The Literacy M.Ed. Program at Roberts Wesleyan University
is receiving recognition for its excellence and profound impact on literacy education, with recent accolades spanning local, regional, and national levels.
The honors reflect the program's deep commitment to preparing educators whose practice is aligned with the latest evidence-based research.
Local and Regional Recognition
At the local level, the program’s unwavering dedication to helping children and students reach their highest literacy potential was formally recognized by the Rochester City Council for its community commitment.
Regionally, the program was cited in a key report on local education. The Education Trust - New York’s report, “A Call to Action: The State of Early Literacy in Monroe County,” recognized Roberts Wesleyan University's literacy teacher preparation program as one of the “promising practices,” highlighting its meaningful contributions to strengthening early literacy throughout the area.
National Excellence in Reading Foundations
Nationally, the program achieved distinction by earning an 'A' grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation in reading foundations. This places Roberts Wesleyan University among only two higher education institutions in New York State to receive this top-tier grade.
Further affirming its widespread accessibility and quality, the program was recently ranked #10 among Top Online M.Ed. Programs in New York by TeacherCertificationDegrees.com.
Graduate Success Confirms Program Quality
These external validations are strongly supported by consistent, positive feedback from program graduates, who attest to the curriculum’s immediate relevance and effectiveness in the field.
This program equipped me with the skills to make a lasting impact on my students’ lives. I’m excited to continue applying the knowledge I’ve gained and help foster a love of reading and writing in all my future students. Additionally, the convenience of the online program allowed me to work full-time while also pursuing my literacy degree. It made it easy to connect with my classmates and professors.
I have RAVED about this program to so many people who are thinking about starting their master’s degree. Every professor I have had has been incredibly helpful, and I have gained so much knowledge and experience from each of the classes I have taken.I am very grateful that this program is up to date on the science of reading, and I was able to draw many parallels between what I was learning in our courses and literacy shifts that have been made where I teach.
Program Expansion: Post-Master’s Certificate Launches Fall 2026
In response to the growing demand for evidence-based literacy education and the program's continued success, Roberts Wesleyan University is excited to announce the anticipated launch of a Post-Master’s Certificate in Literacy, beginning in Fall 2026.
This new certificate program is designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree and are eager to deepen their expertise through advanced, post-master’s education. With expanded offerings, Roberts aims to equip even more educators with the knowledge and pedagogy to strengthen students’ literacy skills in today’s classrooms.
This combination of recognition, ongoing feedback, and forward-looking development affirms that the Roberts Wesleyan University Literacy M.Ed. curriculum is fully aligned with current research, ensuring graduates are expertly prepared to teach and remediate literacy using evidence-based practices. The program offers a flexible and supportive environment, with faculty dedicated to fostering literacy expertise and empowering graduates to become changemakers in their respective contexts.
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About the author
Teacher Education Department
The mission of all teacher education programs at Roberts Wesleyan University, guided by its Christian traditions, is to prepare candidates to be highly capable educators who think critically, who educate diverse populations effectively, and who lead collaboratively toward a global and more just society.
About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.