Literacy teacher reads to student
What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

15 credit hours

Where will I take classes?
Online

All required courses for the certification can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: Does not admit
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: April 1

Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification

Georgia State University’s online Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in education and T4 certification. Ideal candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills in the foundations of reading, literacy and language. This proficiency may be demonstrated through completion of the Reading Endorsement (based on GaPSC Rule 505-3-. 96, effective July 1, 2023, or later), certification in Elementary Education (earned after July 1, 2025), a passing score on the Reading Education GACE (after July 1, 2025), or another valid and reliable measure of candidate proficiency.

Students will be eligible to be recommended for the Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification after successfully completing all coursework, including embedded key assessments, and successfully passing the GACE 560 Literacy Specialist examination. Upon successfully completing the teacher development course and internship in teacher support, students will also be recommended for the Teaching Support and Coaching Endorsement.

Career Outcomes

Because U.S. schools are placing a greater emphasis on improving literacy outcomes, the need for reading teachers and literacy specialists is steadily increasing. Literacy specialists provide focused literacy instruction to PK-12 students to advance their reading, writing and critical thinking abilities. Literacy specialists assess students, evaluate programs, develop curricula, facilitate professional learning opportunities for teachers and promote instructional practices that improve student learning outcomes.

Teacher working with student

Program Details

When applying to the online Literacy Specialist Certification program, you must submit the following:

  • Online application
  • Application fee of $50
  • Goals statement (upload with the application)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • Two letters of recommendation (identify your recommender on the application)
  • Proof of teaching certification in Georgia
  • Official transcript(s): undergraduate required for admission. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018, Atlanta, GA 30302

The online Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification is a 15 credit hour program of study:

  • Early Literacy Development and Instruction (3 credit hours)
  • Teacher Development (3 credit hours)
  • Internship in Teacher Support (3 credit hours)
  • Literacy Assessment and Curriculum Development (3 credit hours)
  • Professional Learning and Leadership of Literacy (3 credit hours)

For complete program requirements, visit the catalog.

The certification program prepares teachers for leadership roles in the field of literacy education. Literacy specialists demonstrate an expertise in honoring and advancing the literacy abilities of racially, culturally and linguistically diverse students and promoting educational excellence and social justice in urban and multicultural educational settings. Students will need to complete required course work and GACE exams, and an electronic portfolio to obtain certification.

Contacts

Gertrude Tinker Sachs
[email protected]
404-413-8384

Department of Middle and Secondary Education
404-413-8060

College of Education and Human Development Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303