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Program Expectations & Advising Resources for the M.Ed. Reading Specialist

Licensure, Reading Specialist Endorsement

The School of Education through Liberty University Online offers numerous graduate programs at the master’s level. The Master of Education will prepare you for leadership roles in Christian, public, and private school systems. Coursework provides focused training for those seeking a position as a K–12 educator or those wanting to further their education in preparation of the pursuit of a post-graduate or doctoral degree. Along with core courses, specializations offer more specific knowledge in a particular area of interest. Certain prerequisites may be required by Liberty University’s School of Education for those seeking to become candidates in the master’s program, specifically from candidates with a non-educational undergraduate background or those who meet the equivalent of an academic major in a liberal arts area.

Reciprocity with other states may be available. For state approval information, visit www.Liberty.edu/StateApprovals.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits Liberty University. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement. Liberty University meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.


Requirements

  • General Information
    • Degree Completion Plan
    • Course Guides
    • A current state teaching license is required (elementary, middle grades, secondary, or special education).
    • Three years of full-time contractual teaching experience is required (years may be accrued during M.Ed. program).
      • Candidates must document at least one year of full-time contractual teaching experience prior to the internship.
    • Field Experiences: 688: Practicum and EDRS 699: Internship
    • 3.0 GPA
  • Gate Information
    • Gate 1: Program Acknowledgement
    • Gate 2: Advanced Licensure Program Status Check
    • Gate 3: Program Admission & Internship Application
    • Gate 4: Program Exit & Licensure Application

Framework and Dispositions

The mission of the School of Education at Liberty University is to develop competent professionals with a biblical worldview for Christian, public, and private schools. The faculty of the School of Education has delineated the dispositions that must be observable in each candidate of our programs at all levels:

  • Displays a sense of social responsibility
  • Demonstrates commitment/work ethic
  • Demonstrates reflective practice
  • Displays personal integrity
  • Displays professionalism

Framework and Dispositions


Licensure Information

Candidates who are interested in a teaching or advanced state license must complete a Virginia Department of Education approved program. To be eligible for verification forms for other states, the licensure office must verify that the candidate has completed one of our approved licensure programs. Programs that lead to licensure will involve coursework, licensure tests, and student teaching or internship.

Social Security Number for Licensure

To apply for a Virginia license, candidates must submit proof of a social security number (SSN). If the candidate does not have an SSN, the candidate must apply for an SSN.


Background Check

The School of Education strives to produce educators who model high standards before their peers. In keeping with this mission, candidates will complete a variety of field experiences in the K–12 school system as part of his/her program. Background checks have become a requirement in our partnerships with the school system. Out of respect for this, we require all candidates to complete a background check through American DataBank.


Field Experience

Early and ongoing field experiences are crucial for initial and advanced licensure preparation. The continuum of field experiences required in Liberty University’s program includes practicums in PreK–12 settings and culminates in either student teaching or internship during the final semester.


Gates

The Gate system is designed as a set of checkpoints to ensure that candidates have completed the necessary requirements to successfully complete the program. The Gate system is an important part of maintaining a quality program as required by our licensing and accrediting bodies.


Internship

The Internship (200 hours) requires a full semester (16 weeks) commitment in the last semester of the degree program. It is the culmination of all coursework and pre-professional experience. All Advanced Competency Assessments must be met during the internship placement. Therefore, it is important to prepare thoroughly and decrease outside responsibilities during this semester.


Transfer Credit

View the graduate transfer policies.


Resources

View the Program Specialist Handbook in the Licensure Resource Community.

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