Literacy Education

Program Distinctions

You’ll build skills to teach face-to-face and in a digital format. Become broadly versed in knowledge and strategies for teaching all types of students and learn how to develop instructional plans for at-risk learners.

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).
You’ll learn 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.
After you complete the Master of Education in Literacy Education, you’ll be eligible to take the Content Specialty Test required to become a literacy specialist.
You’ll complete at least 50 hours teaching at-risk, diverse, urban learners online and face-to-face. 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.
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.
If you are interested in dual certification, please see Russell Sage College’s dual master’s degree program in Special Education/Literacy.

Program Objectives

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 schoolwide data) to inform instructional decisions
Are highly effective in collaborating with others

View Program Catalog

Easily Apply

We offer rolling admission, so apply anytime, and you can start when you are ready — fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Application Requirements

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
One letter of recommendation
One- to two-page career goals essay
GRE scores are not required

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Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

Kathleen A.
Gormley, Ph.D.

Professor

Learn more about Kathleen

“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

child and student teacher in elementary classroom.

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.

Need help?

Kathleen A. Gormley, Ph.D.

Professor

[email protected]

518-244-2403