Additional Certifications in Literacy

Note: Students must apply for the additional certification on their own  via NYSED individual transcript review.

The Graduate School of Education offers two options:

Option 1- Additional Certification in Literacy

(for those holding certification in ELED, SPED, or SECED)

This 20 credit/(5 course) option enables graduates of education programs who hold certification in ELED, SPED, or SECED to seek literacy certification (either B-6 or 5-12 depending on grade levels of the initial certification). 

To seek certification in literacy (in addition to certification in ELED, SPED or SECED):

• Apply as a non-matriculated student to the Graduate School (fee $25). You will take courses as a non-matriculated student.
• Send a letter of application for the “Program 1- Additional Certification in Literacy for Those Holding an Initial Cert. in ELED, SPED or SECED” to the Graduate School of Education (see address below).  Tell us about yourself and your reasons for seeking this certificate.
• Include a current resume.
• Include a copy of your certification.
• When accepted, you will be assigned an adviser who will review your transcript and help plan your coursework and practicum experience.
• Literacy courses: LTRC 515, 516 or 519, 517, 518 or 521, and 592

Option 2- Additional Certification in Literacy

(ONLY for BU Literacy program graduates already holding a literacy certification)

This option enables BU Literacy program graduates to seek certification in the additional grade concentration that complements current licensure (either B-6 or 5-12). Graduates must apply and be admitted to pursue this option.

To seek an additional certification in literacy (ONLY for BU Literacy program graduates already holding a literacy certification) :

• Apply as a non-matriculated student to the Graduate School (fee $25). You will take courses as a non-matriculated student.
• Send a letter of application for the "Program 2- Additional Certification in Literacy (B-6 or 5-12).” Tell us about yourself and your reasons for seeking this certificate.
• Include a current resume.
• Include a copy of your current literacy certification and the date you received your MSED from BU.
• When accepted, you will be assigned an adviser who will meet with you and oversee the practicum and course work.

Students currently certified in B-6 literacy who seek 5-12 literacy certification will take:

• LTRC 519. Adolescent Learners and Literacy for the Content Areas (4 cr.)
• EDUC 530. Adolescent Psychology in Education (4 cr.)
• LTRC 593.  Practicum in Literacy Leadership (2 cr.)

Students currently certified in 5-12 literacy who seek B-6 literacy certification will take:

• LTRC 506. Early Language and Emergent Literacy (4 cr.)
• LTRC 516. Writing Instruction and Literacy for the Content Areas (4 cr.)
• LTRC 593. Practicum in Literacy Leadership (2 cr.)

Students must identify a cooperating teacher and make their own arrangements to complete a 50 hour practicum (LTRC 593 - 2 cr.). This can be a in a regular public school-based setting, a summer school setting, or an academic school-based extended day program. The student must secure a practicum supervisor from among BU Literacy Program faculty, and this supervisor must approve the site for the practicum. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a practicum that is separated from current teaching grade placement by two or more grade levels (i.e. a 5th grade teacher with B-6 cert. who seeks 5-12 cert. is encouraged to seek a practicum at upper middle or high school level).

Requirements for the 50 hour practicum include:

• Complete and document a subset of competencies based on the IRA Standards for Reading Professionals (attached)
• Keep a record of dates and time spent in the 50 hour practicum setting
• Obtain the cooperating teacher’s written evaluation of practicum teaching
• Maintain a reflective journal related to practicum work and complete a self assessment at the conclusion of the practicum
• Meet with BU supervisor to submit above materials and receive a grade.

Contact Dr. Bogum Yoon, Literacy Program Coordinator (byoon@binghamton.edu). Send application materials to:

Jeannette Lowell
Graduate School of Education
Binghamton University
PO Box 6000
Binghamton, New York 13902