You know that when a child reads, he or she discovers more about the world with every page turned. However, as a teacher, you know reading isn’t easy for every child.
If you’re interested in helping children read with more fluency and confidence by using your expertise to diagnose and solve their reading problems, Professional Studies Certificate (PSC) for Reading Licensure is for you.
The (PSC) for Reading Licensure serves teachers who already hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and who want to obtain Virginia licensure as a reading specialist without seeking Shenandoah University’s Master of Science in Literacy Education: Reading Concentration degree.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s Division of Education & Leadership prepares practitioner-leaders by offering programs of study that conform to the following principles: practicing in a spirit of collaboration; thoughtful examination of the foundations, current contexts and future possibilities of the fields of study; encouraging proactive, problem-centered philosophies of educational and professional practice; producing graduates who will be knowledge-driven, competent decision-makers whose thinking is informed by reflective practice; and preparing caring, capable and reflective teachers, administrators, human services and public sectors practitioners.
Our master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs are unique in their emphasis on the application of theory to real-world problems and lived experiences. Administration and Supervision Licensure and Teacher Education Licensure programs have each earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Classes
Students completing the requirements for the PSC for Reading Licensure will meet the Virginia Department of Education-approved program requirements for licensure.
The PSC for Reading Licensure requires 21 credits of coursework. A maximum of six hours of graduate coursework (grades of “A” or “B” only) may be approved for transfer by the student’s adviser. Certificate courses include Foundations of Literacy Instruction, Diagnostic Reading, Clinical Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties, Literacy in the Content Areas, Language Development, Children’s Literature Conference: Literature Class, and Literacy Leadership & Coaching the Reading Program. A passing score on Praxis® Reading Specialist exam is also required.
Faculty
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Application Information
Shenandoah University’s Division Of Education & Leadership provides inquiry-driven, problem-oriented examinations of public education and organizations.
View application deadlines and submit your Shenandoah Application.
Education Application Information
New cohorts are established annually in the fall. The program operates on a fall, spring, and summer semester system.
PSC for Reading Licensure students must hold a master’s degree and a current Virginia teaching license, as well as have two years of teaching experience and access to schools. Other requirements include three letters of recommendation, a two-to-three-page typed essay addressing their background and educational goals, official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, and the graduate application for admission.
State Reciprocity – SARA
Shenandoah University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. View the licensure requirements for out-of-state students enrolling in Shenandoah programs leading to licensure. Click on the tab at the bottom of the screen to locate your program. Note that these requirements are subject to change. Please contact your program with questions.
