Graduate Certificate
Program overview
The graduate certificate in Classroom-based Comprehensive Literacy Practices is designed for PreK-12 teachers working in schools supported by Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (MPCL) coaches. This hybrid program involves face-to-face, on-site and online coursework, providing classroom teachers with the knowledge and skills to refine and enhance their literacy instruction. There are approximately 40 building-based MPCL coaches working in Maine schools and districts statewide. By leveraging the MPCL school-improvement model, teachers — working collaboratively with literacy coaches — will be better prepared to meet the needs of students and improve their students’ achievement. Some coursework in this certificate may be applied toward a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
Ideal candidates for the Classroom-based Comprehensive Literacy Practices certificate include:
- PreK-12 educators at all levels who work in schools and/or districts with an MPCL coach
- PreK-12 educators at all levels who want to enhance their literacy instruction and improve their students’ achievement
- Educators who want to improve their job qualifications and skills in the eyes of potential employers
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Classroom-based Comprehensive Literacy Practices graduate certificate will:
- Understand and apply best practices around literacy teaching and learning
- Be able to utilize classroom practices such as Writer’s Workshop, Reader’s Workshop and Language Workshop
- Develop a more robust awareness of how to use phonics and word study in PK-12 classrooms
Course sequence
This 15-credit graduate certificate is designed to meet the busy schedule of practicing teachers.
Required Courses
- EEL 543: Literacy Teaching and Learning I (2 credits)
- EEL 544: Literacy Teaching and Learning II (1 credit)
- EEL 552: An Exploration of the Writer’s Workshop (3 credits)
- EEL 554: An Exploration of the Reader’s Workshop (3 credits)
- EEL 556: An Exploration of the Language Workshop (3 credits)
- EEL 570: An Exploration of Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Word Study in PreK-6
Careers
According to national, regional and state data, there’s a need for more teachers with training in best practices for literacy teaching and learning. This certificate is designed to meet that need by providing practicing teachers with the appropriate knowledge and skill to serve their students and school communities.
Faculty
Our outstanding faculty have a wealth of research and practical knowledge to help working educators and other professionals address current challenges in education and improve the human condition. Courses in this graduate certificate program are taught by Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy coaches, as well as faculty from our graduate program in literacy leadership, who have a wealth of evidence-based, practical knowledge of Maine schools and communities, particularly rural K-12 education.
To apply
Applications must be completed via the UMaine Graduate School’s online application form. New students are accepted on a rolling basis. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in education and one letter of recommendation are required. Once accepted to the certificate program, one “C” grade may be earned toward completion. All other grades must be a “B” or above. No standardized test scores are required to enroll.
Contact
Debra Lewis Hogate
Coordinator and Senior Trainer, Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy
debra.hogate@maine.edu
207.581.4879