• Go To Home
  • Program Finder

    • Enrich learning for your students with a Master of Education in Literacy

    Literacy education is a multi-faceted tool that enhances learning about the world — and yourself.

    Become a Literacy Specialist 

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

    You’ll build skills that allow you to not only teach face-to-face, but in a digital format as well. Become broadly versed in knowledge and strategies for teaching all types of students and learn how to develop an instructional plan for at-risk learners.

    After you complete the Master of Education in Literacy Education requirements,  you’ll be eligible to take the Content Specialty Test required to become a literacy specialist.

     

    More About Sage’s MSEd Degree in Literacy

    To enter this master’s in literacy program, you must have initial teacher certification in Childhood Education, or be eligible for initial certification. Individuals without certification in Childhood Education may be interested in our Childhood/Literacy Education program.

    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).

    If you are interested in dual certification, please see Russell Sage College’s dual master’s degree program in Special Education/Literacy.

    SEE CATALOG FOR REQUIREMENTS

    “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
    Spotlights Pattern

    Spotlights

    Read more from students, faculty and alumni.

    Alumni
    Childhood / Literacy Education 2020

    Tahisha Richards, MSEd

    Tahisha Richards figured the moment had passed her by. For so long she’d thought one day she’d become a teacher. …

    Read More
    Alumni

    “The professors were amazing. They were both down-to-earth and full of knowledge. They were always ready to answer my questions. And believe me, I’m a question-asker.”

    – Tahisha Richards, MSEd
    Alumni
    Educational Leadership Literacy / Special Education

    Jennie Evans

    It almost feels like understatement to say Jennie Evans is well educated.  After attaining her bachelor’s degree, she came to …

    Read More

    Careers with a Master of Education in Literacy

    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.

    Learning Experience

    You’ll learn to promote 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.

    Student Teaching in the Literacy Education MSEd Program

    Get hands-on experience in this MSEd degree program, completing at least 50 hours teaching at-risk, diverse, urban learners online and face-to-face. You’ll be able to student teach at local public and charter schools to gain experience. 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.

    Course Objective

    To develop literacy specialists who:

    • 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 school-wide data) to inform instructional decisions
    • are highly effective in collaborating with others

    Application Requirements

    • official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
    • one letter of recommendation
    • 1-2 page career goals essay
    • GRE is not required

    Deadline: Rolling Admission
    Start Date: Fall, Spring, Summer semester

    Next steps?

    It’s time to take the next step. Choose yours below.

    Request Info
    Apply
    Visit
    Financial Aid

    Have questions?

    Kathleen Gormley
    Kathleen A. Gormley, Ph.D.
    Professor
    Leslie Peppin
    Leslie Q. Peppin
    Office Coordinator: Esteves School of Education, Administrative Assistant: Professional Education Programs, and Teacher Certification Officer