Reading Education

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.

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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

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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