Reading Education
Unlock new opportunities in literacy education with UWM’s School of Education! Whether you’re looking to earn your Reading Teacher Certification or pursue a master’s degree with a focus in reading, we have a program to fit your goals — and many are available fully online for maximum flexibility. Take the next step toward advancing your teaching career today!
Why Choose Our Reading Education Programs?
- Online options: The Online Reading Teacher Certification Program and the Master of Science with a focus in Reading can be taken online.
- Flexibility: Earn your reading teacher certification in as few as three semesters with online, evening and summer course offerings.
- Quality academics: Research-based teacher education curriculum taught by expert and experienced reading educators.
- Career building: Gain the skills to teach in Wisconsin and beyond with a dynamic program aligned with International Literacy Standards, preparing you for high-impact instruction.
- Build credits: Many reading courses can be used toward both certification and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Reading.

Online Reading Teacher Certification Program (License #1316)
The School of Education’s online pathway to the Reading Teacher Certification (License #1316) is designed to prepare educators to teach reading at the K-12 level in Wisconsin. This graduate-level program provides a strong foundation in literacy instruction, combining coursework and hands-on practicum experience to equip you with the skills to support student success.
The 18-credit certification program can be completed in as little as three semesters with a flexible, fully online format (some courses also available in person). Plus, the credits earned through the Reading Teacher Certification Program can be applied toward UWM’s Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction — allowing you to pursue both a certification and a master’s degree simultaneously.
Successful completion of the program, along with meeting state requirements, qualifies you for endorsement for a Reading Teacher license at the K-12 level. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional credentials and make a greater impact in literacy education.
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Graduate with a focus in Reading
UWM also offers a 30-credit online or face-to-face Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Reading. The online Reading Teacher Certification can be a part of this program.
Online Reading Teacher Certification Program (License #1316)
This graduate-level certification program requires applicants to meet several criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- A successful criminal background check evaluation.
- Eligibility for, or possession of, a Tier 2, 3, or 4 Wisconsin teaching license, or completion of an approved teacher education program for initial licensure.
Candidates successfully completing the program receive endorsement for licensure to teach reading in the State of Wisconsin at the K-12 level in a regular education setting. Individuals will be licensed to teach Reading at these grade levels. To be endorsed for a Reading Teacher license at the end of the program you must have:
- completed two years of successful regular classroom teaching experience
- have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
- hold a Tier 2,3 or 4 Wisconsin license to teach
have passed the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test.
Course Highlights
The online Reading Teacher Certification Program consists of 18 graduate credits. This includes three credits of clinical experience
Course # | Name |
---|---|
CURRINS 536G | Literacy 1: Assessing and Teaching Early Literacy |
CURRINS 747G | Reading Assessment and Instruction with Practicum: K-12 Part I |
CURRINS 748G | Reading Assessment and Instruction with Practicum: K-12 Part II |
CURRINS 646G | University of Wisconsin Reading Research Symposium |
CURRINS 545G | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior, and Senior High |
CURRINS 743G | Reading Teacher Clinical Experience |
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Graduate with a focus in Reading
Credits earned through the Reading Teacher Certification Program can be applied toward the Curriculum and Instruction, MS — allowing you to pursue both a certification and a master’s degree simultaneously.
The 30-credit Curriculum and Instruction, MS degree includes the completion of the master’s seminar in curriculum or a thesis.
Applicants can expect to hear back with the Graduate School’s official admission decision 6-8 weeks after their application is complete. If admitted by the Graduate School, they can also expect to hear back from the department with their advisor assignment shortly thereafter.
Applications completed less than four weeks before the start of the semester that the applicant intends to enroll will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may not be processed in time for enrollment for the intended semester. In this case, please contact the Office of Student Services at soeinfo@uwm.edu.
Admission Criteria
Online Reading Teacher Certification Program
- 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
- To be endorsed for a Reading Teacher license at the end of the program you must have the following:
- Two years successful regular classroom teaching experience.
- Eligibility to hold a Wisconsin license to teach or completion of an approved teacher education program (initial licensure).
- Application for the program is ongoing.
Faculty
- Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, Curriculum and Instruction, MS
- doerrste@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4523
- Enderis Hall 353
- Associate Teaching Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education
- Interim Program Director, Reading Education
- kcmarver@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4190
- Enderis Hall 355
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact:
Dr. Kristine Lize
Associate Teaching Professor and Interim Program Director
kcmarver@uwm.edu
Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721