Curry School of Education

Applicants must meet general requirements for admission to Ed.S. programs.  These include possessing an M.Ed degree in an area relevant to education, submitting an electronic application which includes transcripts, two recommendations from faculty and/or employers, a goal statement and competitive GRE scores. 

(Competitive GRE scores for degree seekers are listed below for the old vs. new exam). A goals statement will stand as a writing example.  If your scores do not meet criteria, we recommend you retake GREs before submitting your application. We will use your highest scores when making admission decisions. 

EdS applicants—Verbal GRE: at or above 450 (old scoring)/150 (new scoring); Quantitative GRE: 530 (old scoring)/145 (new scoring); 4.0 (analytical writing).

Charlottesville degree application deadlines:  October 15 (for spring admission), February 1 (for summer or fall admission).

All other locations:  October 15 (for spring admission), February 1 (for summer admission), June 1 (for fall admission).

Applicants will be assigned an advisor when their application has been approved.

The Education Specialist degreeis a 30-hour post-Master’s degree program.  Courses outlined for completion of this degree comprise the reading specialist endorsement courses that are approved by the state of Virginia.  In addition to completing coursework, students must take and pass the Reading for Virginia Educators exam (RVE) to graduate from the program.

Upon completion of the degree and three years of successful teaching during which time the teaching of reading is a major responsibility, a graduate can apply for the reading specialist endorsement to be added to his/her teaching license.  This process can begin as soon as  the words "degree conferred" appear on the unofficial transcript.  Once you see that wording, email Joanne McNergney (jmh8j!@virginia.edu), providing: (1) last 4 digits of your SSN, (2) birthdate, (3) your name as it should appear on your license, and your current address.  The form will be completed and mailed to your home address, so you can forward payment and an official transcript to the VA Dept. of Education.  An official transcript is available through the Office of the Registrar.

 

No university funding available; possibility of grant-assigned work for full-time on-Grounds students. Students may apply for financial aid through the Office of Student Financial Services.

Three semesters full-time on-Grounds; part-time study also available.

Semester of Entry:

spring, summer or fall

Full or Part Time:

Full- or part-time study is available

The Education Specialist degree in reading is a planned 30-credit (minimum) terminal post-Master’s degree program in which candidates are expected to attain an understanding of major issues in professional education, definitive knowledge of the field of reading, and the ability to integrate and apply what they have learned in an educational context.

Reading Core (24 hours)

EDIS 7700 Foundations of Reading Instruction
EDIS 7710 Reading in the Content Areas
EDIS 7720 Word Study: Language Structures and Phonics
EDIS 5730 Reading Diagnosis and Remediation I (K-2)
EDIS 7730 Practicum in Reading Diagnosis
EDIS 5740 Remedial Techniques and Remediation (grades 3 and above)
EDIS 7740 Remedial Practicum
EDIS 7751 Literacy Leadership and Coaching  OR  EDIS 7750 Effective Reading Programs

Cognates (6 hours)

EDIS  7310  Children’s Literature; or
EDIS  5410  Young Adult Literature

EDLF 7200  Child Development; EDLF 5010 Child Learning and Development; or
EDLF 7210  Adolescent Development

Electives may be taken as needed for degree completion, with advisor approval.

Classroom teaching, reading specialist, Title I, interventionist, and coaching positions. Many graduates become supervisors in districts’ central offices.

Mary Abouzeid
Statewide Coordinator
Bavaro 335
434-924-0750
ma5y@virginia.edu

Falls Church
Carrie Simkin
703-536-1116
crn3t@virginia.edu

Newport News
Susan Thacker-Gwaltney
sft2s@virginia.edu

Richmond
Julie Gray
804-662-7464
jjj7e@virginia.edu

We are always looking to improve our programs and welcome your feedback.