Transform Literacy Learning with TC’s Reading Specialist M.A. Program
The Teachers College Reading Specialist Program prepares the next generation of literacy leaders—professionals who possess the expertise to transform student learning, strengthen instructional practice, build sustainable systems of literacy excellence, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to become a successful reader, lifelong learner, and engaged citizen. Graduates of this program will also meet the academic requirements for New York State Certification in Literacy for All Grades.
Why Teachers College?
The Reading Specialist Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to literacy education grounded in the science of reading and writing and informed by the latest research in literacy development.
In this program, students will learn how to:
- Design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction
- Use data to drive instructional decisions and improve student outcomes
- Understand the full range of assessments and be able to differentiate instruction for struggling readers, multilingual learners, gifted students, and diverse learner populations
- Coach teachers and facilitate meaningful professional learning
- Lead literacy improvement initiatives across classrooms, schools, and districts
- Build strong school-home connections that engage families and support literacy development beyond the classroom
- Strengthen literacy systems that improve outcomes for every learner
A Distinctive Preparation Model
Teachers College prepares literacy professionals to integrate three core domains of expertise—expert practice, instructional leadership, and systems leadership—across four distinct levels of educational influence: the student, classroom, teacher, and school-community system. These four dimensions of preparation reflect the evolving role of the modern reading specialist—as an expert practitioner, collaborative instructional leader, professional learning facilitator, and catalyst for systemic literacy improvement within the community.
Student level
Our TC Graduates become experts in systematic, data-informed literacy assessment, intervention, differentiation, and progress monitoring. They understand how to use screening, diagnostic, standardized, and curriculum-based assessments to ensure every learner receives instruction matched to individual needs, from those requiring intensive intervention and multilingual learners to advanced readers. Further, they understand the whole child, recognizing that literacy development is shaped by academic, social-emotional, cultural, and individual needs. Students will also complete a required practicum, gaining supervised, hands-on assessment and instructional experience with children and adolescents that translates directly to their future careers.
Classroom level
Our TC Graduates will acquire the practical instructional structures and classroom management practices needed to design and implement high-quality literacy instruction within Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), providing effective Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III instruction through whole-class, small-group, tutoring, and after-school settings. Graduates will also learn to build strong partnerships with families, communicate clearly about student progress, and work together to support literacy development at home and in school.
Teacher level
Our TC Graduates smoothly transition from classroom instruction to collaborative leadership, serving as instructional coaches, mentors, and professional learning facilitators. They partner with teachers to build capacity through collaborative coaching, job-embedded support, and sustained professional development, resulting in measurable improvements in instructional practice. They also support the development of partnerships with families, creating shared support for student success across home and school.
School & District level
The TC Reading Specialist program develops systems leaders capable of driving macro-level school improvement. Our students learn to conduct formal, comprehensive needs assessments and analyze schoolwide data to inform strategic decision-making. They design long-term initiatives that influence organizational change, aligning professional learning with broader district goals to build a coherent system of literacy support across all grades and settings.
Faculty Spotlight
Zoi Philippakos
Program Director, Reading Specialist Program
Zoi Philippakos is a literacy scholar and educator whose work focuses on evidence-based reading and writing instruction, strategy instruction, self-regulation, assessment, and teacher professional learning. As director of the relaunched Reading Specialist program, she brings a strong commitment to connecting research with classroom practice and preparing literacy leaders who can create meaningful, lasting change for students, teachers, schools, and the community.
Zoi Philippakos is a literacy scholar and educator whose work focuses on evidence-based reading and writing instruction, strategy instruction, self-regulation, assessment, and teacher professional learning. As director of the relaunched Reading Specialist program, she brings a strong commitment to connecting research with classroom practice and preparing literacy leaders who can create meaningful, lasting change for students, teachers, schools, and the community.
Susan Masullo
Susan Garni Masullo codirects the Reading Specialist Program at TC and brings extensive expertise in literacy education, clinical practice, and the preparation of reading specialists and coaches. Her leadership in reading practicums and advanced literacy preparation contributes a strong emphasis on translating research into effective assessment, intervention, instructional practice, and professional development that meets the needs of diverse learners and schools.
Susan Garni Masullo codirects the Reading Specialist Program at TC and brings extensive expertise in literacy education, clinical practice, and the preparation of reading specialists and coaches. Her leadership in reading practicums and advanced literacy preparation contributes a strong emphasis on translating research into effective assessment, intervention, instructional practice, and professional development that meets the needs of diverse learners and schools.
Doug Mosher
Douglas Mosher brings a strong research and practice perspective to the program, informed by his scholarship in literacy and learning and his experience as a first-grade teacher and researcher across K–12 classrooms. His expertise strengthens the program’s commitment to research-informed practice, preparing students to critically engage with emerging evidence and apply it to complex literacy challenges.
Douglas Mosher brings a strong research and practice perspective to the program, informed by his scholarship in literacy and learning and his experience as a first-grade teacher and researcher across K–12 classrooms. His expertise strengthens the program’s commitment to research-informed practice, preparing students to critically engage with emerging evidence and apply it to complex literacy challenges.
Hear from Faculty
Ultimately, literacy is more than academic achievement. It is the foundation of educational opportunity, lifelong learning, critical thinking, and informed civic participation. Every child who becomes a skilled reader is better prepared to contribute meaningfully to school, community, and society.
Program Outcomes
Rather than preparing reading specialists for a single role, the program develops professionals capable of transforming literacy learning at every level of an educational system. Teachers College Reading Specialist graduates are prepared to:
- Improve literacy achievement for all learners.
- Deliver and strengthen Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III instruction.
- Coach teachers using evidence-based instructional practices.
- Design and deliver long-term professional development.
- Build collaborative literacy teams.
- Support literacy throughout both the instructional day and across the broader curriculum.
- Analyze schoolwide literacy needs using assessment data.
- Lead sustainable literacy improvement initiatives.
- Support school-home connections and partnerships.
- Strengthen instructional capacity across an entire school.
Graduates will also emerge with NYS All-Grades Literacy Certification to be able to step directly into high-demand roles from Pre-K through Grade 12.
The skills you need to lead in literacy education
To prepare you for roles in the field, the Reading Specialist M.A. program at Teachers College helps you build capabilities in:
- Data-driven literacy assessment & progress monitoring
- Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) design & delivery
- Instructional coaching & mentorship
- Professional development facilitation
- Systemic literacy data analysis & strategic planning
- Action research & reflective practice
- System-wide capacity building & change leadership
- Delivering and evaluating evidence-based interventions across all levels of implementation
Career Opportunities
Teachers College develops literacy professionals into more than just reading specialists. The program was developed with a distinctive preparation model that integrates three complementary domains of professional expertise—expert practice, instructional leadership, and systems leadership. Graduates leave with the expertise to teach, assess, coach, and lead across diverse educational settings.
As a graduate of the Reading Specialist M.A. program, you may go on to serve in roles such as:
- Classroom Teacher with Specialization in Literacy
- Reading/Literacy Specialist
- Reading/Literacy Interventionist
- Literacy Coach
- Curriculum Developer
- Program Director
- Educational Consultant
- Director of Reading Programs
- Educational Consultant
- Tutor
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Initial Certification: Literacy - All Grades
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2027 | April 1, 2027 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Program Cost & Aid
Teachers College is committed to creating opportunities for our students to impact more lives in literacy, reading, and beyond. As an admitted student in the master’s in reading specialist program, you may be eligible to apply for several scholarship and fellowship opportunities. The Charlotte M. Hamill Scholarship, the James L. Neff Reading Specialist Scholarship, and the Sandra Segala Scholarship provide tuition credits to support the preparation of reading specialists and teachers who are committed to helping struggling readers and individuals with reading and learning disabilities overcome their literacy difficulties. Applicants may state their interest in these scholarships in their Letter of Intent when applying to the program
The Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship is a financial aid award for Teachers College students to work with New York City youth. The Zankel Urban Fellows carry on Mr. Zankel's legacy of passion for education by contributing their expertise to programs serving youth in under-resourced New York City schools and community-based organizations. Additional information about the Reading Specialist Zankel Fellowships can be found here.
For the best chance of scholarship consideration, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadline of January 15th. View cost of attendance or explore types of aid.
Related Programs
True Change Begins with You
Ready to transform literacy for every learner?
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Initial Certification: Literacy - All Grades
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2027 | April 1, 2027 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.