Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is responding to the READ Act with a K-12 Reading Licensure Preparation program designed to prepare teachers for what today’s classrooms need most: strong, literacy instruction.
This program is designed for educators who already hold a bachelor’s degree and a Tier 3 or Tier 4 teaching license. You’ll be prepared for K-12 reading licensure in Minnesota and equipped to lead literacy initiatives across your school or district.
Teachers in private and charter schools can also benefit, gaining advanced skills to strengthen literacy instruction at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
You’ll develop practical strategies to enhance your current teaching, lead reading instruction across all grade levels, and grow into roles such as a district-wide reading specialist, literacy coach, or curriculum leader.
From selecting effective materials to implementing school-wide reading initiatives, you’ll learn how to support all learners — including students with learning disabilities, (ELL/ESL), and those needing additional support.
Take the next step in your teaching career and become a competent and confident leader in literacy instruction.
Online, asynchronous work with three synchronous (live) sessions over 8 weeks
Immersive coursework and a 90-hour required practicum experience.
Your district or employer might be part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships. Learn more.
A smart investment in your future.
For $1,500, you can complete the online K-12 Reading Licensure Preparation program in 10 months — and be halfway to your master’s degree.
The 15 credits you earn apply directly toward our master’s in education, saving you time and money. If a master’s is in your future, these credits will never expire — so when you’re ready, they’ll be waiting.
Understand the foundations of reading processes and instruction
Apply evidence-based assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate reading instruction and literacy needs
Create a literate environment that fosters reading
Use various research-based instructional practices, approaches, and methods to support reading instruction with K-12 students
Develop coaching strategies for collaboration with classroom teachers and content area leaders
Virtual information session
Sign up for an information session to learn more about the reading literacy certificate program and the application process — or watch a recorded session on your time.
Ready to apply to our literacy teacher program? Learn about taking the next steps.
General requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
Applicants must hold, or be eligible to hold, a Tier 3 or 4 license.
English language proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless the foreign transcripts come from an institution located in a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
Duolingo with a minimum score of 105.
Application requirements
A completed application form
An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.
You have two possible options for obtaining official transcripts:
Order official transcripts from all institutions yourself.
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Official Transcripts should be sent to Office of Admission: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Please reach out with any questions about the application process.
brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and,
statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
personal information the applicant wishes to share.
Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
Application deadlines
Fall Semester – August 1
The priority application deadlines are listed but these are general as not all of our programs have a start every semester.
Notice of acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Tuition and fees
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.
Saint Mary’s online Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading is designed for teachers pursuing additional licensure in reading — a focus area gaining growing attention at both the state and national levels. Common job titles include (based on licensure requirements):
Literacy/reading coach
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Literacy coordinator
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Reading intervention teacher/specialist
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Reading instructor/teacher
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Reading specialist
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Literacy and assessment curriculum specialist
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Reading and writing center coordinator
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Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.
Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students.
Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education.
Can I work full-time and juggle this program?
Yes, this program offers flexibility through online coursework, allowing you to continue working in a school setting while completing our program. Learn more about how online learning at Saint Mary’s can fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Is this program synchronous or asynchronous?
The K-12 Reading Graduate Certificate is a fully online program. However, three courses during eight weeks will have required scheduled meeting times; students are expected to attend during these class hours.
Does this program lead to licensure?
Yes, this program is designed to meet educational requirements for K-12 Reading licensure in Minnesota and is not designed or intended to meet educational requirements for licensure in other jurisdictions.
Will I need to complete a practicum?
Yes, this program does require a 90-hour practicum.
I teach at a private or charter school. Can I still enroll in this program?
Yes, all current teachers are welcome to enroll in this program. To pursue K-12 Reading licensure in Minnesota, you must hold, or be eligible to hold, a Tier 3 or 4 license.
Is this a GED or high school diploma program?
No. This is a graduate-level certificate program for licensed educators. It does not provide a high school diploma or GED.
Can I apply if I don't have a bachelor's degree?
No. This program requires a completed bachelor’s degree. The coursework is designed for educators with prior academic and professional preparation.
The Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act provides standards that teachers and reading specialists must follow when designing... Read More