Reading Specialist

Reading Specialist

Required Courses

The following courses are required for this program. Courses at each level must be completed before proceeding to the next level.

100 Level

Literacy Learning for Younger Children
Language Learning and Literacy

200 Level

Literacy Learning for Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents
Specialized Reading Approaches

300 Level

Reflective Practicum Seminar
Working with the Struggling Reader
Assessment for Reading Instruction

SEI Endorsement

In addition to the courses listed above, all enrollees are required to obtain the SEI Endorsement, either with CES or through their district. Click here for more information about SEI Endorsement, or click the link below to view upcoming course availability. The CES SEI Endorsement course may be taken at any point in the program.

SEI Endorsement for Teachers (RETELL)


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Reading Specialist Initial License (All Levels)

Prepares candidates for:

  • Reading Specialist (All Levels) Initial License

Candidates may come from either inside or outside the field of public education.

Prerequisites: 
  • A Bachelors Degree
  • An Initial Teaching License with at least one year of teaching experience under that license.
Requirements: 

Enrollees of the Reading Specialist Licensure Program will:

  • Meet MTEL and application requirements, including prerequisites
  • Complete 7 required courses. If you already have the SEI Endorsement, you will need only 6 courses.
  • Complete the Practicum
MTEL Requirements: 
  • Communication and Literacy Skills Test
  • Reading Specialist Test (taken upon completion of all or part of the course of study)

Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy MTELs are required with application. Endorsement in the Licensure Program is contingent upon successful completion of all the MTELs.

Practicum: 

A 150-hour Supervised Practicum in the role of the license sought is required. Click here to learn more about the Practicum.

Graduate Credit: 

All courses may be taken for graduate credit. For those interested in obtaining a graduate degree, graduate credits may be applied toward a M.Ed. - Curriculum & Teaching or a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), through the Collaborative's partnership with Fitchburg State University. Graduate credit registration forms are available at the first session of each course. For more information about the Graduate Options available, click here. For graduate program procedures and information, email liaison@collaborative.org.

For more information, contact: 

Liza Manchester

Position: 
Student Affairs, Licensure Programs
Phone: 
413.586.4900 x5937
Email: 
lmanchester@collaborative.org