Early literacy instruction in the school and community is an area of national emphasis.
Description
Effective early literacy instruction has been a focus of educational reform since the first reports about Head Start programs in the early 1970s, and many universities and P-12 school districts are developing programs to enhance Early Literacy instruction.
This Early Literacy graduate certificate can provide:
- A pathway for gaining expertise for new educators, those who wish to change their focus, and those who want to gain greater expertise in this area
- A route for graduate students who are practicing teachers to organize their coursework in an area of need in their schools
- Help for graduate students to structure a master's degree in a purposeful manner
- Professional recognition of expertise for teachers who are or want to be engaged in Early Literacy instruction in schools and community settings
Additionally, students who complete the Early Literacy Certificate Program will be well on their way to completing a Nebraska Pre-Kindergarten-12th grade Reading Specialist Endorsement, should they wish to also pursue that designation.
Program-Related Information
Graduate Chair
Lorraine Males
402-472-2231
lmales2@unl.edu
Support Staff
Joelle Tangen
402-472-2231
jtangen2@unl.edu
Program Website
https://cehs.unl.edu/tlte/graduate/
Applying for Admission
Standard requirements for all graduate programs
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Additional requirements specific to this program
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement: Describe how your goals and interests align with the goals of this certificate.
- Academics: GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Must be enrolled in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program.
Certificate programs are not considered degree programs, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.
Admission Application Deadlines
February 1 for admission in Summer or Fall. October 1 for admission in Spring.
Requirements
Complete 18 credit hours as described below, with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0. Only one course per "or" group may be applied toward the certificate.
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|
| TEAC 802 | Contemporary Children's Literature: Principles and Practices | 3 |
| TEAC 854 | Multiethnic Literature for Children & Adolescents | 3 |
| TEAC 817 | Emerging Reading and Language | 3 |
| TEAC 813A | Second Language Acquisition | 1-3 |
| or TEAC 811 | Reading Processes and Practices |
| CYAF 874 | Assessing Young Children and Their Environments to Enhance Development | 3 |
| PSYC 889 | Child Behavior and Development | 3 |
| TEAC 811 | Reading Processes and Practices | 1-6 |
| TEAC 836A | Professional Development: Literacy Coaching | 3 |
| TEAC 890 | Workshop Seminar (section must be approved by advisory committee) | 1-12 |
| SPED 815 | Reading and Writing Disabilities: Elementary Students | 2 |
| or SPED 815A | Practicum in Reading and Writing Disabilities-Elementary |