Master’s in Reading: Secondary Education Emphasis
Become a Reading Teacher With the Master’s in Reading: Secondary Education Emphasis
Books can open new worlds, empowering you to pursue your passions, meet academic targets and pursue learning experiences beyond high school. The critical importance of literacy in adolescents speaks to the essential role of the reading specialist/literacy coach in public, private and charter school settings.
The Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University (GCU) teaches candidates to deliver high-quality reading and writing instruction within a literacy-rich environment. Through a combination of coursework and practicum experiences, candidates have the opportunity to examine educational best practices at the secondary level.
Benefits of Earning Your Online Masters in Reading in Secondary Education Settings
The MA degree in reading with secondary education emphasis is offered by the College of Education. An emphasis is placed on the role of literacy in supporting others as they prepare for institutes of higher learning. The curriculum aligns with the standards established by the International Literacy Association.
Loading Form
With our online master's program in reading with a secondary education emphasis, you can access high-quality education from anywhere in the world, benefiting from interactive online platforms, engaging course materials and a supportive virtual learning community. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of earning your master's in reading: secondary education emphasis online, allowing you to balance your studies with other personal and professional commitments.
What You Will Study in the Master’s Degree in Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education, while not leading to licensure, is available through online and on-campus evening classes. No matter which modality you choose for completing the program, you will be taught the following topic areas:
- ]Identification of reading deficiencies
- The process of learning and memory retention
- Effective communication techniques
- Corrective reading strategies
- The creation and maintenance of literacy-rich environments
- Professional leadership models in individual and collaborative learning environments
- The engagement of a diverse population
- Reading assessment tools and related practices
- Professional leadership skills and practices
In addition, you will be required to complete the Secondary Practicum in Reading course. During the practicum experience, you may implement literacy intervention instruction and perform research and analysis with a goal of developing a Literacy Work Sample (LWS). You will be taught to develop hands-on experiences that may lead to coaching other teachers in instructional practices.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Reading for Secondary Education?
The Master of Arts in reading: secondary education emphasis curriculum integrates the morals, ethics and principles of the Christian worldview. This academic background can position graduates to pursue employment in a private, public or charter secondary school. Graduates may also position themselves for possible career advancement and opportunities in these settings:
- Social service agencies
- Education welfare organizations
- Community outreach organizations
- Publication companies
A master’s in reading for secondary education will teach you the knowledge and skills you need to serve as a reading teacher in grade 6-12 classrooms. You may also consider teaching in other grade levels, such as working to become a middle school or postsecondary school teacher.
This master’s in reading may require all applicants to provide a copy of their current teaching license. Alternatively, they may submit proof of at least one year of teaching experience. In order to complete the assignments for this program, all applicants must have access to a 6-12 classroom. Some applicants may live in states that require a K-12 credential. If this is the case, speak with a university counselor to learn about your options.
Master’s in Reading: Secondary Education Emphasis FAQs
If reading is a passion of yours that you wish to share with secondary school students, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing your master’s in reading degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, secondary school teachers had a median annual salary of $69,480 in May 2021.1
This graduate-level degree teaches secondary school teachers the skills and knowledge to help students transition into higher level learning. The emphasis on reading throughout the program is exercised through various courses, such as advanced reading systems studies and a reading practicum. While this program does not lead to licensure, teachers with an active teaching license may pursue this master’s program to further their understanding of literacy in secondary education and work to further develop as a teaching professional.
A master’s in reading with an emphasis in secondary education may put you in a position to pursue a role as a key figure in the lives of secondary students. In this degree program, you will be taught how to help others develop their literacy skills and instill the importance of reading in preparing for higher education.
Secondary school teachers can expect stable job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for high school teachers to increase by about 5% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 48,700 jobs in the field.2
Master’s-level coursework is designed to be more challenging than undergraduate coursework. As with any master’s program, you should prepare to dedicate yourself to your studies, ask for clarification or help when needed and apply yourself the best you can in order to set yourself up for success in your program.
If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 11, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved on May 11, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to applied research in education across the major quantitative, qualitative, and action research traditions. Coursework focuses on understanding the research process and its integrated components to foster knowledge in navigating research reports and projects. Research designs and data analysis options are also explored.
Course Description
This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. This survey includes an exploration of historical through current reading and writing development, processes, and components. Reading/literacy specialist candidates are introduced to ethical and professional roles. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey a variety of assessment tools and related practices. This survey prepares the reading/literacy specialist to use assessment results to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction that optimizes student learning. In addition, the reading/literacy specialist candidates develop effective communication techniques. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-500.
Course Description
Reading/literacy specialist candidates engage in advanced studies of assessment systems to develop, select, and interpret data at the building and district level. This advanced study of assessment information is used to plan and evaluate curriculum and instruction at the building and district level. In addition, the reading/literacy specialist candidates communicate assessment results to a variety of audiences. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-510. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-510.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments. Students will examine schoolwide collaboration as well as advocate for establishing a literate classroom to meet diverse learning needs . Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-515 or REA-522.
Course Description
Reading specialist/literacy coach candidates survey professional learning and leadership models for promoting literacy. emphasizing positive dispositions, individual and collaborative learning, the ability to design and evaluate professional learning experiences, the importance of advocacy, and a need for knowledge about adult learning and school leadership. From this survey, reading specialist/literacy coach candidates demonstrate and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a career-long effort and responsibility. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-550.
Course Description
Reading specialist/literacy coach candidates survey instructional approaches and materials that support student learning in reading and writing. This survey prepares the reading specialist/literacy coach candidates to design an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Reading specialist/literacy coach candidates engage in advanced studies of instructional approaches and materials at the building and district level that support secondary students’ learning in reading and writing across content areas. From this advanced study, the reading specialist/literacy coach candidates design an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-525.
Course Description
The practicum experience requires reading/literacy specialist candidates to implement literacy intervention instruction at the secondary level that is designed to meet the specific needs of students and engage in research and analysis to support compilation and creation of a Literacy Work Sample (LWS). In addition, the candidates provide support to other teachers to think reflectively about improving student learning and implementing various instructional practices. Practicum/field experience hours: 75. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-545.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.