K-12 reading licensure
"The cutting-edge reading research on effective schools and instructional practice is happening today at the University of Minnesota. And, as a part of the new reading cohort, you are working with the faculty doing this research. They are your instructors." —Gwen Berman Stern
Program
The University of Minnesota is recognized as a national and international leader in literacy and educational research and is dedicated to the professional development of Minnesota’s teachers and high quality literacy instruction for all students. To that end, the University of Minnesota’s licensure program develops informed, thoughtful and influential literacy leaders and classroom teachers. This 15 credit program is designed to meet new state licensure rules and is based on current research on the most effective ways to support reading development in K-12 settings.
Coursework focuses on strategies for designing, implementing, and analyzing reading curriculum and instruction for all grades K-12 and draws teachers from various positions within their districts, including generalist/classroom teachers, reading teachers, reading/literacy leaders, content area teachers, and teachers who work with struggling readers. Throughout the program, reading knowledge and pedagogical skills are developed by promoting effective work with children and youth in classrooms and by providing organization and leadership skills to prepare program participants to work as literacy leaders in their school buildings and districts.
Students learn together and support each other throughout the entire program in a cohort mode. Curriculum has been developed as a coherent sequence, with the first courses serving as a foundation for subsequent coursework. The program includes an introductory reading leadership course (CI 5431), three reading content courses (CI 5432, 5433, and 5435), plus a course on designing and leading effective literacy professional development (CI 5434).
"The reading licensure program at the University of Minnesota has made me ten times the reading teacher I would have been without it." —Jennifer Krumm
Reading licensure program key features
- Teacher participants interact with leading reading researchers and excellent teacher educators including Deborah Dillon, Lori Helman, Mary Jacobson, David O’Brien, and Deborah Peterson. Outstanding reading educators and leaders from across the state serve as guest lecturers or instructors.
- Cohorts of 20 teachers learn together and support each other throughout the entire program, forming lasting friendships and ongoing professional networks.
- Leadership is a key focus; participants gain the skills to teach reading effectively and use reading as a way to support content area learning in science, math, social studies, art, and other subject matter coursework; cohort graduates also serve as building and district literacy leaders.
- Coursework is school-based and promotes work with children and youth from diverse backgrounds and solving real-world literacy problems.
- Credits can be applied to University of Minnesota M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees.
- Courses are scheduled to accommodate the teaching workday (e.g., fall and spring semester classes are scheduled on Wednesdays in the late afternoon/evenings and summer classes are offered in three-week daytime formats)
- Our students are very successful in passing required state licensure exams. (The MTLE exam is required to obtain the reading license—see explanation of the tests below.) Program participants have the option of attending a test review and study session before they take the exam.
- Join a distinguished group of teachers who have matriculated and taken leadership positions or continued in a classroom position where they now excel as teachers knowledgeable about reading.
- Limited scholarships are available specifically for students of this licensure program.
"As I reflect on all that I have learned since starting this licensure program, I cannot imagine teaching struggling readers without it. I am so grateful to each and every professor who has taught our classes. Individually, they provided a great deal of support toward my overall development. I am also thankful to every member of our cohort and appreciate their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge and experience. I know that professional development will be a continuous quest for me."
—Susan Bronson
Admission requirements
Admission is based on the following criteria:
- At least one year of full-time teaching experience in a K-12 setting
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.80 in prior coursework
- Current state of Minnesota five-year professional teaching licensure or evidence of meeting requirements for Minnesota five-year professional teaching licensure
Application materials
We invite candidates to submit the following application materials:
- A completed Application for Admission to Additional Licensure Programs [.pdf].
- Application fee: Make check, money order, or bank draft
payable to the University of Minnesota in the amount of $55 for
up to two additional licensure areas. Application fee for each
additional area is $25.
Note: Fee does not apply to current master of education (M.Ed.) students or applicants or to those who have completed the M.Ed. at the University of Minnesota within the past three years. - Official transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate colleges or universities where you completed 12 or more semester credits and all colleges or universities attended after completion of the undergraduate degree, except the University of Minnesota. Official transcripts must be received from the issuing school in a sealed and stamped envelope.
- Professional résumé
- A copy of your current or previous Minnesota teaching license(s)
- Contact information for the principal of the school building where you most recently gained K-12 classroom experience.
Application deadlines
Twenty students will be admitted into the cohort each year. Priority will be given to applications submitted by April 1st.
Curriculum (15 credits)
Individuals admitted to the cohort complete the following course sequence, beginning with CI 5431. When circumstances necessitate it, teacher participants may petition to take a course out of sequence.
| Course # | Course title | Term | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI 5431 (3 cr) |
Introduction to Instructional Leadership in K-12 Reading | Summer 2012 |
June 18-22, 25-29; 8:00 am - 12:00 PM |
| CI 5432 (3 cr) |
Instructional Leadership in Reading in Kindergarten and the Elementary Grades | Fall 2012 |
Wed. 4:40-7:20 PM |
| CI 5433 (3 cr) |
Instructional Leadership in Reading for the Middle and Secondary Grades | Spring 2013 | Wed. 4:40-7:20 PM |
| CI 5435 (3 cr) |
Instructional Leadership in Preventing Reading Difficulties | Fall 2013 | Wed. 4:40-7:20 PM |
| CI 5434 (3 cr) |
Professional Development and Evolving Practice in K-12 Reading | Spring 2014 | TBD |
Note: For course descriptions and schedules, refer to the University of Minnesota Class Schedule at the University’s One Stop student services Web site.
Testing
The Minnesota Board of Teaching requires licensure applicants to pass several standardized tests. The Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE) tests are offered several times a year; students are responsible for registering for and taking tests by the required deadlines. Test information is available from the MTLE website.
The following test must be taken before licensure program completion:
- Reading Teacher (Grades K–12)
Registration
Students already admitted to degree or additional licensure programs may register online for coursework at the University’s One Stop student services Web site. For questions about registration, contact Student Services at 612-625-5815.
Program faculty
Mary Jacobson
program director
612-625-4187; email:
jaco1202@umn.edu
Deborah R. Dillon
612-626-8271; email: dillon@umn.edu
Lori A. Helman
612-624-2034; email:
lhelman@umn.edu
David O’Brien
612-625-5337; email:
dobrien@umn.edu
Debra S. Peterson
612-626-9360, email:
peter328@umn.edu
More Info
If you'd like more information about the K-12 Reading Licensure, please contact the program’s director, Mary Jacobson, 612-625-4187; email: jaco1202@umn.edu.
Revised November 2011
