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John Carroll University / Academics / Education / Graduate / Reading Endorsement Program / Reading Endorsement Program

Reading Endorsement

K-12 Online Reading Endorsement Program

For licensed K-12 educators looking to increase their skills and gain a competitive (and sometimes required) resume enhancement, this completely online program prepares teachers in designing equitable literacy curriculum, selecting reading assessments to diagnose literacy skills, and administering literacy intervention. In addition, our Jesuit identity informs the program’s focus on equity and social justice in literacy instruction.

With curricula based on informed research and grounded in Ohio Department of Education standards, teachers will learn the most effective methods for teaching reading. JCU’s small class sizes (10-15 students maximum) allow one-on-one communication between students and faculty while also allowing networking with other teachers in public, independent, and Catholic schools. The unique program encourages working teachers to examine their students in their classroom context, connect to professional organizations like NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) and ILA (International Literacy Association), and introduce current methods to improve curriculum, instruction and assessment. For teachers not currently working in schools, JCU will secure a placement in a school matching their career interests.

A Reading Endorsement can be added to a valid Ohio teaching license following successful completion of this curriculum and Ohio state examinations. Students must apply for the Reading Endorsement at the Ohio Department of Education website.

The endorsement is approved by the Ohio Board of Regents and fulfills the requirements of Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee.

The part-time, online program allows current teachers to achieve the Reading Endorsement in one year while maintaining their full-time teaching positions.

  • Candidates must have the following prerequisites:
    • A teaching license/certificate
    • Evidence of coursework that meets Ohio’s initial licensure Reading Core.
  • Applicants’ transcripts will be reviewed to determine if additional graduate coursework is needed beyond JCU’s 12 credits.
  • Under new state regulations, a minimum of 15 credits is required for the K-12 Reading Endorsement.
  • In addition to JCU’s 12 graduate credits, three credits may be applied from previous reading coursework at either the undergraduate or graduate level to meet the 15-credit-hour requirement.
  • The 15 credit hours can also be applied toward the 30 hours needed to reach a Master’s degree. Many students complete both the Reading Endorsement in one year and a master’s degree in two years.

Reading Endorsement Program Highlights

students in classroom sitting at desk

Why a Reading Endorsement from JCU?

A Reading Endorsement can provide teachers a competitive edge in the educational job market with opportunities for increased salaries.

At JCU, we don’t just prepare you for professional success, but we help you teach with a larger purpose. Our rigorous curricula, personal attention, hands-on learning opportunities, and commitment to social justice mean you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a satisfying teaching career—and the leadership tools for making powerful change.

Two male students studying outside at a table in the courtyard in the fall

Our Team and Resources

The Reading Endorsement Program team includes Dr. Yi Shang, Dr. Sara Parrish and Dr. Jennifer Moe.

These highly regarded professors are widely published in the field of literacy education and are also closely integrated with teachers in public, independent, and Catholic schools across Northeast Ohio. This unique combination allows teachers direct insights into research that can be translated directly to instructional practice.

In addition, our library resources are top notch, providing access to the latest content from the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Literacy Association.

 

Picture of a red brick building and trees

How can a Reading Endorsement enhance my career?

Reading and literary specialists are in demand and a Reading Endorsement can provide you a competitive edge in the educational job market with opportunities for increased salaries.

It can additionally become a good springboard to move you into administrative positions or curriculum development for an entire school system or district. But most importantly, you’ll be prepared to make a bigger difference with your students. You’ll be the transformative teacher who empowers your students with the literacy skills they’ll use their entire lives.

Female student studying in the library

Courses

  • ED 5550 - Literacy Perspectives (3 credit-hours)
  • ED 5560 - Literacy Assessment and Intervention Models (3 credit-hours)
  • ED 5570 - Literacy Curriculum and Social Justice (3 credit-hours)
  • ED 5580 - Literacy Internship (3 credit-hours)

Typically taught in the fall and spring semesters.

Fall: ED 5550 & ED 5560

Spring: ED 5570 & ED 5580

* In addition to JCU’s 12 graduate credits, three credits may be applied from previous reading coursework at either the undergraduate or graduate level to meet the 15-credit-hour requirement. Prospective students can have previous coursework evaluated by the program director to satisfy this 3 credit-hour requirement.