Reading – The Essential First Step in Learning

As educators, we all understand the great importance of reading in the success of our students.  Reading impacts all aspects of the learning process and by helping our students become proficient readers, we not only make a huge difference in their lives but enhance the entire school’s overall quality.  This is why GSU’s College of Education offers teachers an exceptional Master of Arts in Reading program.  Graduates of the program will be reading specialists who have the expertise to bring staff development to educators serving an increasingly diverse student population. 

To qualify for this outstanding program, you need to have an Illinois (or comparable out-of-state) Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education professional educator license.  In addition you must have completed at least two years of appropriate teaching experience in a recognized public or private school as stated in the application materials prior to candidacy.  Please see our College of Education website for the complete program requirements and details. 

Our M.A. in Reading program includes practicum experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Students are presented challenging course work with classes in diagnosis, remediation, the psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic foundations of literacy, developing reading programs, and narrative and expository writing instruction. Degree requirements also include a successful completion of an action research project. 

This excellent program provides students the required course work as identified by the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Advisory Group to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education Joint Task Force of the International Reading Association.  Graduates of GSU’s Master of Arts in Reading program are given the knowledge and theoretical foundation in the field of reading and literacy to address the needs of K-12 learners as well as those students who need specialized literacy intervention.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of best colleges in Chicago.