Reading and Writing

The Reading and Writing practitioner program of study prepares experienced educators for leadership roles in literacy education through programs of study leading to the M.Ed. including the option of Massachusetts licensure as a Teacher of Reading. The goals of this program of study are to:

• increase understanding of reading and writing as complex activities through which people communicate, express feelings and thoughts, learn, think and remember, share experiences, construct social relations, and act on their social worlds;
• prepare educational leaders to define and design environments in which the linguistic, cognitive, social, and cultural strengths of all learners are valued and nurtured and in which equitable access is offered to forms of literacy which empower full participation in a multicultural, democratic society;
• prepare educational leaders to develop instructional approaches that maintain the integrity of reading and writing as acts of communication, meaning-making, and social action;
• prepare educational leaders to develop and share knowledge and insights about reading and writing with colleagues, administrators, parents, and learners in ways that empower all participants.

The knowledge base for the Reading and Writing practitioner program of study involves four areas: (1) knowledge about reading, writing, and language; (2) knowledge about learning/teaching reading, writing, and language; (3) knowledge about learners; and (4) knowledge about cultural processes and the school as an institution, family and community life and dynamics, and the relationship of schools and communities. Each of these areas involves three types of knowledge: knowledge acquired from disciplinary fields (e.g., anthropology, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, educational research, etc.); knowledge about how to generate knowledge (e.g., modes of inquiry, teacher research); and knowledge from reflection on one's own experiences and practices as a language user, reader, writer, learner, and teacher.

Student programs of study are designed to achieve these goals and develop the knowledge base described above through a variety of learning experiences, including coursework, field-based projects in both schools and community settings, and, for those seeking licensure, a practicum and the completion of a professional portfolio.

Desired Master of Education Student Characteristics

Admission to the Reading and Writing practitioner program of study requires: (1) a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in a language-related field (e.g., English, Linguistics, Anthropology, Sociology, or Education); (2) a record of at least three years of full-time teaching experience, or the equivalent, which demonstrates high-quality teaching and professional growth; (4) evidence (including, but not limited to, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and previous academic record) of the ability to successfully carry out an intellectually challenging graduate program. In addition, candidates for licensure as a Teacher of Reading must hold an Initial, and preferably a Professional, Massachusetts teaching license at the early childhood, elementary, middle or high school level, or the equivalent.

In addition to the above requirements, admission is based on (1) a teaching philosophy compatible with the philosophy of the Reading and Writing practitioner program of study, (2) a demonstrated commitment to the profession (e.g., participation in professional organizations), and (3) a commitment to equity in education and an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity. While not a requirement for admission, fluency or near-fluency in a language other than English is viewed as an advantage, as is experience in multilingual and multicultural settings.

Contact Information

Coordinator: Jerri Willett (Professor)