[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Becoming a Reading Specialist with a Master’s Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in reading programs help teachers specialize their skills and advance their careers by emphasizing leadership, assessment, and organization within classrooms. Graduates can advance their careers as teachers or pursue other educational roles in areas like curriculum development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, these online reading programs may qualify graduates for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]instructional coordinator[/hen-ui-link] positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that instructional coordinators earn a median annual salary of $66,490 and projects jobs for these professionals to grow 2% between 2022-2032.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide ranks the top online master’s in reading teacher education programs in the country. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online Master’s in Reading Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in reading programs explore literacy development concepts and teaching techniques. Candidates learn efficient teaching strategies and how to adapt lesson plans for students with different learning needs. Programs may also address special education and culturally diverse learners to prepare for inclusive classrooms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree-seekers develop communication skills and learn to work in teams so that they can effectively engage with parents, students, faculty, and administrators. Online reading programs also give students leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills. Some programs may require current teaching certification for admission.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should consider several factors when researching prospective online master’s in reading programs, such as cost, available concentrations, and delivery format. For instance, working professionals may prefer the flexibility of asynchronous programs, which do not require set login times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-button variant=”textOnly” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]How To Choose Your Major[/hen-ui-button][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Master’s in Reading Programs 2022[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-else”]What to Expect From a Master’s in Reading Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in reading programs include coursework in literacy development and assessment, as well as research and teaching strategies for reading education. Programs may also explore second language acquisition, cultural diversity, and teaching students of different age groups. Additionally, many programs include practicums, giving students field experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reading Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Comprehension Strategies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]These courses present techniques for helping students understand written materials. Courses may explore types of writing, such as narratives and technical pieces, and factors that influence meaning, like paragraph format, vocabulary, perspective, and context. Degree-seekers may also study different reading modes, including oral and silent reading.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Teaching Literacy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]These classes cover literacy concepts, like phonics and word recognition, and introduce teaching strategies that reflect current research and theories. Students learn how to assess learning needs and create teaching plans that cater to specific classrooms and learners. Courses may also incorporate state regulations on reading education or focus on age groups, such as elementary or secondary students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Classroom Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course addresses classroom organization and management. Candidates learn to build productive environments for students and encourage learning through lesson plans and motivational tactics. Learners may also study psychological and behavioral issues that may arise in classrooms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Education Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s-level online reading programs can lead to a variety of education-related careers. For instance, graduates can teach postsecondary courses in reading education or work as reading coaches or specialists. They may also research and write scholarly articles or textbooks on reading education or work as recreation workers or social and community service managers. The following list outlines several other common careers for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Instructional Coordinators”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]$66,490[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#instructional-coordinators/”]Instructional coordinators[/hen-ui-link] make curriculum decisions for school systems, creating learning materials and suggesting teaching techniques and textbooks. They may review testing data and consult teachers on student performance to determine areas for improvement. They also offer faculty training and guidance for introducing new techniques and curricula into classrooms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These positions require a master’s in education, instruction, or a related field. These professionals may also need teaching certification and professional experience. Instructional coordinators need strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”High School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]$62,360[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#high-school-teachers/”]High school teachers[/hen-ui-link] create lesson plans and teach courses to help learners prepare for state tests and life after graduation. They must assess student needs and adjust lesson plans when necessary, discuss student progress with parents, give feedback on course assignments, and set classroom rules.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school teachers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification. Some jobs may require a master’s degree. These professionals need patience, strong communication skills, and adaptability.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Adult Literacy Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm”]$58,590[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm”]-13%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers/”]These teachers[/hen-ui-link] help adults prepare for high school equivalency diploma tests and develop skills and knowledge for professional success. They may emphasize job search strategies and study skills or help adults improve their reading skills. They must assess student needs and keep track of learners’ progress. These professionals may also connect students with local resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult literacy teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree gives them a competitive edge in the job market. Public schools may also require teaching certification. These professionals must know how to guide culturally diverse groups with patience and clear communication.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore online doctoral programs in reading and literacy” href=”/rankings/doctorate/best-online-doctorate-reading-literacy/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Questions About Master’s in Reading Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master’s in Reading Program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduation times vary by program, but these online reading programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can I Do With a Master’s in Reading?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can become instructional coordinators, who help school systems shape reading curricula, or they can help learners advance their reading skills as reading teachers or literary coaches.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Much Do You Make in Education?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries vary by location, role, and experience, but reading education professionals often make more than $55,000 per year. For instance, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Reading_Specialist/Salary/” target=”_blank”]reading specialists[/hen-ui-link] earn a median annual salary of $56,942, but candidates with at least 20 years of experience average more than $58,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is Reading Education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reading education programs explore literacy development theories and strategies for helping students interpret reading material.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is a Master’s in Reading?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in reading prepares degree-seekers to assess students’ literacy needs and develop complementary learning plans. These programs emphasize literacy development and frequently include coursework in classroom management and leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”183,1470,1407″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]