Our advanced certificate program in literacy teaching and learning is tailored to provide educational professionals with enhanced expertise in the foundational aspects of literacy learning and teaching. Our students gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices essential for effective literacy instruction to further their career in education. Our program is ideal for anyone certified to teach in the areas of early childhood, childhood, adolescence or related educational areas (e.g., teaching English language learners, special education).
| Academic credential granted | Advanced Certificate (AC) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 15 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5 part-time semesters |
| Course delivery | Online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Select courses may be taken on campus. The course practica can be completed online or in person. |
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Dec. 1 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until July 15 |
In today’s dynamic professional environment, continuous self-improvement is essential for career success. Advancements, competition and evolving landscapes require professionals to maintain current, industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies. Advanced certificates can complement completed degrees or serve as standalone credentials. Regardless of your chosen path, an advanced certificate offers additional knowledge and opportunities to refine professional skills, facilitating career advancement. They offer a flexible, accessible and cost-effective educational route to pursue career goals and remain competitive.
Adapted from the International Literacy Association (ILA) 2017 Literacy Standards.
Literacy teaching and learning advanced certificate candidates will design and implement small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners with specific literacy needs.
Literacy teaching and learning advanced certificate candidates will understand, select and use valid, reliable, fair and appropriate assessment tools to determine student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences, explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
Literacy teaching and learning advanced certificate candidates will demonstrate knowledge of research and relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity, create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming, and advocate for change in education practices and institutional structures that are inherently biased or prejudiced.
Literacy teaching and learning advanced certificate candidates will collaborate to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners on a developmental continuum of language and literacy learning and use a variety of digital and print materials to engage and motivate all learners.
Literacy teaching and learning advanced certificate candidates will develop, reflect on and study their own professional practice; apply what they know in supervised clinical and field experiences to improve their performance with individual learners and in classrooms; and reflect on and revise practice based on supervisor and peer feedback.
This program is ideal for anyone certified to teach in the areas of early childhood, childhood, adolescence or related educational areas (e.g., teaching English language learners, special education).
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.