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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 can enjoy competency-based courses that fulfill the requirements for a Virginia Reading Specialist endorsement as you earn your master’s degree.

Online
32
January 13, 2025
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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
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s bachelor’s in education programs are awarded full national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2030.

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
Featured Courses
EDU 600Graduate Foundations for Education2
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.
EFND 598Professional Project1-3
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.
ETSP 553Language Acquisition & the Communicative Arts3
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.
ETSP 554Assessing & Teaching Reading of Narrative & Expository Texts3
Prepares participants to assess reading skills and to teach reading to students 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.
ETSP 555Collaboration & Consultation3
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.
ETSP 570Instructional Methods for Students with Disabilities3
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.
ETSP 572Characteristics & Behavior Management of Students with Exceptional Needs3
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.
ETSP 573Assessing & Teaching Reading & Math Across Content for Students with Exceptional Needs3
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.
ETSP 574K-12 Reading Assessment & Instruction Across Content Areas3
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.
ETSP 576Data Driven Assessment3
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.
ETSP 584Reading Service Delivery: Supervision & Current Trends3
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.
ETSP 585Reading Research, Curriculum & Technology3
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.
ETSP 596Reading Specialist Internship1
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.

2024-25 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 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: 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
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
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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
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
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
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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

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:

Romeo Villanueva Jr.
Field Placement Coordinator
757.352.4205
rvillanueva@regent.edu

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

“The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.”
Altina Suber, M.Ed., 2015 Teacher
“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
“One of my professors actually called me while I was in the program. That really opened up the door for me. Even though I'm doing this online, I still have a person and a face to talk to. Just having those lines of communication is awesome.”
Rahni Jenkins, MA, 2016
“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”
Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary
“One of the biggest skills I learned through my studies at Regent was confidence. I learned that I am worthy, and I can go forward in my career and affect more students than just those in my own classroom.”
Kathy Galford, Ed.D., 2018 School Principal, Chesapeake Public Schools