Education degree candidate and elementary student

Become a Literacy Specialist for all Grades


Graduates of this master’s program in literacy education become literacy specialists — the experts who share best practices with general education colleagues and provide direct instruction to small groups of learners who struggle with reading and writing.

Program Distinctions

You’ll build skills to teach face-to-face and in a digital format. Become broadly versed in knowledge and strategies for teaching all types of students and learn how to develop instructional plans for at-risk learners.

This master’s in Literacy Education program, part of the Esteves School of Education, is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

You’ll learn practices that emphasize evidence-based teaching, differentiated instruction, diversity and inclusion, teaching English language learners, and teacher reflection.

Courses draw on the “new literacies” lens to integrate technology into innovative and traditional learning activities.

You’ll complete at least 50 hours teaching at-risk, diverse, urban learners online and face-to-face. Faculty believe that the best learning happens in clinically rich contexts, making local public and charter schools the perfect opportunity for you to develop your skills.

  • After you complete the master’s in Literacy Education, you’ll be eligible to take the Content Specialty Test required to become a literacy specialist.
  • Applicants should have initial teacher certification in Childhood Education or be eligible for initial certification. Individuals without certification, please see our Childhood Education/Literacy Specialist program. 
  • If you are interested in dual certification, please see Russell Sage’s master’s in Special Education and Literacy.

The Power in Positive Ed

Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world. 

That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One- to two-page career goals essay
  • Current resume

Program Objectives

  • Evaluate, diagnose, interpret and teach students with significant difficulties in reading and writing
  • Are prepared to work closely with diverse families and other educators to provide targeted, excellent literacy instruction
  • Provide ongoing professional development to other educators and parents
  • Use data (including individual, classroom and schoolwide data) to inform instructional decisions
  • Are highly effective in collaborating with others
Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

“Russell Sage College and the Esteves School of Education act as leaders in education, not just in the Capital District but in New York State.”

Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
child and student teacher in elementary classroom.

Careers with an MSEd in Literacy Education

Graduates often work as classroom teachers with advanced knowledge in teaching reading and writing to at-risk learners or become literacy specialists at the elementary or secondary level.

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