Major in Special Education at Holy Family University

Reading Specialist Certification, M.Ed.

The M.Ed., Certified Teacher Additional Certifications program is designed for professional educators seeking an opportunity to study new areas of education and areas of special interest.

Program Overview

  • Accelerated Program

This certification program offers experienced teachers the opportunity to develop expertise in a particular area of education.  In addition, many of the concentration areas offered through this program prepare students for additional certifications or endorsements.  

Program Details

Students who already have master's degrees have the option of completing just the certification requirements in an area without completing the entire master's program. Classes are offered in both a blended and online format, as 8-week courses.

This program helps Level I certified teachers complete the requirements for obtaining Level II teacher certification in Pennsylvania.  Additional certifications that graduates of the program may be eligible to apply for include:

  • Special Education
  • Reading Specialist
  • Education Administration (Pennsylvania Principal certification)
  • ESL Program Specialist
  • Autism Endorsement

Students may also choose to pursue a more general concentration, with courses pulled from more than one certification area. This does not lead to additional certification but it does provide students with a master’s degree and additional expertise in several areas.

The Reading Specialist program requires that the student hold a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate or certificate from a reciprocating state. Students should see an academic advisor if they do not already have a teacher certification.


Career Paths

Many of our program’s graduates gain or continue employment as full-time teachers in public, parochial, or private schools.  These graduates often take on additional administrative roles and responsibilities including:

  • Assistant principal or principal
  • Curriculum coordinator
  • District-level administrator
  • Instructional support personnel
  • Reading specialist or supervisor
  • Special education teacher or supervisor
  • TESOL teacher

Internships & Employment

School districts working with our students and employing our graduates include:

  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  • Bensalem
  • Bristol Borough
  • Bristol Township
  • Centennial
  • Central Bucks
  • Cinnaminson
  • Council Rock
  • Hatboro/Horsham
  • Independence Mission
  • MaST Community Charter
  • Mount Laurel
  • Neshaminy
  • New Hope-Solebury
  • Pennsauken
  • Pennsbury
  • School District of Philadelphia

 

Program Information

Degree Awarded
  • Certification
Program Type
  • Certification
Program Location
  • Blended
  • Online

Request Information
Helen Hoffner headshot

"Graduates of the Holy Family University Reading Specialist Program are now working with preschool children to adults in varied settings such as schools, colleges, large-scale testing centers, and textbook publishing companies." 

Dr. Helen Hoffner
Professor/Program Coordinator | School of Education

Questions? Contact the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office

Related Programs

Explore Holy Family

Start Your Application