Program Overview

The Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies is designed for teachers with a master’s degree in education, an interest in advanced studies in literacy, and current certification in reading or literacy. This program provides a critical examination of current issues in literacy pedagogy for experienced teachers interested in the professional development of literacy teachers, and involves advanced course work in contemporary theory and practice in literacy studies, language and language learning, reading and writing processes, advocacy for language learners, literacy in families and communities, and cultural and historical perspectives of literacy and schooling. Students will examine a range of theoretical approaches to teacher inquiry, staff development, and teacher leadership in literacy education. Two years of supervised field work provide first hand experiences working with readers and writers who struggle, and examining critical issues in literacy learning and teaching with colleagues and parents.

We are looking for applicants who are committed, life-long teacher/learners with a potential for language arts/literacy staff development. This program prepares students for the following positions:

• Elementary and middle school teachers with advanced preparation in literacy learning, teaching, and teacher research.
• Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
• Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.
• Lead teachers or mentor teachers, working at the building level, to provide consultations, demonstrations and resources for language arts/literacy teachers.
• Language arts/literacy specialists at the building or district level.
• Language arts/literacy consultants and writers.

On average, students complete this program in two and one-half academic years.

Admission Requirements

1. Master’s degree in education with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Current certification in reading or literacy.
3. A letter of application describing teaching experiences and interest in professional development in literacy.
4. Minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience.
5. Two recommendations including at least one school administrator.
6. Interview with a member of the Literacy Studies faculty. Portfolios or other examples of applicant’s work are welcome at interviews.

NOTE: Students are accepted into the program throughout the school year. However, the Advanced Certificate core courses start during the fall semester and continue for six semesters (fall, spring and summer). Graduate students who enter a program of study on a nonmatriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work. A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate course work taken elsewhere.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 30

The Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies includes a series of six courses, with related field experiences, providing advanced course work in literacy pedagogy and professional development in literacy studies. The core sequence is typically taken during six consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) in a cohort group. All Advanced Certificate students are expected to participate in the Summer Community Literacy Project (involving a three- to four-week session with K-12 students) during the first year.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours in prescribed courses, including at least 24 semester hours in-residence, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Completion of the supervised field experience involving a minimum of 70 hours of field work.
3. Completion of a professional paper on literacy teaching.

Relationship Between Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies and the Literacy Studies Doctoral Program

The Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies is recommended for teachers with a primary interest in exploring issues of pedagogy and staff development in literacy. Students with a primary interest in teacher research, research in language and literacy, and/or a position in higher education are encouraged to apply to the Literacy Studies doctoral program. Completion of the Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies does not guarantee admissions into the doctoral program.

Students awarded an Advanced Certificate must meet all of the requirements and complete all the standard procedures for admissions into the Literacy Studies doctoral program. Students who receive an Advanced Certificate in Advanced Literacy Studies at Hofstra and are accepted into the doctoral program may bring up to 45 semester hours into the doctoral program subject to approval by faculty in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership .

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