Teaching Literacy, Grades 5 to 12

Program Overview

Mercy University's Teaching Literacy Advanced Certificate program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to become highly qualified literacy teachers, coaches, or specialists. Through five courses and 50 hours of practical experience, students gain a solid foundation in literacy education, effective teaching strategies, and an understanding of diverse learning needs. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, diversity, and collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in schools and other educational settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Teaching Literacy, Grades 5 to 12 Advanced Certificate program at Mercy University equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to become highly qualified literacy teachers, literacy coaches, or remedial reading and writing specialists. The program prepares students for initial or professional certification through five total courses and 50 hours of practical experience. An initial certification from New York State or an equivalent certification from another state is required.

Objectives:

The program aims to provide students with:

• A solid content knowledge base in literacy education
• Effective pedagogical and professional strategies to engage students and promote learning
• An understanding of diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and social strengths and needs
• The ability to integrate technology into literacy instruction
• Skills for reflective practice and professional development

Program Description:

The program consists of five courses:

• Literacy Foundations
• Emergent Literacy and Assessment
• Literacy for English Language Learners
• Literacy for Students with Disabilities
• Child and Adolescent Literature, Content Area Literacy, and Assessment

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Workshops
• Hands-on activities
• Field experiences

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in literacy education. Faculty members include:

• JungKang K. Miller, Associate Professor and Department Chair
• Mi-Hyun Chung, Professor and Department Chair
• Barbara Keckler, Associate Professor
• Patrick McCabe, Associate Professor
• Victoria Núñez, Assistant Professor
• Gulizar Otcu-Grillman, Professor

Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates several unique approaches to literacy instruction, including:

• A focus on evidence-based practices
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A strong emphasis on practical experience
• Partnerships with local schools and community organizations

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:

• Reading teacher
• Literacy coach
• Remedial reading and writing specialist
• Classroom teacher with strong competence in classroom literacy instruction and assessment

Opportunities:

The program prepares students for initial or professional certification, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in schools and other educational settings.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are prepared to:

• Deliver effective literacy instruction to students in grades 5-12
• Provide support and guidance to struggling readers and writers
• Collaborate with other educators and professionals to promote literacy development
• Stay abreast of current research and best practices in literacy education