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The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.D.) in Reading and Writing prepares you to become a literacy coach or take on leadership roles within your school district. This program is also ideal for classroom teachers who want to enhance their skills in teaching reading and writing. You'll engage in advanced coursework that focuses on current literacy research, effective assessment methods, and innovative strategies for promoting literacy in diverse learning environments, empowering you to directly impact student achievement and inspire fellow educators.

Components of the Program

• Can be completed fully from a distance. Online and Zoom courses offered.
• Receive 1-on-1 guidance from your advisor.
• Developed by practitioners for practitioners.
• Access to National Board Certified advisors.
• Receive up to 12 hours of course credit for relevant experience (e.g., NBCT & Orton-Gillingham Training) with our Prior Learning Assessment.

Career Outlook

Career benefits and opportunities after earning the Literacy Specialist Endorsement P-12 include:

• Leadership roles and assignments, including Literacy Coach or Specialist
• Advancement in the current teaching field
• Increased pay within the current school district
• Professional development, interest, or enrichment

Change Your Rank

A change in rank has the potential to enhance one's earning capacity. The Master of Arts in Education: Reading and Writing program is specifically designed to meet the course requirements for Rank II classification, or for Rank I classification for individuals who hold a prior master’s degree. Additionally, this program satisfies the criteria for the Literacy Specialist Endorsement for grades P-12. It is important to note that the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board mandates candidates to successfully complete the Praxis Reading Specialist Exam in order to obtain the Literacy Specialist Endorsement. However, candidates who do not take the examination will still be awarded the degree and the corresponding rank change.

Affordable Education

Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees

are available. You can receive a 6-credit-hour tuition waiver, plus a stipend, per a full semester.

TEACH Grant

The TEACH grant program provides funding of up to $4,000 per academic year for anyone enrolled in eligible programs like our Reading and Writing Master's program.

Learn more about the TEACH Grant program

Finish Faster

The Reading and Writing Program comprises a total of 30 credit hours. Participants may complete the program entirely online within a timeframe of 1.5 to 2 years. Furthermore, individuals may receive up to 12 hours of course credit for relevant professional experience, such as National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) status or Orton-Gillingham training, through our Prior Learning Assessment process.

ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä Now for your Masters in Reading MAED degree

Applications are accepted year-round. Students may begin coursework during the next term following admission. 

You will need to complete the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State Graduate Admission application and submit an official transcript and letter of application. The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0.

Master of Arts in Education: Reading and Writing Curriculum

The program requires the completion of 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. Within these hours, students must undertake at least 9 hours focused on professional education, ensuring a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and professional practice. Additionally, a minimum of 15 hours must be dedicated to advanced 600-level courses, which delve into specialized topics relevant to literacy education.

The central aim of the program is to enhance literacy instruction rooted in robust evidence-based practices. To achieve this, a variety of instructional strategies are implemented, including detailed teaching scenarios that illustrate effective methods in action. Participants benefit from video demonstrations that provide visual examples of best practices, allowing them to observe real-time applications of these strategies. Additionally, the program fosters an environment of peer-to-peer collaboration, encouraging educators to share insights, discuss challenges, and learn from one another's experiences. To deepen their understanding and refine their skills, participants engage in reflective exercises, allowing them to critically analyze their teaching practices and outcomes. 

Participants engage in a diverse array of coursework designed to build expertise in critical areas of literacy. This includes foundational studies in literacy, methods for teaching word study, and strategies for assessing and instructing students who are striving to improve their reading skills. The program also emphasizes leadership opportunities in the literacy field, allowing candidates to develop skills necessary to guide and mentor peers.

Furthermore, candidates have the option to select electives that enhance their knowledge and skills in complementary areas, such as language arts and content-area reading and writing. These electives provide a broader perspective on literacy education and allow for personalized learning paths tailored to individual interests and career goals.

A recent graduate, Sanda Fisher, said, "I love that the reading and writing program is so applicable to my everyday classroom teaching. The classes are practical and developed, so that I am learning how to better myself in the classroom."

MAED in Education curriculum

Download additional information

• Brochure: MAED in Reading and Writing Literacy Endorsement P-12
• Brochure: MAED in Reading and Writing - Bridge to Supervisor of Instruction