Can You Specialize A Master’s in Education in Language Arts?

Candidates looking to specialize a Master’s in Education in Language Arts are typically elementary, middle or high school teachers eager to develop or enhance reading, writing and literature programs. Others may be diagnosticians, reading consultants, remedial specialists or special education teachers seeking additional tools to assess and improve reading and writing skills in special populations. Whatever the reason, a Master of Education in Language Arts is a versatile graduate degree that enhances critical teaching skills and provides new pathways for career advancement. Additionally, a 2012 report from Walden University, associated teachers holding a Master’s in Language Arts or Reading with higher student outcomes in those areas.

A Language Arts Master of Disguise

A Master’s in Language Arts Education may go by many different names. Examples of degree programs include:

• Master of Arts in Elementary Education concentrating in Language and Literacy
• Master of Arts in Education with a Reading and Language Arts focus
• Master of Science in Reading and Language Arts
• Master of Education in English and Language Arts
• Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Reading, Language Arts, and Literature Education

Regardless of the degree’s name, the focus of a Master’s in Education in Language Arts will offer a twofold purpose:

• To advance a teacher’s knowledge and application of innovative methodologies and strategies for instructing literature and literacy skills
• To expand a student’s appreciation of literature while improving or reinforcing reading and written expression levels

Educational Programs for a Master’s in Language Arts Education

Programs at the master’s level in reading and literacy require that students possess a bachelor’s in some area of education or a related field. With this foundational degree, students can specialize in master’s programs in language arts education. Curriculum programs typically take one to three years to complete. Programs are flexible offering part-time schedules and evening classes to accommodate working professionals. Advanced coursework may include:

• Language development and literacy milestones
• Reading and writing diagnostic assessments
• Remedial plans for literacy improvement
• Oral and written expression at elementary, middle and high school levels
• Developing literacy through storytelling and writing
• Teaching reading to adult populations or English Language Learners
• Trends, issues, research and policy affecting literacy education
• Educational implications of below-grade level readers and writers
• Practicums in classroom and remedial settings

Specializations may be geared towards particular grade levels, working with high-risk populations, designing and developing new reading curricula or focusing on supervisory roles within school settings.

Certification and Licensure Requirements for Reading Specialists

Upon completion of a master’s program, graduates sit for exams to certify them as Reading Specialists or Master Reading Teachers. States may require a certain passing score on the Praxis Teaching Reading test, according to the Educational Testing Service website. Certification may also be granted for passing the Literacy in Reading and Language Arts portion of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards exam.

Related Resource: Master’s in Education in School Psychology

Besides the satisfaction of seeing students improve their reading and writing abilities, teachers who acquire a Master’s in Language Arts Education often become educational leaders. They develop cutting edge reading programs, mentor fellow teachers and become supervisors of district programs. By choosing to specialize a Master’s in Education in Language Arts, teachers can positively influence the academic outcomes of diverse student populations while enjoying versatile career options.