At Saint Vincent College, our PreK–12 Reading Specialist Certification program empowers educators to grow as literacy leaders while remaining grounded in Benedictine values:
Deepen your expertise in literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention.
Support students across all grade levels—from early readers to struggling adolescents.
Earn an add-on credential if you already hold initial teaching certification.
Develop high-demand skills to assess reading challenges and implement effective strategies.
Prepare for leadership roles such as reading interventionist, literacy coach, or curriculum specialist.
Serve with compassion—supporting all learners, especially those who struggle to find their voice through reading.
Join a mission-driven community rooted in service, community, and a love of learning.
At Saint Vincent, we believe education is a calling—and literacy is a gateway to transformation. Let us help you open new doors for yourself and your students.
Saint Vincent College offers a prestigious graduate fellowship program for aspiring educators—complete with full tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend—in exchange for working in a local PreK–12 school district as a teacher, substitute, or support staff. Over two years, fellows earn their master’s degree at no cost, acquire practical in-district experience, and graduate with a competitive edge for employment, boasting a 98% job placement rate post-program.
This fully online program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it ideal for working educators. The only in-person component occurs during the practicum courses, where candidates are placed in a center or school district to work directly with school-age students. The accelerated 21-credit program can be completed in just 18 months. Courses are offered in seven-week sessions during the fall, spring, and summer terms, with students typically taking two courses per term. The program combines the convenience of online learning with meaningful, real-world application and occasional real-time interaction.
Our education instructors at Saint Vincent College bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, combining practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. Having worked as teachers, administrators, and specialists, they understand the challenges and rewards of education firsthand. This experience allows them to provide relevant insights and personalized guidance, making them approachable mentors who are dedicated to preparing future educators for success in diverse and dynamic teaching environments.
As part of the PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification, you’ll step into an authentic role supporting students at all levels who struggle with literacy skills. Working alongside trained reading specialists and literacy coaches, you will gain hands-on experience in assessment, intervention planning, and evidence-based instructional strategies. This immersive practicum experience allows you to apply your learning in real-world settings while building the confidence and expertise needed to lead literacy efforts in your school or district.
A Reading Specialist Certification at the PreK-12 level prepares experienced educators to become leaders in literacy instruction and intervention. Whether working in public or private schools or serving in literacy centers, our graduates are equipped to assess reading challenges, implement targeted interventions, and support teachers in strengthening literacy practices across all grade levels. Rooted in Saint Vincent’s values and supported by expert faculty, real-world practicum experiences, and a collaborative professional community, Saint Vincent-trained reading specialists are making a meaningful impact in classrooms, literacy centers, and school communities throughout the region.
Graduates of the PreK–12 Reading Specialist Certification program have gone on to make a meaningful difference in schools and literacy-focused settings across the region.
Our alumni are making an impact as:
The PreK–12 Reading Specialist certification program prepares experienced educators to become leaders in literacy instruction and intervention across grade levels. This 21-credit program combines evidence-based coursework with practical application, covering key areas such as reading assessment, intervention strategies, literacy development, and instructional coaching. Candidates complete online coursework alongside field-based practicum experiences, working directly with school-age students under the mentorship of certified reading specialists and literacy professionals.
Complex Text & Disciplinary Literacy: Ready to level up your literacy game? This course explores how to help students tackle complex texts—whether they’re printed, digital, visual, or multimedia—across all content areas. You’ll learn how to select and teach texts that challenge students while supporting standards-based instruction and curricular goals. With a focus on meaning-making, you’ll dive into how students comprehend and interact with content-specific texts in subjects like science, history, and math. You’ll also explore current theories of literacy development and discover how to apply evidence-based practices to meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether you're teaching with podcasts, primary sources, or poetry, this course equips you to build thoughtful, strategic readers in every discipline.
Diagnosis of Reading Difficulty: Get ready to dive into the world of reading assessment! In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the tools and techniques used by reading specialists to uncover how students read—and where they may need support. You’ll learn how to observe PreK–12 learners in action, analyze their strengths and challenges, and connect your findings to effective, targeted instruction. From formal assessments to one-on-one observations, you’ll gain the skills to confidently diagnose literacy needs and make a real impact. Plus, you’ll practice how to clearly and professionally communicate your insights with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders—an essential part of being a trusted literacy leader.
Reading Specialist Practicum: It’s time to put your skills into action! Taken alongside GCRS-633, this practicum gives you the opportunity to work directly with PreK–12 students who need extra support with reading and writing. You’ll spend a minimum of 60 hours in real classroom or clinical settings, using assessment data to design and deliver meaningful literacy instruction. From planning targeted lessons to evaluating your students’ growth, this course is where theory meets practice—and where you step into your role as a future reading specialist. Get ready to make a real difference in students’ lives while building the confidence and experience you need to lead literacy efforts in any educational setting.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and aligned with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification.
