Reading Specialist P-12, Graduate Certificate*

General Program Information

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The graduate certificate in reading education is designed to provide the necessary educational experiences for persons who are either preparing to or are already involved in working toward enhancing the reading, writing, and oral language competencies of children and adults. Students are prepared to assume leadership roles in reading education by serving as special reading teachers, clinicians, diagnosticians, program coordinators, reading specialists, literacy coaches, and reading supervisors. 

This is not an initial teaching licensure program. Persons seeking an initial endorsement license to teach in Tennessee should enter one of the initial licensure programs. Students seeking the additional license or endorsement must meet all state requirements as outlined in the current Tennessee policy.

The Office of Educator Preparation can only recommend candidates for the reading specialist endorsement after the candidates has had at least two years of experience as a licensed teacher (TNBOE 5.505) in addition to satisfactory completion of state licensure examinations.

Admission Requirements

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Students must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

Articulation Agreement

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A student who completes the Graduate Certificate, Reading Specialist P-12 and later wishes to pursue the M.Ed. in Reading may transfer all certificate credits into the master’s degree with approval of the degree graduate coordinators and the Graduate School. All transfer credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limits.