Reading ProgramHenry Predolin School
Edgewood College’s K-12 Reading program leads to endorsement in the WDPI Reading Teacher license (#1316) and/or the Reading Specialist license (#5017). The program was recently accredited by the DPI for meeting requirements of WI Act 20 for teacher preparation. This pathway is designed for educators who wish to strengthen their teaching and/or become a reading interventionist, literacy coach, or reading specialist in a K-12 setting. Candidates have the option of continuing coursework to pursue the Master of Arts in Education, Reading Administration concentration. This fully remote program supports teachers in understanding the unique assets of students and utilizing evidence-based practices to expand their literate identities.
Madison, WI
Virtual
ANTIRACIST TEACHING + EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
We prepare teachers with science-based reading pedagogy through a lens of cultural and linguistic responsiveness. We embrace the below tenets:
- An emphasis on formative assessment for understanding students’ unique needs and strengths, including their cultural/linguistic assets
- Integration of current research in the field; instructors are trained in science of reading approaches
- Synthesis and application of field-based professional development (e.g. LETRS, curricular pd, etc.) emphasizing how to apply this learning in a way that is student-centered and culturally and linguistically sustaining
- Focus on transference to classroom teaching; courses offer practical application, reflection on student work, and opportunities for instructor and peer feedback
- Leadership development – we prepare teachers to promote equitable literacy practices in K-12 systems, schools and classrooms
- Knowledge of Wisconsin Act 20 legislation and implications for literacy teachers and literacy leaders
A MODEL FOR WORKING PRACTITIONERS
Cohort programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules and supports for managing responsibilities. We emphasize collaboration and community. All courses are eight weeks and carry out a blended format of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Courses include three class gatherings that happen on Saturdays or weeknights; all sessions are provided in remote format via the WebEx platform.
Student Spotlight
![edgewood student teaching children](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Edgewood065-600x600.jpg)
Edgewood College Reading Program
Leires Ansel Altamirano
“For me, what most improved my practice was having a chance to view videos of my peers’ teaching in ED 624 course assignments. Never in my teacher preparation did I have opportunity to learn this way. By seeing their strategies in action, I was able to apply with my own students.”
License and Degree Requirements
The Reading Teacher license pathway prepares educators for endorsement in the WI DPI Reading teacher license (#1316). Candidates are required to hold an initial license onto which the Reading teacher license can be endorsed. Preparation program entails coursework, student teaching, and a portfolio.
- EDU 640 Antiracist Reading Pedagogies (3 credits)
- EDU 641 Approaches to Literacy PK-2 (3 credits)
- EDU 631 Language for Teachers* (3 credits)
- EDU 642 Literacy Development 3-12 (3 credits)
- EDU 633 Disciplinary Language and Literacy* (3 credits)
- EDU 763 Supervised Field Experience (1 credit)
*Bilingual equivalents may fulfill requirements
The Reading Specialist license pathway prepares educators for endorsement in the WI DPI Reading specialist license (#5017). The license is an administrative license. Candidates first pursue coursework for the Reading Teacher license (#1316). License endorsement requires a Master’s degree, coursework, a portfolio, and a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Test.
- EDU 652 Mentoring Coaching and Leadership (3 credits)
- EDU 655 Equitable Designs (3 credits)
Supervised field experiences are integrated within courses
The Master of Arts in Education with Reading Administration concentration allows students to further hone their skills in research, writing, and leadership. This path entails the Reading Teacher licensure coursework listed above, plus the below courses (30 credits total).
- EDU 652 Mentoring Coaching and Leadership (3 credits)
- EDU 655 Equitable Designs (3 credits)
- EDU 790 Intro to Educational Research (3 credits)
- EDU 792 Research Capstone Project (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
All required application materials should be submitted by deadlines. Applications received after deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Questions? Contact 608-663-3250 or jeastman@edgewood.edu.
Apply Today! Complete and submit the graduate application. This application is for graduate students who want to pursue a Master’s degree, license, or take a course as a non-degree student.
New students may start their program at five entry points throughout the year. Please note priority deadline dates.
- Fall Session I – August 1 (August start)
- Fall Session II – October 1 (October start)
- Spring Session I – January 2 (Jan start)
- Spring Session II – March 1 (March start)
- Summer Session – May 1
All required application materials should be submitted by deadlines. Applications received after deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Questions? Contact Joann Nowka 608-663-4247 or jnowka@edgewood.edu.
Requirements
Candidates must have one year of teaching experience in order to begin the program, and at least two years experience to receive their license endorsement. Coursework may be taken without applying for the license.
For admission to the graduate programs, applicants must meet the below requirements:
- Completed graduate application: (apply.edgewood.edu/graduate).
- Provide evidence of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent postsecondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status.
- Provide two letters of recommendation from college or university professors, supervisors, and/or professional colleagues.
- Submit a written statement explaining your rationale and intentions for graduate school. Include how your personal and professional experiences will promote your success as a student.
- Provide evidence of a WDPI initial educator, professional educator, or master educator license (or the equivalent).
- International students must contact Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies for specific admission requirements.
Transfer Credits
You may submit up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit for consideration of transfer to Edgewood College for application to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition
Edgewood College is committed to making a life-changing education more affordable and accessible to more people than ever before. In response to a critical need in Wisconsin schools, Edgewood College has significant reduced graduate tuition for our Reading Teacher program.
Courses in the Reading Teacher License program and Reading Specialist License program are offered at the tuition rate of $623/credit. These credits can be applied toward the Master of Arts in Education.
Tuition and Financial Aid information for license and master’s programs.
Financial Aid
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions at Graduate Student Financial Aid
Financial Aid Questions? Contact Edgewood Central at 608-663-4300 or ecentral@edgewood.edu.
Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your education. We work with students and organizations to manage tuition reimbursement plans, extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer third party billing and monthly payment plans, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.
Teachers are encouraged to inquire about the Teach Grant
Reading Teacher Program students may qualify for the TEACH grant; a federal grant which, “provides grants of up to $4000 per year to students who agree to teach for four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families and to meet other requirements.” These funds do not need to be repaid if you “serve as a full-time teacher for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after you complete or otherwise cease to be enrolled in the program for which you received the TEACH grant.”
Please review carefully the TEACH grant website to review the program stipulations and obligations upon program completion. From this site, you can also find a link which lists current eligible schools and districts that serve low-income students.
To apply for the TEACH grant through Edgewood College, you must first notify your advisor about your intent to apply. Your advisor will then verify your eligibility with the Financial Aid office and put you in touch with a Financial Aid officer to complete the TEACH grant enrollment process.
Meet Your Faculty
![Emily Zoeller](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Emily-Zoeller.jpg)
Associate Professor / Coordinator of Language and Literacy Program
Emily Zoeller
Dr. Emily Zoeller is an associate professor and coordinator of Language and Literacy Program at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. She holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. from the University of San Diego. She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College, where she researched teacher leadership in two-way dual language education. Dr. Zoeller’s scholarship examines equitable instruction for multilinguals and literacy learners in K-12 education; her recent work has been published in the Bilingual Research Journal, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, The Reading Teacher, and Teacher Education Quarterly. Prior to her role at Edgewood College, she worked as a bilingual teacher, a reading specialist, and an instructional coach. She is passionate about lifting teacher voices for promoting equity in language and literacy education.
EZoeller@edgewood.edu
![Marisa Flowers](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marisa-Flowers.jpg)
Marisa Flowers
Marisa Flowers is currently a Culture and Climate Coach at Huegel Elementary in Madison, WI focusing on restorative justice in education. Marisa brings experience and instructional lens as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and leader of professional learning and leadership development for elementary schools. Marisa holds a Masters of Arts in Education and recently completed both Principalship and Director of Instruction certification program at Edgewood College. She is committed to the development of educators in transforming learning environment into spaces centered in anti-racist pedagogies and culturally and historically responsive literacy practices.
![Daniella Molle](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Daniella-Molle.jpg)
Daniella Molle
Dr. Daniella Molle conducts qualitative research that can inform professional learning initiatives specifically designed for teachers of multilingual students. She is interested in designing and exploring different approaches to working with educators to support the academic success of multilingual students. She is involved in investigations of what educators learn during professional development, how they put that knowledge into practice, and how their practice facilitates the academic literacy development of multilingual students.
DMolle@edgewood.edu
![Tamara Mouw](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Tamara-Mouw.jpg)
Assistant Coordinator of Language and Literacy
Tamara Mouw
Tamara Mouw, M.H.R., M.Ed., is a systems-level, equity-focused innovative instructional leader. She has served as a high school English teacher, an instructional coach, and an administrator in curriculum and instruction where she led district-wide professional learning in literacy. Tamara is currently serving as Director of Partnerships and Equitable Practices at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction where she enacts an anti-bias, antiracist approach to creating just and equitable learning environments.
tmouw@edgewood.edu
![Alexis Nass](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Alexis-Nass.jpg)
Alexis Nass
Alexis Nass has been working with and on behalf of English Learners for the past 14 years and currently serves as the Elementary English Learner Coordinator for the Verona Area School District. A recipient of the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education (WIABE) Educator of the Year award, Alexis has served as an instructional coach, has attended and led numerous workshops and conferences, and has been involved in various community partnerships with the purpose to increase educational opportunities for bilingual learners. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education & ESL from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a M.A. in Education from Viterbo University.
ANass@edgewood.edu
![Heather O’Neil](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Heather-ONeil.jpg)
Assistant Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Language and Literacy
Heather O’Neil
Heather O’Neil is an assistant program coordinator of Language and Literacy as well as an assistant professor. Heather has a BA in History and Secondary Education from St. Norbert College and an MA in Language and Literacy Development from Cardinal Stritch University. She is completing her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy at Concordia University-Chicago. Prior to Edgewood College, Heather was an assistant professor of undergraduate elementary education at Concordia University-Wisconsin for six years. She also worked as a district reading specialist, reading teacher, and literacy coach in various school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. Heather’s research interests include the identity formation of pre-service teachers, writing instruction, and culturally responsive instruction.
HONeil@edgewood.edu