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Become a licensed reading teacher or reading specialist
Be an advocate for literacy in schools as a reading teacher or reading specialist. At Concordia, you'll learn to develop strategies and practices to implement and improve reading curricula and programs to help students succeed.
Your coursework and practicums are centered on the science of reading along with the latest trends in literacy. Our ranking of #8 in the Top 20 online literacy programs by Intelligent.com proves we are doing it right!

Top-Ranked
Our online literacy program is ranked in the Top 25 by Online Master's Degrees for U.S. programs. Rankings are based on overall quality, affordability, and commitment to student success.

Award-Winning
Intelligent.com ranked our literacy program as #7 in their Top 19 list for online programs. Plus, we were awarded as Best in the Midwest! Rankings are based on faculty, flexibility, reputation, cost, and outcomes.
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Customizable
Tailor your program to accomplish your goals with our three-program pathways
close to home
Fully online courses with local, in-person practicums and internships
Accelerated
Self-paced, 8-week courses allow you to enroll at any time and graduate in as little as 1 year
A reading teacher works directly with K-12 students at various levels of reading. You will apply instructional practices and intervention strategies to striving readers. Evaluate and diagnose students reading and comprehension skills as they progress through school.
Eligible Students:
- Hold a current and valid teaching license AND have two years of PK-12 teaching experience.
- Current educators teacher may start this licensure program with one year of teaching experience. You need to get in the required second year of teaching by the time you graduate.
Program Requirements:
- Complete a practicum in a school.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 during the program.
- Complete appropriate program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts to earn the reading teacher license (#1316) through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

A reading specialist is an administrative position within a school. You provide instruction to teachers and support staff for K-12 reading programs and curricula. As a leading expert in literacy, you will be expected to develop continuous improvement plans.
Eligible Students:
- You must have your reading teacher license (#1316) from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI).
- To be a student in this program you need to have a Master's degree in education.
Program Requirements
- Complete a literacy internship.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 during the program
- Earn a passing score of 233 or higher on the Foundations of Reading Test (FORT).
- Complete appropriate program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts to earn the reading specialist license (#5017) through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Workshop Title: Phonics Matters
Date: June 12, 2023
Time: 9am - 3:30pm
Location: Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon campus
Cost: $150
REGISTER NOW!
Who should attend:
- Classroom teachers and literacy coaches who provide direct instruction.
- Principals who play a significant role in evaluating teachers' effectiveness in delivering quality instruction
- District leaders who select, evaluate, and review phonics curriculum.

The keynote speaker will be Wiley Blevins a world-renowned early literacy expert that is an author, educational consultant, and researcher.
At the workshop, he will share his expertise from 35 years of classroom research on the seven critical ingredients of phonics teaching that will produce the greatest learning gains in students.
REGISTER UNTIL APRIL 28
Requirements
Requirements
Eligible Students:
- Must hold a current and valid teaching license.
- Current educators must have a minimum of two years of PK-12 teaching experience by the completion of your selected literacy pathway.
Program Requirements:
- Complete required practicum.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 during the program.
- Complete appropriate program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts to earn the reading teacher/specialist license (#1316 or #5017) through the Wisconsin DPI.
Internship/Practicum Requirements:
- 40-hour practicum for #1316 candidates
- Additional 75-hour practicum for #5017 candidates
- Practicum may be completed in your current district
Completion Time
Complete your selected program path in one to two years
Cost Per Credit
$669Affording your graduate education
Uncommon Scholarships
Concordia offers Uncommon Scholarships to help bring this investment in your future within reach. These scholarships, which range from $150-$500 per three-credit course, are available for:
- Concordia alumni
- Employees of our corporate and academic partners (AAH, Edcor, Bright Horizons, & more)
- Employees of qualifying Christian churches and schools
- Veterans and dependents
Tuition Reimbursement
Your employer/school district may offer tuition reimbursement, minimizing the cost to you. Ask your HR department if you are eligible.
Payment Plans
Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments, making budgeting for your new career a reality.
Financial Aid
Qualifying students may be eligible for Federal Aid. When you fill out the FAFSA make sure to select Concordia University Wisconsin.
- CUW FAFSA code: 003842