Reading proficiency can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. Being able to read improves a student’s communication skills and ability to learn effectively. Teachers and instructors who help students progress in their reading abilities can have a powerful, lasting impact on their futures.
According to Study.com, “Most people with an advanced degree in reading become reading specialists.” While this isn’t the only option for graduates with an MS in reading, the degree lends itself to a career helping students improve their reading abilities.
Helping Students With Reading
Teachers interested in helping students advance as readers can gain the necessary skills through an online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading like the one offered by Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Courses like Advanced Theories for Learning and Advanced Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties at TAMIU prepare teachers to work with students of varying ages, skill levels and aptitudes.
In order to succeed, many students require additional instruction in reading. According to Masters-Education.com, “Teachers in graduate programs research advanced literacy strategies and the cognitive process to envision each student as an individual learner and provide differentiated instruction.” Teachers and reading specialists who have a thorough understanding of reading can help students overcome obstacles and flourish in their studies.
Reading comprehension has an impact on a student’s proficiency in other disciplines as well. According to a study in the International Journal of Educational Research, “Reading comprehension skill mediates the relationship between reasoning ability and math growth.” This means that reading specialists not only play a vital role in a student’s proficiency, they can also help improve the overall academic health of a classroom or school.
Helping students who struggle with reading and writing is a reward in its own right. Giving students who are lagging behind the individualized attention they need to catch up can have a profound impact on their future education and well-being throughout their lives.
A Rewarding Career
According to PayScale, reading specialists score a five out of five in job satisfaction. As with most teaching careers, reading specialists must be comfortable with public speaking and working with a diverse student body, and they must have good communication skills. They should be comfortable working with students one on one. Reading specialists may work with entire classrooms, schools, and school districts as well.
Teachers with an MS in reading education can help develop an auxiliary curriculum for students with dyslexia, students who are learning English, and even gifted students who require more of a challenge than what is provided in the typical classroom. As Study.com points out, “Based on their reading expertise, [reading specialists] may also coach regular classroom teachers on how to provide more effective reading instruction.”
As of February 2019, PayScale puts the average reading specialist salary at $56,384 per year. This salary can grow over time, based on experience.
If you are a teacher with a knack for teaching reading and writing, an online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading program can help you take your career to new heights.
Learn more about TAMIU’s online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading program.
Sources:
Masters in Education: Masters in Reading and Literacy Education
Study.com: What Can You Do With a Masters in Reading Education?
PayScale: Master of Science (MS), Reading Degree
