Additional Certifications in Literacy

The School of Education offers two programs:

Program 1- Additional Certification in Literacy

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

This 20 credit/(5 course) program enables graduates of education programs who hold certification in ELED, SPED, or SECED to obtain literacy certification (either B-6 or 5-12 depending on grade levels of the initial certification).  Upon completion, students must apply for the additional certification on their own through NYSED.

To obtain a 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 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.
• Required literacy courses: LTRC 515, 516 or 519, 517, 518, and 592

Program 2- Additional Certification in Literacy

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

This 10-credit program enables BU Literacy program graduates to obtain certification in an additional grade concentration. Graduates must apply and be admitted to the Additional Certification in Literacy Program (B-6 or 5-12). Upon completion, students must apply for the additional certification on their own through NYSED.

To obtain 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 in the Content Areas (4 cr.)
• EDUC 530. Adolescent Psychology in Education (4 cr.)
• LTRC 593. Inservice Practicum in Literacy Education (2 cr.)

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

• LTRC 516. Language Arts in the Elementary and Middle School (4 cr.)
• ELED 513. Language Acquisition and Instruction for 2nd Language Learners (4 cr.)
• LTRC 593. Inservice Practicum in Literacy Education (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.

If you are interested in one of these “Additional Certification Programs in Literacy,” please contact Joy Tassey or Diane Hinckley, Education Secretaries (607-777-2727 or jtassey@binghamton.edu or dhinckle@binghamton.edu or Dr. Karen Bromley, Literacy Program Coordinator ( kbromley@binghamton.edu ). Send application materials to:

Joy Tassey
School of Education
Binghamton University
PO Box 6000
Binghamton, New York 13902