Reading & Writing Specialist (Teacher Certification for Already Certified Teachers)

https://cps.unh.edu/online/academics/post-baccalaureate-teacher-certification

This Post-Baccalaureate Program is for candidates interested in pursuing teacher certification. The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program is designed for 21st Century Educators, providing an in-depth focus on the critical issues that are transforming the landscape of education - innovation, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0

Prerequisites: Must have completed a master's degree as defined by state certification guidelines and have three years classroom teaching experience.

Post Bac Reading & Writing Specialist 1
Introductory Level Education Courses
EDC 800Introduction to Field Experience1
EDC 823Teaching Language Arts and Literacy6
EDC 875Foundations of Language and Literacy Development4
Intermediate Level Education Courses
EDC 876Reading and Writing Disabilities: Assessment and Instruction4
EDC 877Content Area Literacy4
Advanced Level Education Courses
EDC 879Role of the Reading and Writing Specialist I - Practicum6
EDC 880Role of the Reading and Writing Specialist II - Practicum6
Total Credits31
1

A minimum grade of B- is required in all Major coursework.

State Certification Requirements

The following requirements must be completed in order to be recommended to the state for Teacher Certification.

  • Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam required. Students must attempt to pass Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam prior to taking the Culminating Teaching Experience & Seminar. Passing exam scores are required for state certification.
  • Earned Master's Degree required. The RWS certification requires an earned master's degree in a literacy-related area.

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first semester at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
EDC 800 Introduction to Field Experience Nonclinical; Complete CHRC Process 1
EDC 823 Teaching Language Arts and Literacy Clinical A 6
EDC 875 Foundations of Language and Literacy Development Clinical B 4
 Credits11
Spring
EDC 876 Reading and Writing Disabilities: Assessment and Instruction Clinical A 4
EDC 877 Content Area Literacy Clinical A 4
 Credits8
Second Year
Fall
EDC 879 Role of the Reading and Writing Specialist I - Practicum Clinical A 6
EDC 880 Role of the Reading and Writing Specialist II - Practicum Clinical A 6
 Credits12
 Total Credits31

Note: Only 1 Clinical A course allowed per term

Students Will:

  • Be reflective and knowledgeable about learners and are able to employ instructional methods, strategies and technologies to meet the needs of all students;
  • Have a rich understanding of the subject/s that they teach;
  • Employ best practices in the planning, delivery and assessment of instruction to improve learning achievement of Pre-K-12 students.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.