September 10, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Educationnow offers an online certificate in reading for K-12 teachers.

The new reading-specialist certificate is for teachers interested in becoming reading coaches and for regular classroom teachers who provide reading instruction. Through this new course of study, students take 11 master's level courses. Six of the courses are offered wholly online; five courses require attendance at approximately five campus sessions.

"There are many reading coaches who don't have a certificate in reading," said UAB Associate Professor of Education Kathleen Martin, Ph.D. "Principals may look for those who do, but it has not been a requirement."

But with changes in state and federal mandates and calls for greater accountability in education in recent years, more schools will want to hire teachers who are specialists in reading, Martin said.

"The problem, however, is that most master's in education programs are very general and don't allow teachers to earn a specialization," Martin said. "Through this program, they can."

To qualify for enrollment, students must have a bachelor's degree in early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education. Those with secondary education degrees, however, must have completed two undergraduate-level reading courses before entering the reading specialist-certificate course of study.

About the UAB School of Education

The UAB School of Education offers programs in early childhood, elementary and high school education, as well as urban education, physical and health education, special education, counseling and educational leadership and foundations. The school also offers professional development courses for working teachers and school leaders