Literacy Program Overview
The Literacy program is for teachers who wish to instill in their students a deep affinity towards literature and reading. The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Literacy is designed to teach current theory and trends in literacy research, as well as best instructional practices. Reading, writing, and media communications are of particular focus with two required practica during the 33 credits of study.
This program of study will be fully online starting in Fall 2023!
Course Requirements (33 credits)
- EDRD-640 Foundations and Current Trends in Literacy Research and Practice
- EDRD-641 Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas
- EDRD-729 Literacy Methods and Instructional Strategies
- EDRD-749 Assessment and Instruction in Literacy
- EDRD-751 Critical Survey of Children’s and Young Adult Literature
- EDRD-965 Practicum in Literacy Coaching
- EDRD-966 Advanced Practicum in Literacy Coaching
*Must be the final course completed in the degree program.
To complete this program, students must show evidence of a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam. A passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam is also required to gain additional certification as “literacy teacher” or “literacy coach.”
Undergraduate Fifth Year Program
The add-on certification master’s with this concentration is limited to the students completing the bachelor’s degree at Furman enrolled in the five-year extended program. Recent Furman graduates pursuing initial teacher certification, who have satisfactorily completed all senior block courses (including the practicum experience) and are eligible to enroll in EDEP-670 Teaching Internship, may gain provisional graduate admission for study in the summer term, prior to the completion of the teaching internship which leads to initial certification. Once initial certification is granted, students will be allowed to continue to be enrolled in graduate-level courses.
- EDEP-640 Best Practices for the Induction Teacher
- EDEP-670 Teaching Internship
- NOTE: Students successfully completing EDU-330 Literacy Foundations & Instruction in Grades PK-3 and EDU-331 Literacy Processes & Instruction in Grades 2-6 as undergraduates may be exempted from EDRD-729 Literacy Methods & Instructional Strategies on the graduate level. Students successfully completing EDU-336 Teaching Reading in Content Areas as undergraduates may also be exempted from EDRD-641 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas at the graduate level.
Meet Katie Kelly
Dr. Katie Kelly is a published author whose experience as an elementary classroom teacher and a literacy coach in North Carolina and her home state of New York inspired her to pursue a career in higher education where she could influence preservice and inservice teachers.
Dr. Kelly’s research interests include teacher preparation and development in the area of literacy instruction and assessment. Additionally, Dr. Kelly is interested in exploring how technology mediates literacy practices within and beyond the classroom setting. She continues to examine ways to engage diverse learners through culturally relevant practices that value all individuals while fostering compassionate global citizens who advocate for social justice and equality.
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Faculty
Katie Kelly
Paul Thomas
Temi Bidjerano
Michael Svec
Scott Henderson
Bobbi Siefert
