Admission Requirements

The following materials must be received for an application to be reviewed:

1. Completed post-baccalaureate application with $50 application fee
2. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended; including an official transcript indicating a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education (PreK-8 or K-2).
3. Two letters of recommendation. One academic reference is strongly encouraged. References should specifically address candidates’ professional dispositions and  pedagogical expertise in teaching literacy and be from a past or current supervisor.
4. Documentation of an initial Massachusetts license in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education
5. Documentation of at least one year of teaching experience in the field of the current initial licenses
6. A passing score on MTEL Field 62 (previously Field 08) Reading Specialist. Please note that applicants may request access to MTEL preparation materials from WSU if they have not already passed this MTEL

A customized program of study would then be constructed by aligning graduate courses previously taken with the graduate courses required in the WSU Reading M.Ed. (with licensure) program. Candidates in this post baccalaureate program would be held to the same standards for grading and professional demeanors as all WSU M.Ed. candidates.

Program Description

The WSU Reading Specialist post baccalaureate Education licensure-only program would enable licensed and experienced elementary, early childhood and special education teachers who currently hold Master’s of Education degrees to apply for initial licensure in Reading Specialist from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) with the endorsement of WSU. The program is designed to ensure up-to-date, scientific research-based programming of excellence in all aspects of literacy assessment and instruction aligned with the Massachusetts PreK-12 Curriculum Frameworks, Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge Regulations, and national accreditation standards.

One academic advisor supports all candidates consistently throughout the whole program. Free MTEL workshops and materials are provided each semester to support candidates in passing Field 62, Reading Specialist including applicants who have not yet been accepted to the program. Support materials can be obtained by contacting the program administrator.

After all recommended courses, practica, and additional requirements have been successfully completed, the WSU licensure officer will endorse the candidate to the MA DESE for initial licensure in Reading Specialist. Because this program is not a full Master’s program, a comprehensive examination is not required.

The Reading Specialist, Licensure Only program is designed for licensed teachers in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities who desire initial licensure as a Reading Specialist.

For candidates who have taught for three years in the area of their initial teaching license (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities), and who have met the other requirements listed in licensure regulations, it will also lead to professional licensure in the area of the first teaching license.

Applicants to this program must have:

1. Initial or Professional (Standard) Massachusetts classroom teaching license in one of the areas noted above; and
2. One year of employment or equivalent in the role covered by the license.

Program of Study