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Reading and Language Development Certificate An Online Certificate

Serving every student with culturally and linguistical affirming reading instruction. All students deserve access to evidence-based reading instruction that is responsive to cultural and linguistic assets. By providing cumulative, diagnostic, explicit, and systematic instruction in phonology, sound-symbol relationships, morphology, syntax, semantics, and language comprehension, educators can equip students with the tools to thrive as learners.    

Vocabulary: Explicit Introduction of Words Protocol

9:20

In this video, the educator utilizes techniques to support emergent bilingual students in understanding the meaning of vocabulary words.

Application Deadlines. Fall 2024: Priority Deadline - August 1, 2024, Final Deadline - August 19, 2024; Spring 2025: Priority Deadline - October 1, 2024, Final Deadline - December 1, 2024American University’s online 15-credit graduate certificate in Reading and Language Development prepares educators, including PK-12 general and special education teachers, academic therapists, and school and system leaders with the required content and knowledge, as well as the necessary skills to provide evidence-based reading instruction.

The program courses are grounded in decades of research about how all children learn to read and provide practical application for reading instruction in whole and small group settings. The online format allows for engagement with other educators from across the country and join a network of engaged leaders in the field. The program is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards. This program provides an exciting learning experience that combines rigorous academic work with actual practice. We are excited for you to Raise Your Hand to be the change agent our communities need.

 

No GRE

Test Required

Fall, Spring & Summer

Start Dates

Only 15

Credits to Completion

Selected
Program Highlights
Program Tracks
Eligibility
Application Requirements

The Reading Certificate program includes: 

  • 15-credit online certificate with estimated completion in 3 semesters 

  • Course instructors whose work is driven by applied and evidence-based practices 

  • Evening coursework is designed for full-time working professionals 

  • Course instructors bring extensive PK-12 school and research experience 

  • Three credits of internship in your classroom or current educational setting (eg tutoring setting) 

  • Course work that is aligned to the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) (the K-PERI assessment must be completed to receive CERI certification)  

Students New to the AU School of Education: 

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take full cohort model beginning in the summer, fall, or spring.  
 

AU SOE Alumni from the MA in Special Education or MAT Programs:

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take full cohort model starting summer or fall (able to waive 2 courses).


Current AU SOE MAT Students: 

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take the Reading Certificate courses during your MAT course of study. Please reach out to Graduate Program Coordinator Melissa Young at myoung@american.edu as soon as possible to plan your course of study.   

Open to individuals with a: 

  • Master's degree or currently working on a master's degree from an accredited institution; 

  • Certification as a teacher or education professional (e.g., PK-12 general or special education, counselor, psychologist) 

  • Access and interest in classroom or other educational setting to implement course assignment and internship.  

Current AU Master of Arts in Teaching students must apply and be accepted to the certificate program in order to enroll.  

Students new to the AU School of Education: 

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take full cohort model beginning in the summer, fall, or spring.  


AU SOE Alumni from the MA, MAT, or MEd Program 

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take full cohort model starting summer, fall or spring.  


Current AU SOE MA, MAT, or MEd Students 

Option 1: Take individual courses. Students can select individual courses to take at their own pace. 

Option 2: Take the Reading Certificate courses during your MAT course of study. Please reach out to Emma LaParade at laparade@american.edu as soon as possible to plan your course of study.  
 

All students applying to the program are required to submit: 

  • Online application 

  • 1 letter of recommendation 

  • Statement of Purpose focused on interest in reading instruction (500 words) 

  • Un-official transcripts 

  • Resume GPA supplemental statement (If GPA is under 3.0) 

See full Admissions & Degree Requirements. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fall 2024
Priority Deadline: August 1, 2024
Final Deadline: August 19, 2024


Spring 2025
Priority Deadline: October 1, 2024 
Final Deadline: December 1, 2024 

No. Only students interested in earning an administrator certification will need to apply to the program.

If you wish to take one or two courses, follow the steps below:

  1. E-mail Graduate Program Coordinator Melissa Young at myoung@american.edu with your: name, preferred e-mail, and courses of interest.
  2. We will help you to sign up for the course(s) and guide you on where to pay tuition.
  3. If/when you are ready to join the full certificate program, you may apply and begin the remaining set of coursework/internship.

15 credit hours. Estimated completion time: 3 semesters.

No. We require a statement of purpose, resume, transcript(s), and one letter of recommendation.

*For students with one of our partnership programs, one or more letters may be waived, as well as the application fee.

Yes, the program's courses take place in the evening.

  • A minimum of two years of school-based experience as PreK-12 educator (teacher, instructional coach, guidance counselor, social worker, psychologists). Substitute teaching experience does not apply.
  • A master's degree from an accredited institution, or master's degree in progress at American University's School of Education.

Current master's students in the American University School of Education's MEd program may take classes through the certificate program. Please reach out to Graduate Program Coordinator Melissa Young at myoung@american.edu to discuss your course schedule.

Program Name: Reading Language Development Certificate Program

This program is designed to be completed in 12 months.

This program will cost $19,272 (partnership discount) and $23,215 (non-partnership rate) if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. 

Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with [$XX, XXX] of debt. The program has very few graduates to report median debt. 

The program is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association's Knowledge and Practice Standards. The School of Education cannot guarantee that the coursework will meet state credentialing requirements. Candidates who are employed in states other than DC must confirm with their state credentialing agency what the certification requirements are for their state and whether there is reciprocity with DC.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions, please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/.

Contact Us!

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Email Graduate Program Coordinator Melissa Young at myoung@american.edu with any questions.

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