Graduate Certificate
Program overview
The graduate certificate in Comprehensive Literacy Coaching is intended to meet the increasing demand for literacy coaches to provide professional development to other educators at the school and district level. Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (MPCL) currently works with a network of approximately 40 building-based literacy coaches in Maine schools and districts statewide. Leveraging the MPCL school improvement model, these coaches are prepared to lead school reform initiatives and increase student achievement. This hybrid program involves face-to-face, on-site and online coursework. Some classes in this certificate may be applied toward an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
Ideal candidates for the Classroom-based Comprehensive Literacy Practices certificate include:
- PreK-12 educators at all levels who want to support their colleagues with evidence-backed professional development
- PreK-12 educators at all levels who work in schools and/or districts in need of an MPCL coach
- Educators who want to improve their job qualifications and skills in the eyes of potential employers
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Comprehensive Literacy Coaching graduate certificate will:
- Understand theoretical perspectives around literacy coaching in PreK-12 schools
- Be able to provide PreK-12 classroom teachers with professional development promoting best practices for literacy instruction and learning
- Apply educational research methods to help improve student learning and achievement
Course sequence
This 15-credit graduate certificate is designed to meet the busy schedule of practicing teachers.
Required Courses
- EEL 580: Theoretical Perspectives in MPCL Coaching I (3 credits)
- EEL 581: Theoretical Perspectives in MPCL Coaching II (3 credit)
- EEL 582: Clinical Practices in MPCL Coaching I (3 credits)
- EEL 583: Clinical Practices in MPCL Coaching II (3 credits)
- EEL 585: Reflective Practice (3 credits)
- EHD 510: Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits) or equivalent
Careers
According to national, regional and state data, there’s a need for more educators with training in best practices for literacy teaching and learning. This certificate is designed to meet that need by providing PreK-12 literacy coaches 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 education and research methods, 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