Certificate in Literacy Education

News

Programs start in June of each year, with a priority application deadline of May 15.

Priority application deadline

Priority consideration is given to applicants who complete the application process by the May 15 priority application deadline. Applications will still be considered after the May 15 priority deadline, but will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Developing literacy leaders

Are you an educator seeking advanced study in reading and literacy? The Certificate in Literacy Education is designed for teachers who desire to:

Further their training in reading.
Enhance their skills in a traditional classroom.

Get started on your Certificate in Literacy Education today!

The certificate does not certify teachers to teach reading classes or become a building reading specialist, a district reading specialist, or literacy coordinator. It will not add the K-12 Teachers of Reading License to a current license.

Bethel is committed to your success as an adult learner

You will be served in practical ways, including:

Advisors walk you through the admission process.
Faculty serve as teachers, mentors, and facilitators of learning.
A small group of adult students called a "cohort" supports and maximizes learning throughout your entire major.
Staff are committed to helping you reach your goal.
Financial aid and payment plans make financing your education possible.
Resources and Services.

Courses

The certificate requires completion of six courses (13 semester credits).

EDUC600 • Explorations in Literature (3)
Overview of the fields of children’s and adolescent literature with an emphasis on the use of tradebooks in the classroom. Learners will read and critically review a wide variety of genres across a span of age groups as well as develop a bibliography for future curriculum development in EDUC602, EDUC607, and EDUC612.

EDUC601 • Foundations of Reading (2)
Introduction to the historical and pedagogical issues related to the field of reading instruction. Examination of the reading process from both a psychological and socio-cultural perspective. Emphasis on current educational principles as they relate to the cognitive, linguistic development of children, preadolescents, and adolescents. Review of current research as well as national initiatives in reading instruction. Prerequisite: EDUC600.

EDUC602 • Reading Instruction in Primary Grades (2)
Focus on the development of reading proficiency in young children, grades K-2. Best practices in literacy that foster phonemic awareness, alphabet recognition, phonology, and word study. Design and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional strategies for a wide range of abilities in literacy for young learners. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601.

EDUC607 • Reading Instruction in Intermediate Grades (2)
Development of skills and understandings to teach reading in the intermediate grades (3-6). Emphasis on the development of comprehension in a wide range of reading contexts, including fiction and expository text in a context that develops engagement in reading for pleasure and learning. Examination of methods to strengthen decoding, reading fluency, vocabulary, and concept development. Application of research and theory to evaluate and design curriculum. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602.

EDUC612 • Strategy Instruction in Content Areas (1)
Exploration of comprehension strategies that assist textbook understanding. A variety of expository texts found across content areas will be examined. Examination of behaviors of adolescent readers and instructional strategies to increase comprehension and understanding of texts. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607.

EDUC622 • Assessment and Evaluation in Reading (3)
Focus on best practices in formal and informal assessments. Engagement in assessing, measuring, evaluating, and reporting individual and group performance in reading. Evaluation of data to make informed decisions for instructional and curricular purposes. Participation in data analysis teams and development of expertise in reporting assessment results to a wide variety of audiences. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612.

Admission Requirements 2007-08

Applicants are admitted under the requirements of the most current catalog as they enter Bethel. The Literacy Education programs will consider applicants who:

Submit a completed Application for Admission form along with the $25 nonrefundable application fee.
Submit an official transcript showing the highest earned degree. Note: if financial aid is sought, submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Have earned an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
Submit a copy of most recent teaching license at the elementary or secondary level.
Submit Employment Verification as a teacher or of relevant teaching experience.
Submit one professional Admission Reference completed by an individual with current knowledge of your professional performance.
Submit a written Statement of Purpose.
Submit Computer Documentation form. Applicants are required to have access to a computer with the required hardware and software for use throughout the program (see application materials).
Submit a Student Immunization Record.
Submit a Request for Transfer of Credit, if applicable.
Submit a TOEFL examination score report (required of all international applicants and all applicants whose primary language is not English). A minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test; 213 on the computer-based test; or 80 on the internet-based test.
Interview with the Literacy Education Program Director.
Indicate acceptance of Bethel Community Expectations by signing the application form.

International Applicants: Additional Admission Requirements

An international applicant is any candidate who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident alien. International applicants must:

Submit official evaluations of foreign transcripts from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization (www.naces.org) or from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International) (www.cgfns.org).
Submit a completed Certificate of Finances form and a copy of current bank statement(s) to show evidence of adequate funds to cover a minimum of one year’s full tuition and living expenses.
If an applicant is receiving funds from a sponsor(s), submit:
- Notarized Affidavits of Support (I-134).
- Letters of support from sponsors.
Submit a copy of I-94 (applicants currently in the U.S.).
Submit a copy of passport (applicants currently in the U.S.).
Submit a copy of current visa (applicants currently in the U.S.).
Submit documentation of health insurance.
If the applicant’s primary language is not English, have a required English language evaluation as part of the admission process.

U.S. Permanent Resident Alien Applicants: Additional Admission Requirement

U.S. permanent resident alien applicants must present the applicant's green card.

Meeting minimal entrance requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Exceptions to minimum criteria may be made at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Getting Started

Need help getting started on your certificate?

Request information online.
Apply online.
Email gs@bethel.edu or call 651.635.8000 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000.
Attend an information session or meet with an admissions advisor.
Make note of program start dates and application deadlines.

Currently accepting applications for fall and spring semester.

Call 651.635.8000 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000 for details.