M.Ed.
Reading Specialist

The M.Ed. is offered with emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, Mathematics Education, Reading Specialist, and Special Education. The Master of Education programs extend and develop classroom skills and abilities of practicing teachers in elementary and secondary education. Applicants to the Master of Education program must have a Bachelor of Education degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and/or a current teaching certificate.

The M.Ed. in Reading program is designed specifically to deepen P-12 teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge with the aim of improved student literacy achievement. This program is delivered in face-to-face and distance formats so that it is possible to complete the degree while teaching in your own district. Technological tools facilitate course delivery, communication, and research. Enhancements include streamed video, braided discussions, audio conferencing, video reflections, and use of Internet resources. Students in the master’s reading program focus on developmental, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects of reading acquisition, instruction, and assessment. Professional and caring attitudes and beliefs about teaching lead to responsive and rigorous instruction in reading and literacy for all P-12 students, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Accomplished teaching professionals promote collaboration with students, colleagues, parents, families, and the larger community to improve literacy learning and student achievement in their contexts. Students prepare an exit portfolio in line with the goals of the School of Education and the program standards of the International Reading Association to demonstrate levels of knowledge and pedagogy commensurate with the skills and dispositions of highly competent advanced teaching professionals.

The International Reading Association awarded the graduate UAS Reading program national recognition in 2004.

To view details of the program, visit the School of Education Website.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Admissions to the Master of Education Program requires the following:

1. A completed application and $60 processing fee
2. Official academic transcript indicating baccalaureate degree and a GPA of 3.0
3. Two recommendations addressing professional dispositions on specific forms provided by the UAS School of Education
4. Statement of Professional Objectives. This is a 2-3 page typewritten and double spaced formal paper containing a summary of educational experiences, a description of professional goals related to what is needed to teach students in Alaska and beyond, and a statement of how the program for advanced teaching candidates might help in attaining those goals. (An advanced teaching candidate is someone who is currently teaching, has taught, has experience in education, or has a teaching credential and access to a classroom for field experience.) This statement will be judged in terms of readability and style as well as compatibility ofthe student’s objectives and expectations and the goals of the program
5. Field experience statement form, also available in packet of application materials, if required
6. A copy of a teaching or administrative certificate, or program coordinator's permission is required for entry into the M.Ed. Reading Specialist and Special Education, and preferred for entry into the M.Ed. Educational Technology program.

Applicants to the M.Ed. Early Childhood Education and M.Ed. Reading program should also apply to the appropriate certificate program at this time.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (2008-2009 CATALOG)

Minimum Credit Hours			33
Program Requirements			33
ED	S671	Language Reading and Culture	3
ED	S674	Developing Reading ECE-12	3
ED	S675	Reading and Cognition	3
ED	S676	Reading Instruction and Assessment I	3
ED	S677	Reading Instruction and Assessment II	3
ED	S678	Literature and Reading, Supporting Readers at All Levels	3
ED	S679	Reading and Literacy in the Content Areas	3
ED	S696	Reading Teacher as Leader*	3
ED	S628	Technology in Instructional Design	3
ED	S626	Classroom Research	3
ED	S698	Master’s Research Project or Portfolio	3
*Must pass ED S696 with a B or higher to graduate
Recommendation for certification will be issued upon completion of the above coursework. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development grants the endorsement upon completion of the Institutional Recommendations and the required fee from the student. Students must be accepted into the graduate certificate program.

CONTACT INFORMATION

University of Alaska Southeast
Mary-Claire Tarlow
11120 Glacier Highway
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Ph: 907-796-6435
Program Website: www.uas.alaska.edu/education
Email: maryclaire.tarlow@uas.alaska.edu