What is the Reading Specialist program?
The Reading Specialist is a 39-hour program that involves coursework content in the six areas above as well as leadership. The Reading Specialist is eligible to teach reading to students and provide technical assistance and professional development in reading to other teachers. This endorsement requires completion of an approved program for a Special certificate and also requires two years of teaching experience. At the conclusion of this program, candidates seeking a Type 10 Reading Specialist Certificate must pass the Illinois Certification Test for the Reading Specialist, as well as the Assessment of Professional Teaching for grades K-12. The Shorewood and Tinley Park sites offer the Reading Specialist curriculum.
