Reading Education Teacher Certificate Endorsement

The University of North Georgia offers a fully online Reading Endorsement for Georgia's P-12 teachers. UNG’s College of Education's three-course reading endorsement program addresses evidence-based instructional and assessment practices grounded in the Science of Reading to support educators seeking to strengthen their impact in reading instruction and intervention. The endorsement may be taken for 15 PLU credits. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission officially approves the reading endorsement.

Why Get the Reading Endorsement?

Through an increased understanding of evidence-based instructional and assessment practices grounded in the Science of Reading, educators can strengthen their impact in reading instruction and intervention for all readers.

This endorsement is an excellent opportunity for educators who aspire to serve as:

Reading Specialists
Reading Interventionists
Literacy Leaders
Advocates for student reading achievement and statewide literacy success

Program Highlights

Program consists of three 8-week courses
Courses are offered fully online over three consecutive terms
Flexible start
15 PLU credits (5 per course)

Application Deadlines

If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. Completing your application earlier is better.

Course 1 begins September 1

Fall Deadline

August 15

How to Apply

Endorsement for Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Credit

Financial Aid & Payment Information

Financial aid is not available for PLU credit or non-degree seeking students. Students must be enrolled in a degree program to receive financial aid.

Payment for PLU Credit

Payment must be made in full by deadline. Make check payable to Pioneer RESA.
Write 'STEAM Endorsement UNG' on the memo line.
Mail check to:

Attn: Sarah Snyder, College of Education
University of North Georgia
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597

Apply for PLU Credit

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:

College of Education

COE@ung.edu

For questions about the application process, contact:

Dr. Tori Hughes

706-946-5491

Tori.Hughes@ung.edu

Learn More About the Reading Education Teacher Certificate Endorsement Program

Courses & Program Info
Completely online courses

The four graduate courses required for this endorsement include:

Summer - LART 6001 Trends and Practices in Reading Education

Fall - LART 6002 Assessment in Literacy Instruction

Spring- LART 6003 Materials and Reading

Summer - LART 6004 Literacy and Diversity

These courses are available at UNG completely online and may be taken for professional learning or graduate (3 semester hours or 5 PLU credits per course). A single Reading endorsement online application is required for professional learning units. If you are or will be a graduate student, you will apply via Graduate Admissions.
These courses may be applied as electives in some master's degree programs; please check with your advisor about this option before enrolling in the courses.

A one-time purchase of a 'standard edition' membership to LiveText, Inc. is required for the program. If you've used LiveText with another program or institution, please don't repurchase it. Contact LiveText (866-548-3839) to have additional years added to your membership or the addition of the 'UNG domain'. This online program is required for all students.

Contact program coordinator for more information concerning this option.

Onsite School/District Level Program

UNG will coordinate an onsite program or institute for schools or districts with a group of 20 or more participants. These programs may be run throughout a school year or as a summer institute with application of knowledge during the following school year.

Contact program coordinator for more information concerning this option.

Each of the above options must include a field-based experience. Most endorsement level students are employed in P-12 schools, which provides direct contact with schools and students. Reading endorsement participants are expected to apply advanced knowledge and skills in their respective classrooms. Students completing the UNG master's degree program will plan a capstone experience that has direct linkage to school improvement and/or action research in their schools or classrooms.

What is the Reading Endorsement?
The University System of Georgia Reading Consortium (USGRC) has designed a Reading Endorsement for Georgia's P-12 classroom teachers. The Georgia Reading Endorsement was officially approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in the Fall 1998.

The USGRC identified four strands which should be addressed by programs offering an endorsement.
Consortium members also developed two models for delivering the endorsement content:

theories of reading and the reading process,

linking assessment and instruction, and

instructional strategies specific to the content areas of individual classroom teachers.

The Summer Reading Institute and follow-up classroom implementation, and a distance learning approach utilizing web-based classes.

How do I Add the Reading Endorsement to My Certificate?

For questions regarding certification, contact Dr. April Nelms.

Professional Licensure and Certification

The University of North Georgia offers degree programs that meet the educational requirements students need to apply for professional licensure and certifications in Georgia. However, the programs may not meet education requirements for licensure or certification in other states.

For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.