This 30-credit program is designed for licensed, experienced classroom teachers looking to gain a strong foundation in literacy and the development of leadership skills. The program prepares students to not only meet the needs of all literacy and language learners, but also to assume leadership positions within their school. This program is designed for the licensed teacher who wishes to be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as a Reading Specialist based on and aligned to the standards outlined by the International Literacy Association (ILA). For licensure/endorsement in a state or district other than Maryland as a Reading Specialist, contact your state or district to determine eligibility steps.

Candidates should complete the six courses in the literacy core before proceeding to the Reading Specialist Track. Courses within the core and the clinical block may be taken in any order unless otherwise stated.  

As courses are only offered in online formats, students must have access to a device (such as a tablet or computer) that includes both internet connectivity and audio/video capability. High-speed internet connectivity access is also required.

In addition to passing all courses with a satisfactory grade, as a graduation requirement, Reading Specialist candidates must take and earn a score of 165 or higher on the Praxis II:  Reading Specialist (#5302) during the clinical block to graduate. For May graduates, candidates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by April 15. Similarly, January graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by December 15. In addition, September graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by August 15.

Candidates must submit an electronic application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar by the scheduled deadline. Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for deadline details.  Applications received after the deadline and/or applications that are incomplete (that have not met all the requirements for program graduation) will result in candidates needing to reapply for graduation at a later date.