Reading Teacher Endorsement

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Why a Reading Teacher Endorsement?

From early childhood development to high school, literacy is one of the most important areas of education for all ages. If you’re a current educator with a passion for reading and would like to make it your primary teaching subject, then you’re the perfect candidate for a Reading Teacher Endorsement through education coursework at McKendree.

McKendree’s program leading to a Reading Teacher Endorsement gives you the tools to help students succeed regardless of their individual needs and reading levels. Practicum experiences beyond the classroom ensure you learn by working directly with students in the areas of curriculum development, assessment of reading difficulties, and reading support.

You can add the Reading Teacher Endorsement to an early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special (K-12) license. The Reading Teacher Endorsement may only be granted in the grade range of the license you hold.

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Curriculum Requirements

EDU 429/529 - Children’s Literature (3 Credits)

EDU 430/530 - Early Literacy (3 Credits)

EDU 435/535 - Methods of Teaching Content Area Reading (Elementary) (3 Credits)

EDU 412/512 - Methods of Teaching Reading in Content Area (Secondary) (3 Credits)

EDR 510 - Adolescent Literature (3 Credits)

EDR 621 - Classroom Diagnostic Techniques & Testing Procedures for the Teaching of Reading (3 Credits)

EDR 622 - Advanced Diagnostic Techniques & Testing Procedures for the Teaching of Reading (3 Credits)

EDR 623 - Strategies & Interventions to Assist Struggling Readers (3 Credits)

EDR 697 - Practicum in Reading (3 Credits)

To obtain the Reading Teacher Endorsement, you must earn a passing score on the Reading Teacher Content Area Test, as required by the State of Illinois, and complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in Reading, including a practicum experience, in the following six areas:

Foundations of Reading
Content Area Reading
Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems
Developmental and Remedial Reading Instruction and Support
Developmental and Remedial Materials and Resources
Literature Appropriate to Students Across All Grade Levels

To determine which courses you need, please contact the McKendree Office of Graduate Admission at 618-537-6576 or graduate@mckendree.edu to learn which courses fulfill the requirements.

Format

McKendree’s Reading Teacher Endorsement classes are offered in both eight-week and 16-week formats. Specifically designed for the working professional, they enable you to meet your educational goals while managing a full-time teaching job.

Admission Requirements

To apply for McKendree’s courses in Reading Teacher Endorsement, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. We consider applicants on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, or religion.

All students taking endorsement coursework will be classified as non-degree seeking. A completed graduate admission application (no fee) is required for consideration for admission.