Through intensely focused coursework, students will deepen their understanding of reading development, assessment and instruction for diverse learners, and explore areas of specific interest such as advanced studies in reading in a second language. Students will also undertake either a project or thesis focusing on a specific area of inquiry in reading development and instruction.

The program is designed to be completed online, making it accessible across the globe. This program also features a hands-on component where students will work with children and their teachers, in local schools. This structure ensures students are connected to their learning community and children in school settings. During some of the courses, students will also have biweekly interactions with instructors and classmates in real time, using the Online Rooms feature of MUN’s Brightspace technology. In the practicum component of the program, students will submit video recordings of their assessment practice (with an adult volunteer) for review by instructors. Assessments will eventually be used with children in the development of the instructional plans.

Graduates of this program will be well positioned to take up many roles, such as reading-related program specialists in school districts or departments of education, school-based reading specialists, literacy support teachers, literacy coaches, classroom teachers and those who work in private practice as remedial reading tutors. The knowledge gained from this program may also help to strengthen the training of counselors.

• Deferral Requests. Students accepted to programs without caps on enrollment (Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Studies, Educational Leadership Studies, Educational Technology & Post-Secondary Studies), are advised that the graduate office does not accept deferral requests unless there are extenuating circumstances and supporting documentation. In such cases, a maximum of one deferral for one semester may be granted. Files will be kept for a one year period, which enable students to ask to be reconsidered for a competition within that timeframe at no additional cost. Students accepted to the Counselling Psychology program (because of the cap on enrollment), under extenuating circumstances only, may also be granted one deferral.

• Confirmation of Work Experience. Students are required to submit an official letter from the school district office/employer verifying work experience. This letter should indicate total number of teaching days accumulated, as a minimum of two years of teaching (or related) experience is recommended for admission for most programs. Please have this information forwarded to the School of Graduate Studies by the deadline date.

• Educational Leave. If you are considering applying for educational leave in order to pursue a Master of Education program, you should first apply to the program. If you are not granted educational leave, but are accepted to the program, you can commence your studies on a part-time basis.

• A candidate in full-time status may register for a maximum of 12 credit hours in any regular semester and a maximum of 6 credit hours in intersession or summer session.

• A candidate with part-time status may register for a maximum of 3 credit hours in any semester or session, excluding summer session, when 6 credit hours are permitted.

• Candidates may register for additional courses in a semester or session with the permission of the Office of the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research, Faculty of Education.