Literacy Education
 | In the Literacy Department we are committed to helping PK-12 teachers foster optimum literacy achievement in every child. We ground our work in multiple theoretical and research perspectives, with an emphasis on equity and expanding understandings of what it means to be literate across cultures, socioeconomic status, and gender. |
Our Programs
The Literacy Department at Manhattanville offers eight outstanding literacy programs that lead to New York’s literacy certificate:
- Four Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs,
- Two Masters of Science in Education (MSEd) programs in Literacy, Language, and Diversity, and
- Two advanced certification (CERT) programs.
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| Hallie Miller works with students at Jefferson Elementary School |
The literacy certificate is a teaching certificate available to those already certified in another area (this does not include certifications in art, music, and physical education). The MPS Literacy Specialist program is designed for experienced teachers. The MSEd, Literacy, Language, and Diversity, is designed for beginning teachers. While both the MSEd and MPS lead to the same New York State literacy certificate, those with an MPS are prepared to assume the role of reading specialists, whereas those with a MSEd are prepared to enhance their classroom literacy practices. Depending on the district, both degrees may enable graduates to take the role of literacy coach, literacy consultant, department chair, program coordinator, or other non-administrative positions.
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| Mark Howell with students from Jefferson Elementary School |
The other two masters degree programs are offered in collaboration with the Special Education Department. They lead to dual certification at two levels: MPS in Literacy and Special Education (Birth – Grade 6) or (Grades 5-12). Both of these 45 credit programs require a bachelor’s degree and prior certification.
The 25-credit advanced certification programs, CERT- Literacy (Birth – Grade 6) or (Grades 5-12) require Master Degrees and a prior certification.
Watch the YouTube Video: Have You Read Anything Good Lately?
Why Manhattanville?
Our Literacy programs:
- Are New York State and NCATE approved
- Meet the standards for Reading Professionals set by the International Reading Association
- Lead to NYS literacy certificate
- Prepare teachers to implement research-based literacy instruction across all content areas
- Are distinct in their focus on arts-based literacy learning and diverse learners
Prerequisites:
- Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Prior certification in the following areas:
- For the MPS and MSEd, Birth-Grade 6: proof of certification in Early Childhood, Childhood, Elementary, TESOL, and/or Special Education
- For the MPS and MSEd, Grades 5-12: proof of certification in Middle Childhood, Adolescence, Secondary, TESOL and/or Special Education
Certification Options:
MPS, LITERACY SPECIALIST
Birth - Grade 6 or Grades 5-12 (37 credits)
This degree for experienced teachers is more focused on research and theory, and is accredited by the International Reading Association (IRA) in the reading specialist/literacy coach category.
Courses:
- Theoretical and Historical Foundations of Literacy
- Literacy Development in Grades 3-6 or Literacy Development in Grades 5-12
- Literacy Research Seminar I
- Literacy Research Seminar II
- Organizing and Leading Literacy Programs
MSEd, LITERACY, LANGUAGE, & DIVERSITY
Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12 (37 credits)
This degree is designed for beginning teachers and those newly graduated with bachelor’s degrees and certification. It is practitioner-focused with an emphasis on diversity and arts-based literacy learning.
Courses:
- An Arts Approach to Literacy
- Writing Workshop for Teachers and Young People
- New Technologies and Critical Literacies
- Fostering Literacy through Storytelling and Drama
- Capstone Project
Shared Courses: MSEd, Literacy, Language, and Diversity and MPS, Literacy Specialist:
- Language, Literacy, & Culture, B-6 or Language, Literacy, & Culture, 5-12
- Early Literacy, B-6 or Literacy in the Content Areas, 5-12
- Teaching Writing & Thinking
- Literacy Instruction of English Language Learners in the Classroom
- Global & Multicultural Readings in Children’s Literature, B-6 or Study of Literature, 5-12
- Assessment & Intervention in Literacy Instruction
- Literacy Practicum
MPS, LITERACY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12
Our Literacy/Special Education masters programs offer opportunities for training in multisensory methods for teaching reading and provide a thorough preparation for certification in both reading and special education.
POST-MASTERS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS IN LITERACY
Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12
These programs are designed for candidates who already have a Masters degree and teaching certification and who wish to prepare for additional certification in Literacy.
Faculty
Chairperson - Jane Gangi, Ph.D. - gangij@mville.edu or 914-798-2713
Ross Collin, Ph.D.
Courtney Kelly, Ph.D.
Kristin Rainville, Ed.D.