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An alumna with students: Pursue your reading specialist endorsement at Regent University, Virginia Beach.

M.Ed. in Reading Specialist (Endorsement)

Be Equipped to Excel Through the M.Ed. – Reading Specialist Endorsement

The gift of reading opens up possibilities not yet imagined. You can help unlock the potential in each student through Regent’s CAEP-accredited Master of Education in Reading Specialist (with endorsement) program. Designed to meet the growing demand for trained reading specialists, you will enjoy competency-based courses that fulfill the requirements for a Virginia Reading Specialist endorsement as you earn your master’s degree.

Online
32
October 23, 2023
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EXPAND YOUR INFLUENCE & PURPOSE

Change the lives of children and give them a brighter future.

WIDEN YOUR JOB PROSPECTS THROUGH A READING SPECIALIST ENDORSEMENT

Enjoy rewarding opportunities in schools and communities.

GAIN THE CREDENTIALS NEEDED

Endorsement enables you to do more and have a greater impact.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 consecutive years. Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to 900+ alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, the M.Ed. – Reading Specialist (Endorsement) is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Logo
Regent University ranked #10 of the Best Master's Degree Colleges in Virginia | UniversityHQ, 2022

The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s interdisciplinary studies program are awarded TEAC accreditation by the Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2023.

On completing the M.Ed. – Reading Specialist (endorsement) program, you can:

  • Develop reading instruction using technology and data-driven assessment tools.
  • Create a supportive learning environment that fosters improved reading skills.
  • Apply all of the Virginia Department of Education competencies and the skills required for state licensure.

Career Opportunities

  • Virginia Reading Specialist
  • Reading Consultation
  • Reading Tutoring
$66Thousand
Approximate mean annual wage of Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Education.
Before the awarding of a degree, successfully complete a culminating experience. For most, the project will consist of providing evidence, in the form of a portfolio, that critical program competencies have been met. Cross-listed with EFND 698.
Prepares participants to develop students’ communicative competence through a focus of the language modes: listening, speaking, and writing. The course content addresses language development, language theories, and best practices of assessing and teaching language. Particular attention will be given to language difficulties of students with mild disabilities, and/or language deficit, and/or second language acquisition.
Prepares participants to assess reading skills and to teach reading to student with mild disabilities and/or language deficit and/or second language acquisition. The course will specifically address reading processes, approaches, and stages, early intervention practices, corrective reading, diagnosis and remediation of reading problems, and assessment and instruction of reading in the content areas. Investigate and analyze record reviews and interviews; design, administer, and interpret tests; write reports; and design, implement, and critique instruction. The focus will be on the application and generalization of knowledge to realistic classroom situations.
Participants will acquire the necessary knowledge base and skills to collaborate and/or consult with other professionals, students, and parents. Particular attention will be given to teaming, collaborative consultation, and co-teaching.
Learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities investigated from theoretical, philosophical, medical, and legal perspectives. Emphasis on instructional methods for students with learning and behavioral concerns including Attention Deficit Disorder. The impact of learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities across the life span with emphasis on curriculum, instructional strategies, and transition issues will be studied. Interpretation of assessment and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are included.
In-depth overview of identification, assessment, program options, intervention and behavioral management solutions for learners with exceptional needs. Identifies appropriate behavioral interventions and social skill teaching strategies through case studies, simulations, and role-playing. Emphasizes modifying strategies based on learning style and cultural considerations.
Reading and Math standards and curriculum methods for diagnosis, remediation, instructional design, and curriculum adaptation will be examined. Students will identify reading and math difficulties; conduct record reviews and interviews; administer and interpret formal and informal tests; write reports; and design, implement and critique instruction.
Advancing literacy (reading and writing skills) across subjects and grade levels. Techniques that support independent reading, writing, and learning and organization, summarizing, note-taking, reading/writing strategies and techniques, and reflective thought in content courses will be covered.
The study of achievement assessment, IQ test, validity and reliability, constructs, construction of authentic assessment and scoring, norm referenced v. criterion referenced, determination of biased assessments and factors that may influence assessment such as cultural, behavioral, and learning diversity. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used individual and group instruments, including norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and curriculum-based measures and task analysis, observation, portfolio, and environmental assessments; and synthesis and interpretation of assessment findings for eligibility, program planning, and program evaluation decisions will be addressed.
Examines current trends as well as methods and service delivery options. Demonstrate the ability to instruct and advise teachers in the skills necessary to differentiate reading instruction for both low- and high-achieving readers, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the needs of high achieving students and of strategies to challenge them at appropriate levels. Addresses the reading supervisor’s roles and responsibilities. Do field observations and interviews, literature reviews, case studies and interactive journaling. Prerequisite: all coursework leading up to the reading internship.
Examine major research in the field of reading and review and investigate the use of technology in teaching and assessing reading, writing with associate skills of spelling and grammar, and research skills. Demonstrate the ability to guide students in their use of technology for both process and product as they work with reading writing and research. Examine and demonstrate an ability to teach reading and spelling curricula. Curricular materials and methods will include a children’s literature component in which you will demonstrate the ability to foster appreciation for a variety of literature and understand the importance of promoting independent reading and reading reflectively by selecting quality literature, including fiction and nonfiction, at appropriate levels. Prerequisite: all coursework leading up to the reading internship.
A university supervised field-based experience with guidance from a mentor teacher. Instruction/implementation of the full range of professional responsibilities of a reading specialist. Seminar requirement during course. Prerequisite: All program coursework.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session MFriday, September 8Monday, September 18
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session TFriday, January 26Monday, February 5
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2506$1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2509$2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2506$1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2509$2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Background Checks

The School of Education requires a background check for all students who participate in Field Experience that includes direct contact with students. Regent University School of Education has entered into an agreement with Castle Branch, a private vendor that conducts background checks for many universities and educational institutions. After you are admitted into the program, you will be provided instructions to set up an online profile with Castle Branch.

Internship Information

Regent University requires an internship for the Reading Specialist Licensure program:

ETSP 596 provides the opportunity to shadow a Reading Specialist in order to learn all facets of the Reading Specialist role.

Review the graduation assessments for this program here.

Deadlines to submit internship applications:

  • October 1st for Spring internships
  • March 1st for Fall internships
Apply Now

For additional information, you may contact:

Brenda Vaughan
Field Placement Coordinator
757.352.4744
bvaughan@regent.edu

Rachel Copeland
Internship Coordinator
Certification/Licensure Official
757.352.4663
rachcop@regent.edu

“My career has evolved over a short period of time because of my faith and the teacher preparation programs at Regent. The academic, spiritual and leadership guidance shared during my time at Regent gave me the foundation needed to excel in my field.”

Chonita Walker, M.Ed., 2011 Reading Specialist

“After a month of online learning at Regent, I thought, 'Man, this is the best thing!' Not only did I get to learn my discipline, I got to learn how my values and my beliefs can be intertwined into my discipline.”

Shaketta D. Thomas, Ed.S. - Educational Psychology, 2017; M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction, 2013 Testing Director & Program Specialist, Virginia Department of Corrections

“The Career Switcher program gave me the skills that I needed to feel comfortable stepping into my classroom and allowed for my success. I am now a first-year teacher who is thriving in an environment that applauds creativity and innovation.”

Breanna Mead, M.Ed., 2018 Career Switcher

“I was equipped with the critical thinking skills I needed to strategically implement and assess fresh and creative ways to approach instruction and learning. I received consistent encouragement from my professors and cohort to push beyond my personal best in research and daily practice.”

Alicia Langley, M.Ed., 2012 TESOL

“Regent opened a door to self-discovery and selflessness. My Regent instructors encouraged me to operate on a higher level of motivation and others-oriented awareness.”

Sandra Turner, M.Ed., 2016 Professional Development