James Madison University’s College of Education is distinguished through faculty and student achievements, academic rigor, excellence in teaching, student and faculty interactions and relationships, technological innovations, and national recognitions. The College prepares students to become professionals who are able to knowledgeably integrate diverse perspectives and positively impact the lives of all they serve.

The literacy program at JMU approaches literacy instruction from a sociocultural perspective with an emphasis on language. We believe that all students bring strengths and knowledge to the literacy experience and we believe in capitalizing on students’ strengths in order to develop their literacy skills. We believe it is critical for all teachers to understand the science of how young people learn to read and emphasize research-based approaches to supporting learners in developing strong literacy skills.

The purpose of the literacy graduate programs is to prepare literacy leaders who serve in a variety of capacities. Graduates of our program go on to become Reading Specialists, division-level literacy leaders. They also maintain their roles as classroom teachers, principals, or division leaders but gain a larger background in literacy to enhance performance. Goals for candidates completing the literacy program include developing expertise in reading and writing instruction for all students, with a special emphasis on students with unfinished literacy learning and for emerging bilingual learners; supporting students’ oral language development; becoming experts at assessment, including literacy assessments of individual students and assessments of the literacy program; and becoming leaders in professional development and in collaborations involving literacy instruction with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, families and communities. In preparation for these professional roles, candidates in the reading program will develop:

• Knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction
• An understanding of a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction
• Knowledge of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluative effective reading instruction
• Knowledge of how to create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing
• A view of professional development as a career-long effort.

Off-Campus and Online Programming

• The M.Ed. Program with a Concentration in Literacy is typically offered in a fully online format. We also offer the M.Ed. Program in off-campus locations in conjunction with JMU Office of Professional and Continuing Education. If your Virginia school district would like to discuss the possibility of hosting the M.Ed. with a concentration in Literacy Education Program, please contact Dr. Mark Lewis, Program Director (lewis6ma@jmu.edu).
• The Literacy Post-Professional Certificate Program is typically offered in a fully online format.

Program Length

• The sequence of courses for the M.Ed. Program can be completed within two academic years, including two summer semesters.
• The sequence of courses for the Literacy Post-Professional Certificate Program can be completed in one academic year, including one summer semester.

Scholarships

Candidates are eligible for two one-time merit-based awards:

• Merlin and Ramsey-Blankenburg Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question you don't see answered here? Check this out!

Hear from some recent graduates, Terri Yoder and Amanda Grover.

Apply now!

Have Questions? Contact:

Dr. Mark Lewis

Program Director
lewis6ma@jmu.edu

Know an amazing Literacy Educator?

Nominate someone for a JMU Literacy Award

• Baccalaurete degree from a regionally accredited college/university
• Undergraduate GPA 2.75 or higher
• Valid teaching license

• Professional Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Personal statement on "Why do you want to earn an M.Ed. with a concentration in literacy?"
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to your teaching performance and/or leadership potential
• GRE is optional/not required
• Applicants may be asked to complete an interview

M.Ed., Literacy Concentration

Post-Professional Literacy Certificate