Search
Close this search box.

Literacy Instruction
All Grades (B-12)

Master of Science in Education / Advanced Certificate

Overview of Literacy Instruction Program

Literacy instruction includes the most current theory and practice in literacy education, and is designed to develop highly qualified literacy educators.

Literacy abilities are the foundation of contemporary B-12 schooling and for most current careers, yet many students struggle to attain the expected literacy benchmarks. Even though many dedicated educators have guided students in acquiring strong literacy skills, students still need more effective literacy teachers to help them reach these achievement goals.

To this end, Niagara University’s master’s degree program in literacy instruction includes the most current theory and practice in literacy education and is designed to develop highly qualified literacy educators who can guide B-12 students to excellence in literacy. Students gain professional skills and knowledge in both childhood and adolescent literacy development through course content and professional experiences. Graduates will be qualified for New York state initial certification as reading specialists leading to professional certification.

NYS is in the top five states with the highest employment level of literacy instructors!

Curriculum

This 37 credit hour program emphasizes the integration of reading and writing throughout the birth-12 curriculum, and focuses on literacy learning at different grade levels and stages of development, a differentiation that other programs may not offer. 

Family Literacy Center

The Family Literacy Center is an on-campus educational opportunity for graduate students
to demonstrate teaching while enhancing the literacy performance of at-risk readers and their families. The center’s programs focus on improving reading, writing and listening skills among children while supporting the literacy and basic skills of the family itself.

Request Information

Loading...

Why Literacy Instruction at NU?

Flexibility

The master of science degree program in literacy instruction can be completed in two years.

Affordability

Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.

Quality

NU’s literacy program empowers teachers to address a variety of literacy strengths and needs in both traditional and inclusive classrooms with learners of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, racial, and social backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Importance of Literacy

Dr. Erwin, associate professor of education, discusses the importance of literacy instruction in today’s society.

Joy Meness
I was taught by the some of the most caring and compassionate educators I’ve ever known, who embraced diversity while implementing multiple educational methods for lifelong learning possibilities. The staff, students, and faculty made my learning experience one of the best I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. I still cherish the time that I spent at Niagara, and I wish that everyone could have the kind of community learning experience that is Niagara University.
Joy Meness
Educator

Careers

Literacy Specialist
Literacy Coordinator
Literacy Teaching Assistant
Reading Instructor/Teacher
Reading and Writing Center Coordinator

Accreditations

Education
Faculty & Staff

MAIN CONTACT

Dr. Robin Erwin

Dr. Robin Erwin
Program Coordinator
716.286.8551

Dr. Naima

Bhana, BCBA-D

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8102

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Dennis

Garland

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.8330

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Haoua M.

Hamza

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.7388

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Kathleen F.

McGrath

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.8401

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Donna C.

Phillips

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.8452

Email:

Profile:

Laura

Sarchet

Faculty Fellow, Early Childhood Special Education

Phone: 716.286.8507

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Norline

Wild

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8275

Email:

Profile: