Teacher of Reading Post-Baccalaureate Endorsement

Take the next step in your teaching career by earning a reading certification that deepens your ability to support student literacy and qualifies you for the teacher of reading endorsement.

A student standing in front of a building with a stone exterior.

Why choose Rowan's Teacher of Reading Program?

Already certified to teach or currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program? Rowan University’s teacher of reading Post-Baccalaureate Endorsement program advances your career opportunities in education by preparing you for New Jersey Teacher of Reading certification. This endorsement builds on your teaching experience with focused coursework that deepens your understanding of how students read and strategies for supporting every learner’s growth.

The program emphasizes practical, evidence-based study, in which you’ll explore designing effective reading lessons, assessing literacy development and adapting instruction for different types of classrooms. And through in-person practicum experiences, you’ll apply pedagogical concepts directly with students, bridging what you learn in class with real teaching practice. By the end of the program, you’ll become a literacy leader in your school or district, mentoring fellow educators and making a measurable impact on student achievement across grade levels.

Key Considerations

Quick Facts

12

Months To Complete

30

Credits

7/1

Fall Entry Term

11/1

Spring Entry Term

Studying Teaching Reading at Rowan

Explore the details behind Rowan’s reading teacher endorsement program, including coursework, certification requirements, financial aid information and what it takes to apply.

What You'll Learn

To complete Rowan University’s teacher of reading Post-Baccalaureate Endorsement program, you’ll take 30 semester hours of coursework focused on literacy development, instruction and assessment. You can fulfill program requirements through undergraduate or graduate study, or a combination of both, which gives you the flexibility to build on your existing teaching experience while meeting New Jersey’s requirements for the teacher of reading endorsement.

The curriculum offers two distinct pathways: one for elementary and early childhood educators and another for secondary or subject matter educators. In each, you’ll explore reading theory, pedagogy, phonics and spelling instruction and the use of children’s literature to strengthen comprehension and engagement. You’ll also complete supporting coursework in inclusive education, child development and writing instruction, along with two supervised literacy practicums that provide real-world tutoring experience. Overall, you’ll graduate knowing how to design effective reading programs and help every student grow as a confident reader.

Reading Endorsement Key Courses

  • Disability as Diversity
  • Literacy Pedagogy I
  • Phonics and Spelling Instruction
  • Using Children’s Literature in the Reading/Writing Classroom

Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.

Teacher of Reading Certification information

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, the appropriate type and level of license and years of experience.

NJ DOE certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated by NJ DOE based on the most current state requirements. Review current NJ DOE licensure information.

How You'll Learn

Rowan’s approach to learning is immersive and immediately relevant to your career. Through the supervised literacy practicums in the reading teacher endorsement program, you’ll work one-on-one with P–12 learners in real educational settings, guided by faculty mentors who are experts in reading instruction. You’ll use diagnostic assessments to identify each student’s literacy needs, select appropriate reading materials and design customized lessons to support their growth. These practical experiences, paired with your coursework, prepare you to implement evidence-based strategies in your own classroom or school that improve student learning outcomes.

Admission Requirements

Become a certified reading teacher at Rowan University. Start your application by reviewing the program’s admission requirements. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Office of Admissions will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.

  • Completed application
  • $65 nonrefundable application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional résumé
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives
    • Provide reasons for pursuing the program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career (educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant).
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information that attests to your ability to pursue a graduate degree.
  • Certificate Program Acknowledgement
  • A grade of B or better in introductory reading courses in the past 10 years
  • A copy of the NJ Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in content area or current enrollment in Rowan University's BA in Education
  • Submission of official test results demonstrating passing scores on the Praxis I
  • Submission of official test results demonstrating passing scores on the Praxis II in content knowledge area or current enrollment in Rowan's BA in education degree program
  • Proof of appropriate certification, as well as a letter of employment confirming the specific dates (not just years) during which you have taught or served the educational community under the appropriate certificate

 

Tuition and Aid

At Rowan, we’re committed to making continuing education affordable for working educators. We offer financial assistance and other resources to help you reach your reading certification goals.

Explore tuition and financial aid information.

Careers and Outcomes

Rowan’s Post-Baccalaureate Endorsement in teaching reading positions you to become a trusted literacy expert in your school or district. This credential expands your professional toolkit by preparing you to assess students’ reading needs, tailor classwork for diverse learners and guide data-driven literacy programs. Beyond the classroom, a Teacher of Reading Certificate also opens doors to leadership roles that involve curriculum design and collaboration on district-wide reading goals. For many educators, the program serves as a foundation for graduate study in reading education or educational administration.

A student shaking hands with an administrator

Upcoming virtual information sessions and events

Rowan University hosts a series of on-campus and virtual events throughout the year to help you get to know us. From general information sessions, to program specific meetings with advisors, to webinars on timely and thought-provoking topics, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, network with academics and future students, and learn from some of the most innovative and informed faculty in higher education today.
decorative campus building in fall

Ready to learn more about Rowan?

From helping you find the right program to understanding how to apply, we’re here to make sure you get the information you need. Fill out the form to get started!
Loading...

Elevate your impact as a reading teacher

Designed for working educators, Rowan University’s teacher of reading Post-Baccalaureate Endorsement program offers an affordable and flexible path to licensure. Here, you can advance your career, strengthen your ability to support students’ literacy development and earn the credentials to become a certified reading teacher in New Jersey. Apply now!