A reading specialist is a licensed educator specializing in teaching reading and writing skills. Reading specialists work with students of all ages to identify reading challenges, provide personalized instruction and collaborate with classroom teachers to improve literacy instruction. In the U.S., an estimated 130 million adults lack reading proficiency skills. This emphasizes the need for strong literacy instruction in schools. Lamar University’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy program prepares educators with foundational knowledge in reading, writing, language literacy and more.
Reading specialists play a crucial role in ensuring all students have the opportunity to become proficient readers. They contribute to student education in the following ways:
- Identify reading difficulties: Assess students’ reading skills to identify areas of strength and weakness.
- Provide targeted instruction: Offer individualized or small-group instruction to address specific reading needs.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers: Collaborate with classroom teachers to create and use effective literacy instruction.
- Promote literacy development: Create a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages a love of reading.
The Role of a Reading Specialist
Reading specialists typically perform a variety of tasks. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assessment and diagnosis: Using standardized tests, informal assessments and observations to identify students’ reading strengths and weaknesses
- Instructional planning and delivery: Developing and implementing individualized or small-group instruction plans to address specific reading needs
- Collaboration with teachers: Providing support and guidance to classroom teachers on effective literacy education
- Parent and community outreach: Communicating with parents and members of the community about the importance of reading and providing resources to support literacy development
- Professional development: Staying up to date on the latest research and effective approaches in reading instruction
Lamar University’s Online M.Ed. in Literacy Program: Preparing Future Reading Specialists
Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Literacy program provides students with the necessary skills and expertise to become qualified reading specialists. This program offers a wide-ranging curriculum that covers topics including:
- Reading theory and research: Exploring the latest research on reading acquisition and instruction
- Phonological awareness and phonics: Developing a solid understanding of the sound-symbol relationship of language
- Fluency: Teaching students to read accurately, fluently and with expression
- Vocabulary development: Expanding students’ vocabulary knowledge and comprehension
- Comprehension: Helping students understand and interpret texts
- Writing instruction: Teaching students to write effectively for a variety of purposes
By completing this program, students will be ready to earn a reading specialist professional certificate. This can help them qualify for certification and licensure as a reading specialist in many states.
How to Become a Reading Specialist? Opportunities and Impact
To become a reading specialist, educators typically need to obtain certain qualifications. The following are some examples of steps in the educational journey to become a reading specialist:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
- Complete teacher certification: Obtain a teaching certification in the desired state.
- Gain teaching experience: Get experience as a classroom teacher to fulfill state-specific requirements.
- Earn a master’s degree in reading: Complete a graduate program in reading education, such as Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Literacy.
- Obtain reading specialist certification: Fulfill any additional state-specific requirements to become a certified reading specialist.
Reading specialists play an important role in improving student literacy. They can help students overcome reading difficulties and achieve their educational goals by providing targeted instruction and support.
As the demand for skilled reading specialists continues to grow, the average salary for a reading specialist can vary depending on factors such as location, experience and specific job duties. According to Indeed, the national average annual salary for a reading specialist in the U.S. is approximately $52,807 as of January 2025. Graduates of Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Literacy program are equipped to pursue these roles and thrive in their careers.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Literacy program.
