Reading Intervention Endorsement Program
Applications are currently being accepted. Contact Program Director Leigh VonDerahe at lvonderahe@lclark.edu with questions or for more information.
Lewis & Clark’s Reading Intervention Endorsement program provides Pre-K through Grade 12 teachers with the chance to strengthen their literacy assessment and instruction skills. Through our social justice mission and framework, candidates will explore the latest research on phonemic awareness and phonics, comprehension instruction, reading assessments, and working with special needs populations. The program focuses on learning through case studies of students and allows candidates opportunities to explore special topics of their interest. When a candidate completes the program, they are prepared to lead equitable, culturally responsive literacy instruction in their classrooms or to work as Reading Interventionists, Literacy Specialists, and/or Literacy Coaches.
Program Overview
Total credit hours: 14
Program length: 1 - 2 years of part-time study (evenings and summer)
Program start date: September, January, or June
Program director: Leigh VonDerahe →
Options:
Off-campus school district partnerships →
Why Earn a Reading Intervention Endorsement at Lewis & Clark?
The Reading Intervention Endorsement coursework is for those who currently hold a teaching license and are looking for additional professional development. The Endorsement prepares teachers to work as a Reading Interventionist at any Pre-K through Grade 12 level. The role of a Reading Interventionist may look different depending on the school or district, but all have the common goal of building reading skills in all students. The Endorsement also prepares teachers to become a Literacy Coach, a position that works alongside teachers and administrators on professional development to further the literacy teaching practices of all teachers.
Comprehensive Literacy Framework
Language Acquisition & Development
Language development theory
Defining Dyslexia and interventions
Emergent bilingual students
Diverse, social justice centered literature
Reading Comprehension
Metacognitive processes
Current models and trends
Dyslexia and interventions
Strategy samples
Inclusive and diverse literature
Innovations in Reading
Curious, competent leadership
Historical and political issues
Curriculum adoption processes
Facilitating professional conversations
Assessing Reading
Phonics and phonological awareness
Running records and miscue analysis
Knowing readers and reading behavior
Reading surveys and conferring
Dyslexia screeners
State and other assessments
Practicum
Field experience in literacy instruction
Observations in comprehension and assessment
Adopting the stance of teacher-researchers, program participants and faculty explore current and historical issues in the teaching of reading and writing. Within each course, students learn to think critically about resources and practices related to literacy, conduct case-studies, and have continual opportunities to practice applying new learnings. The goal of the program is to offer educators tools to observe, describe and learn from the behaviors of their students and to build cohesive theoretical bases for learner-centered literacy programs. The program is designed for the needs of practicing professionals. Coursework is offered in the evenings, and is available online and/or on-site in a school district. Classes emphasize individual attention and the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively with fellow teachers and school leaders.
The Reading Endorsement Program at Lewis & Clark is rich with information and supportive instructors. I was able to learn, question, and practice all aspects of how to best support students in becoming proficient, eager, life-long readers. I am grateful for the experience I’ve had working towards this endorsement.
Expectations for Admission
Teachers seeking to gain admission to the Reading Intervention Endorsement Program must possess an active, valid teaching license in any teaching field. Teachers may take up to three semester hours of coursework (one course) before being formally accepted into the program.
Apply Now
You can find admissions requirement information and an online application at the Graduate Admissions Office website.
For more information, or to make an appointment with a faculty advisor, contact the faculty program director, Leigh Vonderahe, at lvonderahe@lclark.edu.
Resources for Current Students
- Initiate Your Inservice Practicum
- Required tests
- Instructions to apply to TSPC for the Reading Intervention endorsement
-
Inservice Request to Add Program form (Students currently enrolled in an Inservice degree or endorsement program who would like to continue their Inservice studies in another endorsement program may be eligible for an abbreviated application process.)
Added Benefits of a Reading Intervention Endorsement
Endorsement coursework can:
- Further the practice of Pre-K, Elementary, and Secondary teachers who specialize in any subject area, integrating expended knowledge of literacy into current classroom practices
- Benefit administrators who are seeking ways to build the literacy practices of their school and district
- Language Acquisition—a required course in the sequence—will also count towards the ESOL Endorsement at Lewis & Clark. Many teachers go on to obtain their endorsements in both areas. Coursework completed in the Reading Endorsement can also be applied to an Inservice MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree at Lewis & Clark.