This certificate is designed for teachers of students grades 4 - 12.
The Adolescent Literacy certificate is designed for teachers of older students, those beyond the primary years and for whom instruction becomes more content-oriented. We surveyed school districts in the state for their needs and the response was "assistance for teachers of grades 4 and above students." Hence, the certificate was designed.
The Adolescent Literacy certificate consists of 16 hours of coursework, focused on what teachers need to know about literacy development, the word-level and text-level information they need to build their curriculum beyond the grade-level textbook, and how to motivate students for whom learning has become uninteresting
Program Life
This is a stand-alone, post-Master's certificate in the reading education program area.
The certificate may be earned in concert with master's degree work in reading or added on after completion of the MEd degree. If the certificate is part of an individual's graduate program cycle, the Master's degree and the certificate must be completed at the same time. If the certificate is an add-on after degree completion, the individual would apply through the Apply Yourself link.
All courses are available online.
Library@Curry
The Curry librarians are available to assist you with your research needs. See the Curry Off-Grounds Library Guide for more information.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Completion of the online certificate application; letters of recommendation and transcripts of previous degree work for post-Master's applicants. For those who are currently in the Master's program, that program's application is sufficient; for those students, the application will be handled through the student's advisor and the Curry School registrar.
Application Due Date
Certificate application deadlines follow the degree deadlines: October 15 (for spring admission), February 1 (for summer or fall admission), June 1 (fall entry).
Applicants will be assigned an advisor when their application has been approved.
Degree Requirements
16 hours of graduate coursework in reading and related areas. No requirements completed more than five years before the certificate is to be awarded may be credited toward this certificate.
Funding Opportunities
No university funding is available for this certificate; students may apply for federal financial aid.
Typical Length of Study
Eighteen months to two years, depending on courses selected. We suggest taking one course each semester, fall and spring, and two courses in the summer.
Full or Part Time:
This is a part-time program of study.
Course Overview
Sample Jobs After Graduation
High school content teacher; literacy coach (middle and high).
Contacts
State Coordinator:
Mary Abouzeid, ma5y@virginia.edu, 335 Bavaro Hall, 434-924-0750
Associate State Coordinator:
Ottilie Austin, aof2b@virginia.edu, 335 Bavaro Hall, 434-924-6338
Northern Virginia Center:
Carrie Simkin, crn3t@virginia.edu, 703-536-1116
Richmond Center:
Julie Gray, jjj7e@virginia.edu, 804-662-7464
Newport News Center:
Susan Thacker-Gwaltney, sft2s@virginia.edu
We are always looking to improve our programs and welcome your feedback.
