What are the advantages to being a reading specialist?

Most of the students who are seeking the endorsement are doing so because they want to be a better classroom teacher. The experiences in the courses related to the endorsement offer opportunities to "get close and personal" with the reading process. For example, you will tutor children or youth in a setting with other students and with a master-teacher / professor who can help you understand the nature of the struggling reader and how to offer quality instruction. Other courses leading to the endorsement are practical as well as theoretical. You will learn about curriculum and instruction that meets the complex needs of your students. Professors teaching these courses have extensive experience in the classroom and are able to link theory and practice.

The Reading Specialist Endorsement is not just for elementary teachers. It is true that most of our students are certified as elementary teachers, but teachers holding the secondary certificate are often challenged by their students' reading performance and achievement. LRC professors are sensitive to the adolescent learner and some courses are designed specifically for them. Our students who are secondary teachers report that the content and experiences offered in the LRC program makes a difference in how they teach and the opportunities their students have for becoming better readers across the curriculum.

Second, the Reading Specialist Endorsement opens doors leading to employment and advancement opportunities. Many of our graduates are "curriculum specialists" in local schools. Other graduates teach reading through various federally funded programs such as Title I. We predict that the demand for those with a reading specialist endorsement will increase dramatically in the near future.

Third, reading specialists are special people. They are professionally committed to being the best they can be and hold themselves and their colleagues to the highest of standards. Professional organizations such as the International Reading Association provide resources and continued professional development for those who are members. Many of our graduates report that their scholarly and professional relationships, which began in LRC while working on their endorsement, are among their most treasured and richest.

• Contact Dr. Patricia L. Anders.
• Check out the focus areas that include the state required courses.
• For other descriptions of what a reading specialist does and the community of reading specialists go to the IRA web site.How do you find out more about this program?

For information on Arizona State Endorsements go to Certification: Endorsements.