Reading Teacher & Reading Specialist
Advance in literacy education. Lead meaningful change.
Strengthen your impact as a literacy educator while advancing your career.
UWL’s online reading and literacy programs prepare licensed teachers to use science-backed, evidence-based strategies that improve reading outcomes for learners from early childhood through high school.
Designed for working educators, these flexible programs allow you to immediately apply what you learn in your own classroom—while progressing toward advanced credentials aligned with Wisconsin DPI requirements.
Program highlights
- 100% online and asynchronous
- Financial aid eligible
- Tuition as low as $396 per credit
- Built for working teachers
- Nationally ranked among the best reading and literacy programs
Select one or more program options
Your selection
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Master of Science in Education (MSED)
The Master of Science in Education option can't be taken without a certificate. Please choose a certificate option.
Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316)
Who is this for?
Teachers with a bachelor's degree in an education field who are interested in teaching reading for more than one class per day, to teach in a Title 1 reading program, or to teach in a reading recovery program (if not part of a self-contained classroom).
Program requirements about Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316)
Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316) + MSED
Who is this for? Teachers with a bachelor's degree in an education field who are interested in teaching reading for more than one class per day, to teach in a Title 1 reading program, or to teach in a reading recovery program (if not part of a self-contained classroom).
Program requirements about Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316) + MSED
Master of Science in Education (MSED) + Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316) + Reading Specialist (DPI 5017)
Who is this for?
Teachers with a bachelor's degree in an education field interested in teaching reading for more than one class per day, to teach in a Title 1 reading program, or to teach in a reading recovery program (if not part of a self-contained classroom) or interested in administrative roles.
Reading Specialist (DPI 5017) + MSED
Who is this for?
Teachers with a bachelor's degree in an education field interested in teaching reading for more than one class per day, to teach in a Title 1 reading program, or to teach in a reading recovery program (if not part of a self-contained classroom) or interested in administrative roles.
Program requirements about Reading Specialist (DPI 5017) + MSED
Reading Specialist (DPI 5017)
Who is this for?
Teachers or administrators who hold a Reading Teacher 1316 License (or eligible to hold) and have earned a master's degree in an education field with reading or literacy emphasis.
Reading Teacher Certificate (DPI 1316) + Reading Specialist (DPI 5017)
The Reading Teacher Certificate + Reading Specialist is not an available option. Please change your selection.
Why choose UWL’s reading programs?
At $396 per credit, UWL offers one of the most affordable reading and literacy programs in the nation.
All courses are online and asynchronous, allowing you to balance coursework with teaching responsibilities.
Courses are developed and taught by experienced practitioners who remain active in the field and bring current research and real world insights into the classroom.
UWL and the School of Education are fully accredited, and reading programs are approved annually by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Students move through the program together, building a collaborative learning community that strengthens professional connections and shared problem solving.
In a survey of students graduating in May 2025, 100% reported feeling fairly well or very well prepared for their professional roles overall.
UWL’s reading program is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. It is ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin and No. 6 nationally by Best Accredited Colleges for online master’s programs in reading and literacy, and is also recognized by Intelligent.com as one of the top online master’s programs in the field.
Course schedules align with the academic calendar, with major assignments planned around school breaks. Faculty maintain open communication to support teachers balancing coursework and classroom demands.
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based literacy practices that teachers can implement immediately. Coursework focuses on diagnostic assessment, data analysis, and personalized instruction to support students at varying levels of need. Students also gain practical field experience in both instruction and assessment, ensuring theory translates directly into classroom practice.
Important dates
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is complete.
Continuous notification.
Latest news
Hear from an alum
Desirae Heckendorf-Reece, reading program alumna
"This program was absolutely worth it. It’s changing the way I teach, and it’s opening up possibilities for my students."