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March 25, 2019

Roberts Launches Online Graduate Program in Literacy Education

Affordable and Flexible Professional Program Available This Fall for Working Teachers

Roberts Wesleyan College will launch a new online option for the graduate degree program in literacy education beginning fall 2019. The program’s structure consists of full- or part-time classes in an online, face-to-face or hybrid option, allowing teachers to design a course structure that best suits their needs and learning style. Roberts Wesleyan’s literacy education program leads in affordability and flexibility among private options in the Greater Rochester area, and is one of few programs in the Western New York region to offer the program in an online format that can be completed in as few as 11 months.

According to a report from the New York State United Teachers Union, enrollment in the state’s teacher education programs has been steadily declining, mirroring a national trend in teacher shortages throughout the United States. Projections also show a steady increase in teacher retirements over the next five years, creating an increased demand for more individuals to enter the teaching profession, including literacy specialists.

“The online literacy education, M.Ed. program offers flexibility to certified teachers studying to earn credentials as literacy specialists and matches the content and rigor of our face-to-face program,” said Dr. Elizabeth Stevens, program director of the literacy program at Roberts Wesleyan College. “In our uniquely formatted program, teachers motivated to continue their education have the option to take classes fully online, or engage in a hybrid of online and face-to-face classes.”

Students will complete 30 credit hours of coursework, with 100 hours of built-in practicum experience, to achieve literacy certification from birth to grade 12. In the online model, students will also complete an on-campus residency practicum during the final two weeks of the program. Graduates will be prepared to serve as literacy specialists in schools with responsibilities that may include teaching, coaching, and facilitation of school-wide programs to help students successfully develop reading and writing skills.

“We understand the busy lifestyles of teachers, which is why we designed an online option in literacy education,” added Stevens. “Teachers should have flexible options to further their education and this particular option will prepare them to meet the literacy needs of their students.” 

Upon completion, graduates may seek careers as teachers, reading or literacy specialists, literacy coaches, and more in a variety of educational settings, including public schools, private schools and charter schools.

For more information on this program, click here.


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