Reading Specialist Certificate

You are viewing content for

Teach students the art of reading

Many children struggle with reading at a basic level and often need individualized instruction. You can help improve their literacy skills by becoming a licensed Reading Specialist. Your role includes assessing, diagnosing and instructing students in their reading and writing skills. Reading Specialists work alongside K-12 educators and often provide one-on-one instruction for students struggling in their reading and writing comprehension. You’ll develop individualized plans for addressing their reading difficulties. Offered as part of the master’s in reading program, you can earn your certificate in no time.

A student holding a blue piece of paper with a word wrote on it, in class.

Reading Specialist Certification :: Program Details

Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

This is not a stand-alone program; it must be completed as part of the MED in Reading master’s program (MS in Reading does not have this option).

Note: International students are not eligible for this program.

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Apply to the Graduate School

Submit Application

Submit your application through ApplyTexas.

Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

Select “Reading, MED” as your “Major.”

Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Note: Acceptance into the Graduate School does not give automatic admission into the Alternative Certification Program.

Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Personal Statement

Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 2. Apply to the Certification Office

Once admitted to the Graduate School, you’ll be contacted by the Certificate Office with information regarding certification requirements and fees.

Submit the following items as a complete packet to [email protected].

Submit Application and Pay Fees

You’ll need to complete the following:

Submit the Professional Certification Program application
Pay the $50 certification fee submitted to MarketPlace
Pay the $35 TEA Assessment fee submitted to MarketPlace
Complete the Master degree plan for Major in Reading

Letter of Recommendation

Request one signed letter of recommendation on letterhead from a certified school administrator. That individual should:

Email the letter to your graduate coordinator, [email protected] or
Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores

Texas Teaching

Submit a copy of your Texas teaching certificate
Submit a copy of your Teacher Service Record from your school district personnel office indicating at least two years of classroom teaching experience

Interview

The Educator Certification and Academic Services Department will reach out to schedule an interview with you.

Center for Educator Certification and Academic Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011

Leesa L. Cannon Administrative Associate III

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.