Reading Specialist Certification

  • Certificate
A teacher works on reading with a younger student.

If you're passionate about helping students become confident, capable readers, Montclair’s Reading Specialist Certification will prepare you to lead that transformation school-wide.

Designed for certified teachers with at least three years of experience and a Master’s degree, this 30-credit, low-residency program equips you with the advanced knowledge and tools to diagnose reading challenges, design targeted interventions, and support literacy growth for diverse learners. You’ll deepen your expertise in reading theory, assessment, and instructional leadership while preparing to mentor fellow educators and collaborate with families and school teams.

Whether you’re aiming to become a district literacy coach, reading interventionist, or K-12 reading specialist, this program sets you up for impact. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a vibrant learning community dedicated to equity, inclusion, and literacy for all. If you’re ready to lead beyond your own classroom and champion stronger outcomes for every reader, Montclair’s Reading Specialist certification is your next chapter.

*F1/J1 seeking students are not eligible for this program. 

See the curriculum.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

With the exception of two courses in the practicum sequence, all the courses in the program are fully online. You can credit up to six previous, successful, and relevant graduate courses towards obtaining this certification, even if the previous coursework has been used to obtain a graduate degree, allowing you to get this certification even faster.

Admissions Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants need to hold a standard teacher certification
  • A master’s degree in reading, literacy, or a related field from an accredited college or university before applying
  • To matriculate in this program, students must be able to demonstrate appropriate interest and ability in the field of literacy education. Once accepted into the program, students also need to have completed three years of classroom teaching in order to earn the Reading Specialist certification through the NJ Department of Education

Application Checklist

  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: You’ll write an essay (no more than 3, double-spaced pages) addressing each of the prompts below:
    • Why you are interested in the profession in which you want to pursue graduate work and, if applicable, the particular concentration within that profession?.
    • Your knowledge of issues and trends in this profession or field.
    • What areas and topics you hope to study in depth and why?
    • Any related professional or personal experiences you have had, including opportunities to collaborate with other professionals, and how these experiences make you particularly well-suited for the profession.
    • Potential challenges and opportunities associated with diversity you think are relevant to the profession you are pursuing. Be sure to explain what you mean by “diversity” (related, for example, to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability) and how it may pose challenges or present opportunities.
    • Be sure to cite any claims you make, if applicable
  • Proof of your Standard Teacher Certification.

Please note that out-of-state certified applicants may apply but will not be recommended to the New Jersey Department of Education for Reading Specialist certification.

Related Programs

Not sure if this certification is right for you? Check out our other instructional certifications, designed for applicants with a bachelor’s degree.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

For questions about this program or information about how to enroll, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Admissions Office

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Erik Jacobson

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.