Graduate Certificate
Literacy is a cornerstone of not just academia, but of life. As a teacher, you know this on an intrinsic level. It’s something you impart to your students. Even in, or perhaps especially in, our increasingly digital world, knowing how to read, and read well, is critical. Some students require extra support in developing their reading skills. Completing the Graduate Certificate in Literacy Instruction and Intervention equips you with the skills you need to provide that extra support.
Taught by the renowned faculty in the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum within Mizzou’s College of Education and Human Development, this program emphasizes the ways students learn not only how to read, but how they acquire linguistic skills overall. This knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of literacy pedagogy, allows you to better implement individualized interventions to support students’ learning and success in reading, writing and their lives outside the classroom.
About the literacy instruction and intervention program
This graduate certificate is intended for current teachers who want to build on their pedagogical knowledge to support readers. It is especially helpful for those considering the DESE Special Reading Certification. Even if you’re not seeking that certification, the skills and knowledge you gain through this program will strengthen your instruction.
Aside from the DESE Special Reading Certification, you can apply credits from this program to the Master of Education in Literacy Education program. Completing this certificate first allows you to benefit from an accelerated application process to join the master’s program.
Quick facts
Official name
Graduate Certificate in Literacy Instruction and InterventionCampus
Program type
Graduate certificateAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Learning, Teaching and CurriculumDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning CommissionCredit hours
15Estimated cost
$8,848.50*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Graduates of this program are unlikely to have a job title change as a result of this certificate alone. However, it is applicable to teachers and aspiring teachers who wish to become reading specialists. This certificate may also qualify you to serve on a literacy team within your building or district.
Program structure
The courses in this graduate certificate are offered asynchronously, in a semester-based format. It can be completed within one year, including summer enrollment.
Coursework includes
- Language acquisition
- Understanding reading challenges
- Foundations in reading instruction
- Specialized intervention
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
3 semestersTypical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
Faculty spotlight
Laurie Kingsley is a teaching professor within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. She works with teachers and educators around the state to help them examine their teaching practices and assist in program development. Dr. Kingsley’s research interests focus on preservice and inservice teacher education.
Kirsten Musetti Tivaringe is an assistant teaching professor of literacy in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. She currently serves as the Literacy Emphasis Area Leader and currently teaches courses for both master’s and undergraduate students.
Angie Zapata is an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. Dr. Zapata is a longtime teacher, teacher educator and researcher. Her research and teaching contributions have been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English Children's Literature Assembly and the National Council of Research in Language and Literacies.
Nicole Bliven is an instructor within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. She spent a decade as an elementary teacher before becoming a reading interventionist. She applies her experiences in the classroom by teaching undergraduate students preparing to become teachers themselves.
Renee Stites Kruep is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum at the University of Missouri. She draws on over a decade of teaching middle and high school English as well as leading curriculum redesign and professional development. Dr. Kruep primarily teaches graduate level literacy and English courses and is also the coordinator of the online Master of Education in Literacy Education program.