Reading Endorsement
Reading Specialist (K-12) Certificate
"Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life. It is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship. Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.”
–Kofi Annan
The reading specialist (K-12) certificate is an endorsement that aims to prepare candidates to take on the important and rewarding responsibility of teaching literacy and language arts to K-12 students with a range of learning needs, and to become literacy education leaders within schools and districts.
Courses are designed to address national and state standards endorsed by the International Literacy Association (ILA) to promote professional competencies and key skills for literacy teachers, reading teachers, reading specialists, and literacy coaches.
The literacy team at the University of Montana offers the State of Montana Reading Specialist K-12 Certificate for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and M.Ed. graduate students.
Reading Specialist Certificate – UM Undergraduate:
The Teaching Reading Endorsement requires acceptance into the Teacher Education Program. When applying to the Teacher Education Program, indicate an intent to complete the Teaching Reading Certificate.
Undergraduate students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program seeking to add the Teaching Reading Minor must meet with their education advisor.
Reading Specialist Post-Baccalaureate Level with Initial Teaching License:
- Apply as a degree-seeking post-baccalaureate student with the Undergraduate Admissions Application.
- Complete the Department of Teaching & Learning application for either a secondary education or elementary education teaching license. In the application, indicate an intent to complete the Teaching Reading Certificate.
Endorsement Only:
Currently licensed teachers interested in pursuing the literacy endorsement at the post-baccalaureate level:
- Complete a post-baccalaureate application with Undergraduate Admissions.
- Complete the following for the Department of Teaching & Learning:
- Literacy Endorsement application.
- Two letters of recommendation using the Professional Recommendation form.
Current or Incoming UM Master of Education Students:
UM M.Ed. students completing an initial elementary or secondary teaching license who want to pursue the literacy endorsement should meet with their education advisor to discuss the Teaching Reading Certificate.
Contact Us
Literacy Faculty:
Dr. Kate Brayko
Associate Professor
Department of Teaching & Learning
kate.brayko@umontana.edu
Endorsement & Licensure:
Kathy Schneider
Licensure and Clinical Experiences Specialist
Teacher Education Services
kathy.schneider@mso.umt.edu
406-243-4846