Reading Specialist Licensure - Dyslexia Emphasis

Add Reading Specialist to your license. Transform struggling readers. Lead literacy initiatives.
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Why Reading Specialist Licensure Matters
Research is clear: Children who aren't reading proficiently by third grade struggle with reading for life. Reading specialists play a critical role in identifying struggling readers early, providing evidence-based interventions, and supporting teachers in literacy instruction. Kansas requires completion of an approved Reading Specialist program to gain licensure. Newman's program meets all KSDE requirements and prepares you for the PreK-12 Reading Specialist 2-year Conditional License.
What You'll Learn
Graduate with the competencies to lead literacy programs and support struggling readers:
Science of Reading
Master evidence-based practices for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Dyslexia Identification & Intervention
Learn to assess, identify, and provide structured literacy instruction for students with dyslexia.
Literacy Assessment
Use diagnostic tools to analyze reading difficulties and design targeted interventions.
Instructional Leadership
Coach teachers, lead professional development, and coordinate school-wide literacy initiatives.
Community Engagement
Build partnerships with stakeholders, parents, and community organizations.
Case Study Application
Work with a struggling reader throughout the program, documenting growth and demonstrating your expertise.
Aligned to ISLLC Leadership Standards—the foundation of the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) Praxis.
graduate education
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Next Steps
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Program Talking Points:

	Already Have Your Master's? - Add Reading Specialist licensure through this focused program. Contact Newman's Education department for a transcript analysis to determine your plan of study.
	Dyslexia Emphasis - Gain specialized training in the science of reading and structured literacy—essential for helping the 1-in-5 students who struggle with reading.
	Praxis-Aligned Curriculum - Meet Kansas State Department of Education requirements and prepare to pass the PreK-12 Reading Specialist Praxis exam.

Whether you want to become a reading specialist, literacy coach, or reading resource teacher, this licensure program prepares you to meet the critical need for literacy experts in PreK-12 schools. We empower educators with the specialized knowledge to help students achieve reading proficiency—a key predictor of lifelong academic success.

Our licensure program and expert faculty allow you to add this valuable credential efficiently if you already hold a master's degree. Complete Kansas Reading Specialist requirements and prepare for the Praxis exam.

Degree Requirements & Curriculum
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Program Structure
Course requirements vary based on your background
Already completed Newman's M.S.Ed. in ESOL Curriculum & Instruction?
Just 4-6 courses remaining to complete Reading Specialist licensure.
Hold a master's degree from another institution?
Contact the Newman education department for a personalized transcript analysis and plan of study.
Don't have a master's yet?
Complete the full M.S.Ed. in Reading Specialist – Dyslexia Emphasis for both your degree and licensure.
Admission Requirements

Completed Building Leadership program (master's degree + building leadership licensure)

Current administrative experience (recommended)

Application and transcripts
Important Financial Aid Information
Please note: Candidates for the District Leadership Licensure Program are considered non-degree seeking and therefore are not eligible for federal financial aid.
About Our Graduate Education Faculty
Our faculty and staff have the knowledge and experience to help you prepare for a leadership career in Education. If you need clarification on a class assignment or advice on how to approach your future, you can feel confident that our faculty is available and ready to help.
Career Pathways
with Reading Specialist Licensure
Newman University's Reading Specialist licensure provides you with the knowledge and relevant skills to set you on the path to a fulfilling career.
Licensure at Newman University will prepare you for

Reading specialist in PreK-12 schools

Literacy coach supporting classroom teachers

Reading resource teacher or interventionist

Dyslexia therapist or reading program coordinator

District-level literacy leadership roles

Some who have completed this program have chosen to continue studies in

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Ph.D. in Literacy Education

National dyslexia therapy certifications (CALT, ALTA)
"Newman is very flexible. They always are very supportive. I don't think I ever, ever felt like lost because they very reachable. My teachers that were online teachers, they were always communicating through emails and were asking us questions and asking if we were okay - touching base with me."
MSED, Samaria Estrella

Student Quicklinks

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Student Quicklinks

Why Reading Specialist Licensure Matters

What You'll Learn

Science of Reading

Dyslexia Identification & Intervention

Literacy Assessment

Instructional Leadership

Community Engagement

Case Study Application

Next Steps

Degree Requirements & Curriculum

Program Structure

Admission Requirements

Important Financial Aid Information

About Our Graduate Education Faculty

Career Pathways
with Reading Specialist Licensure

Licensure at Newman University will prepare you for

Some who have completed this program have chosen to continue studies in