in K-12 schools supervising education staff including teachers, librarians, and counselors. They also make sure that state, federal, and local educational standards are being upheld within the school.
Because part of an administrator’s role involves overseeing curricula, having an advanced degree in literacy and reading can be very beneficial for administrators. Those who understand what the most effective methods in reading and literacy are can make the proper implementations into curricula, and better prepare teachers to handle students with literacy challenges.
Some of the skills, both specialized and basic, include the following:
Basic Skills for Curriculum Coordinators
- Leadership
- Teaching
- Communication
- Management
- Operations
Specialized Skills for Curriculum Coordinators
- Special education
- Curriculum development
- Educational administration
- Student services
- Instructional strategies
Source: Lightcast
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary is $88,460 (as of May 2023). Over 40% of administrators have a master’s degree.
What Will You Learn in a Master’s in Literacy Program?
Each graduate program has its own unique focus in curriculum and experiential opportunities. For example, Pace University’s master’s in literacy features coursework in digital literacy, assessment, literacy development, and accommodations for students with language and learning needs, and features experiential components like a capstone project.
As you complete coursework, look for how the curriculum aligns with your career goals. For example, reading or literacy specialists at public and private schools in your state work with students, teachers, and other learning specialists in varying ways such as taking roles of literacy resource teachers, district coaches, and curriculum advisors.
FAQ
In many states—including New York—the answer is yes. A graduate degree is often required for certification.
Yes. Many literacy specialists work in adult education programs, community colleges, and tutoring centers.
Yes. Lightcast labor data shows that educators with a master’s degree in literacy earn 14.4% more than average and often qualify for higher-level instructional or leadership roles.
No, literacy specialists work in a variety of settings. Depending on their career path, they may work in libraries, community programs, private practice, consulting, publishing, or nonprofit literacy organizations.
About the Pace University Master of Science in Education, Literacy Specialist
The Master of Science in Education, Literacy Specialist (MSEd, LIT) prepares educators to take on complex instructional challenges and become eligible for an advanced or professional certificate in teaching literacy to children or adolescents. With coursework covering literacy development, assessment models, digital literacy and more, this program offers the knowledge and flexible classroom practices to help students from a wide range of backgrounds, including individuals with language or learning disabilities, English language learners, and high achievers.
In addition, an Advanced Certificate in Literacy Specialist (ADV CERT LIT) program is an excellent option for those who already hold a master’s degree. This 21 credit program can be completed in as little as one and a half years.
Request Information
To learn more about Pace University’s Online Graduate Programs in Literacy Education, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an enrollment specialist at (914) 758-1080.