Master of Education in Reading

Available Spring 2026

The Master of Education in Reading is a 30-credit program that is designed to support classroom teachers who are currently certified in early childhood /elementary or in middle/secondary ELA. The program is also designed for content area teachers who wish to become proficient in evidence-based teaching practices in reading.

The program is not a pathway to PK-12 reading specialist certification, but rather an opportunity for classroom teachers to develop the knowledge and evidence-based practices that are essential for supporting their students’ development as readers, writers and content area learners. In this program, students may focus on either elementary or middle/secondary reading instruction, completing their studies with 2 electives in a related field.

This program leads to a master’s degree, but not to reading specialist certification.

The M.Ed. in Reading provides the following benefits:

an opportunity to become proficient in reading instruction at their grade level of initial certification (elementary, special education, secondary) without commitment to additional grade level certification and leadership responsibilities.
a choice of focus on elementary (EDU830 and EDU852) or secondary (EDU832 and EDU853) grade level learners.
a 30-credit Master’s degree (instead of the existing 36-credit M.Ed. in Literacy).
an opportunity to broaden professional growth through 2 electives in related fields.

M.Ed. in Reading Fast Facts

30 credits
On campus delivery.
Tuition Information.
Deadlines: November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer, and July 1 for Fall with rolling admission on a space available basis.

Like many teachers, I love to read. Early in my career, I followed the teacher’s manual closely—but quickly realized my students needed more. I wanted them to connect with characters like Zinkoff from Loser and Flora from Flora and Ulysses, and to explore the world through science and history. To truly support their growth, I had to go beyond the manual. The new M.Ed. in Reading helps do just that—offering teachers the opportunity to become proficient in reading instruction at their own grade level of certification through evidence-based coursework and strategies that help foster independent, lifelong readers.

Beverly Paesano, Ph.d., Director, M.Ed. in Literacy

Required Courses

Explore Courses

Strand I
EDU763: Research (3 credits)
EDU765: Models and Processes (3 credits)

Strand II
EDU767: Diverse Literatures (3 credits)
EDU840: Evidence-Based Practices in Intermediate Grades (3 credits)
EDU830: Evidence Based Practices in Primary Grades OR EDU832: Evidence Based Practices in Middle/ Secondary (3 credits)
EDU 851: Teaching Writing K-12 (3 credits)
EDU835: Responsive Pedagogy (3 credits)

Strand III
EDU852: Primary Literacy Clinic
OR EDU853: Secondary Literacy Clinic (3 credits)
2 Electives (6 credits total)

Admission Information

Admission Requirements

1. Completed online application
2. Application fee of $65.00
3. Official undergraduate transcript
4. Two letters of recommendation (one from a principal, school supervisor, i.e., cooperating teacher or college supervisor)
5. Professional Statement (approximately 1,000 words)

Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career assisting students with reading instruction as a classroom teacher? Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following:

the impact you hope to have on a school community

the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position

the experiences that have shaped your thinking

your observations of other professionals in this position

Dr. Beverly Paesano

Director – Literacy
Harkins 338
401.865.1987
bpaesano@providence.edu