Welcome to the Advanced Certificate in Literacy!

We are pleased to continue TC’s long tradition of offering teacher preparation in literacy that is rooted in research based practice for both typically developing and struggling readers. Beginning in 1917 with the arrival of Arthur Gates, there has been a strong commitment to conducting and following research in applied educational psychology and related fields to inform our teacher preparation program.

We consider ourselves trailblazers in the movement to use science to inform best practice when working with children and adolescents on all aspects of literacy.

Program Description:

The Advanced Certificate Program in Literacy has its foundation in theory and research in applied educational psychology as they relate to the cognitive, linguistic, and sociocultural factors that contribute to the acquisition of reading and writing skills in typically developing and struggling readers, including those learning English literacy skills. The Program uses this core foundation to offer coursework that provides:

• seminal theory and research on reading acquisition and its development in core reading and writing processes and skills within a developmental framework
• the nature of both reading and writing difficulties and disability, and the effects of intrinsic/extrinsic factors as well as socio-cultural and linguistic influences on literacy development
• the roles of both formal and informal assessment in delivering reading and writing instruction
• pedagogical methods to deliver effective, evidenced-based instructional strategies and techniques in both reading and writing to children and adolescents, and by extension to adults.

Successful completion of the Certificate Program leads to New York State initial certification in Literacy (All Grades) for those with the appropriate credentials.

Target Population:

The Advanced Certificate is appropriate for the following professionals:

• Individuals who already possess a master’s degree and certification in a teaching area who wish to gain NYS Literacy (All Grades) certification and additional expertise working with struggling readers and writers in their own schools and related professional contexts.
• Teaching and related educational professionals who have a minimum of two years’ experience in their chosen field who are not interested in pursuing literacy certification but who wish to broaden their understanding of literacy assessment and intervention for struggling readers and writers (e.g., school principals and others in school leadership positions).

Certificate and Requirements:

Courses in the Advanced Certificate in Literacy are designed to enable educators to work more knowledgeably with both typically developing as well as struggling readers and writers across the K-12 grade span using evidenced based techniques. The Advanced Certificate Program can be completed within one academic year if needed with students taking two courses in the Fall term and three courses in the Spring semester. Alternatively, it can readily be completed over two years during those fall and spring terms. 

Students should know that the practicum course offered in the spring requires an additional 3 hours per week of direct contact with school-aged individuals who are not meeting grade level expectations in reading and writing, even if they are not formally diagnosed with a reading/learning disability. These hours are in addition to class and supervision time. Note that NYS requires practicum work with both the lower level (Pre-K to Grade 4) and upper level (Grades 5-12) of the literacy grade span. Practicum work can be conducted in TC’s Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (CEPS) or in one’s own school with appropriate permissions. Please speak with the Program Director.

Courses:

The Advanced Certificate in Literacy consists of five, three credit courses which lead to Initial certification in Literacy/All Grades in New York State for those who are already certified in another teaching area. Those without prior certification but who have relevant professional experience may also be considered for the Program.

Q: What makes the Advanced Certificate in Literacy Program stand apart from other, newer programs?

A: The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is the most recent offering from Teachers College in preparing teachers in literacy assessment and intervention based on research and evidence-based practice. We have been espousing the “Science of Reading” before the term was popularly used. We consider ourselves trailblazers and seasoned experts in our knowledge of the research and how it can apply to literacy assessment and intervention. 

Q: Do I need initial certification in another teaching area to apply for the program?

A: NYS requires that individuals hold initial certification in another teaching area in order to be eligible for Literacy/All Grades certification. However, those without prior certification may apply in some circumstances. Please see below.

Q: Can I still apply if I don’t have previous teaching certification (but experience in the field)?

A:  Those individuals who do not have certification in a classroom teaching area but who have relevant education experience can be considered for the Program. They are advised that they will not be eligible for the Literacy/All Grades certification until they obtain initial certification in a classroom teaching area.

Q:  Is scholarship available?

A:  Yes! We are pleased to be able to offer scholarship support from very generous donors who believe in the Program’s mission -i.e., to improve the academic outcomes who don’t learn by more traditional methods of instruction. Applicants should make note of their financial need in their personal statement. 

Q: When can I apply?

A: There are three admissions deadlines during the year:

Spring deadline:  November 1st

Summer deadline:  April 1st

Fall deadline: November 15th

Q: Should I complete the program in one year or two?

A: The decision of how quickly to complete the Program is a personal one and dependent on many factors. Individuals working full time may find it advantageous to take course work over a two year span so that may derive maximum benefit from studies.

Q: When are courses offered?

A: Courses are offered in the late afternoon and early evening – typically 5:10 to 6:50 pm, and 7:20 to 9:00 pm.

Q: Is there any specific order in which I should take courses?

A: HBSK 4072 is a pre-requisite for both HBSK 5098 (Diagnosis) and HBSK 5373 (Practicum) so that course should be taken first if at all possible. One might also consider taking HBSK 5099 (Writing) as a first course.

Q: Is the practicum course necessary?

A: NYS requires a College Practicum in PK-Gr 4 & Grades 5-12 (50 Hours) or 1 Yr of Experience - Literacy (All Grades)

• This requirement can be satisfied using one of the following two options:
• Completion of a college-supervised literacy practicum totaling at least 50 clock hours. During the practicum, candidates must teach literacy to students in the following grade bands: pre-kindergarten through grade 4, and grades 5-12. For classroom teaching certificate titles, a practicum is a structured, college-supervised learning experience in which the student teacher applies previously studied theory through direct classroom experiences with individual students, or with groups of students. These skills are practiced under the direct supervision of the certified teacher who has official responsibility for the students. It is always listed as a formal part of a teacher certification program and as a course in a college catalog. It is verified complete with an official transcript showing a satisfactory grade.
• In lieu of completing a college-supervised practicum, the candidate can complete one year (180 days) of paid, satisfactory, full-time experience as a literacy teacher at the elementary and/or secondary level. Acceptable teaching experience is described on the Experience webpage.
  The employer can verify the experience using this form: Experience Verification Form.

Q: How much time is required for the practicum course?

A: In addition to class time, students provide one-on-one assessment and intervention services for three hours per week to two children/adolescents who are not meeting grade level expectations. Students also meet remotely with a supervisor once per week for additional guidance and are responsible for submitting weekly lesson plans and evaluation of progress narratives.

Q: Do I need to take elective courses?

A: NYS requires only the five courses listed. However,  you are more than welcome to take other courses at TC that might be of interest to you.  Some of our Certificate students have stayed on to complete another master’s degree in a field of interest.

Q: I am interested in courses in special education. Does that option exist?

A: Yes. The faculty of the Advanced Certificate in Literacy work closely with those in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education programs within the Department of Health Studies and Applied Educational Psychology, and certificate courses can be combined with courses leading to a master’s degree for teaching students with disabilities.

Q: I have other questions. Whom should I ask?

A: Feel free to reach out to the Program Director. Contact information is below.