Master of Arts - Education

Literacy is at the heart of learning in all disciplines for students at every grade level. At B-W, teachers master a complex and carefully balanced mix of professional knowledge and skills to open the world of language, ideas and opportunities for their students through the written word.

Examine the developmental stages of reading and writing, with focus on evaluation methods and instructional approaches, diagnostic and corrective reading methods, research in literacy education, and a survey of child and adolescent literature.  Develop strategies to teach literacy more effectively, enhancing student achievement.  Provide more effective instruction to help students improve on state achievement tests. Respond effectively to national concerns about the literacy achievement gap between students at higher and lower socioeconomic levels. 

Program Features

• 34 semester hours leads to the MAEd in Literacy and the Reading Endorsement.  Add the Reading Endorsement to an existing license without finishing the entire master's degree by completing six graduate courses (19 hours) and passing Praxis II.

• Licensed teachers may enroll part-time, and complete the program in as little as two years. 

• Students enrolling in the License+Master's program should plan additional time to complete their program due to undergraduate course and clinical requirements.  

• Teachers will earn a K-12 endorsement, as compared to the undergraduate reading endorsement which is attached to grade band license only.  This program enhances movement on the salary scale, positions teachers to participate in coursework for a Masters-plus literacy license (literacy specialist), and prepares teachers for positions as school literacy consultants, which are new Ohio initiatives requiring at least an MA in Literacy.

• The program includes a practicum in which students work with children who have been referred for reading difficulties, evaluating, planning and implementing remedial programs for them. 

• MAEd candidates must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to graduation.  Successful completion of Praxis II is required for endorsement eligibility.  Teachers who do not hold a license in early childhood, middle childhood, or mild/moderate educational needs may need to complete additional courses.

Ohio 12 Hour Reading Core 

Teachers seeking the Reading Endorsement must have completed the Ohio 12 hour reading core including a course in phonics, as mandated by Ohio licensure.  Many teachers enrolling in B-W's program have not completed the Ohio 12 hour reading core at the time they first enroll at B-W.  Baldwin-Wallace will help teachers determine which undergraduate courses are needed if they do not currently have 12 hours of reading coursework. 

Teachers Adding the Reading Endorsement

Teachers may add the Reading Endorsement to an existing license without completing an entire master's degree.  This program may be completed on campus or online.

License+Master's Program - Earning Your Initial Teaching License

The Literacy specialization may be selected as part of the License+Master's Program.  License+Master’s students should plan additional time to complete their program due to undergraduate course and clinical requirements.