Reading Specialist License
The Reading Specialist license is for teachers who already hold the 1316 Reading Teacher license, and who want to continue learning about literacy leadership in preparation for the 5017 Reading Specialist Administrator license. This license can open doors of opportunity for teachers to serve students and colleagues, or to lead literacy programming for a school or district.

Hyflex Learning
Stay active and engaged in the comfort of your own home through our unique Hyflex model.
Students will be logged in to live classes where they will be highly engaged with their classmates and professors as they would be in person.
Program Details
Program Overview
Candidates who aspire to lead the literacy planning, instruction and assessment efforts for a school or a school district should earn the 5017 Reading Specialist licensure. This program can be added to Stritch’s 1316 Reading Teacher program through the completion of 10 additional credits in the Master’s in Literacy program. If you already hold a Reading Teacher license and a master's degree, you can complete the Reading Specialist licensure with 7 credits of targeted coursework.
Program Coursework
- Introduction to Leadership
- Supervision of PreK-12 Literacy Programs
- Early Childhood Language, Literacy and Learning
- Disciplinary Language, Literacy and Learning in Content Areas
- Assessment and Instruction of Readers and Writers
- Comprehension Development in Readers and Writers
- Literacy Assessment and Intervention Practicum
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
5017 License
For current 1316 license and/or master's degree holders
• GS501 Introduction to Leadership
• RL516 Supervision of PreK-12 Literacy Programs
Candidates seeking Reading Specialist licensure who do not yet hold the 1316 Reading Teacher license OR have not earned master's degree, can learn about earning the Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist licenses at the Master's in Literacy web page.
Interested in this program?
Fill out the inquiry form for more information.
Unique to Stritch
3 in 1 Opportunity
Students at Stritch have the opportunity to complete the following at once...
- Reading Teacher License
- Master's in Literacy
- Reading Specialist License
Reading Teacher Licensure Requirements
- 2 years of teaching experience by end of program.
More about the program:
- 20 credits (4 classes and practicum course)
- Our practicum course allows candidates to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the program to support a striving young reader.
- Hyflex option available.
- Can be completed in as little as 13 months.
Reading Teacher Licensure + Reading Specialist License + Master's Degree
- 30 credits
- 20 credits for the Reading Teacher license alone; an additional 10 credits to earn the master's degree and Reading Specialist license.
These licenses benefit teachers with the knowledge on how to serve readers at all levels, as well as serving school colleagues as a literacy leader.
Reading Specialist Requirements
- Reading Specialist candidates complete a master's degree program, which includes the Reading Teacher and Reading Specialists licenses.
More about the program:
The Reading Specialist is an administrator license in Wisconsin. Candidates already holding the Reading Teacher license and a qualifying master's degree may complete the Reading Specialist program in as little as two courses.
Kellner Family Literacy Centers
Stritch graduates are highly sought after because of the history and legacy of our Literacy Programs.
The practicum experience is in the Kellner Family Literacy Centers on campus. This experience allows students to be mentored by master's professors and to develop strategies to help struggling readers strive in and out of the classroom.
To learn more about the Kellner Family Literacy Centers at Stritch, click here
Please contact the program's admissions representative or faculty member for additional information:
Kirsten Brown
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions|Director of Recruitment for the Kellner College of Education, Literacy, and Leadership

Enrollment Management - Admissions GraduateEnrollment Management - Admissions Graduate
Rhonda D. Schoonover
Faculty - Language and Literacy
