Reading specialists play a vital role in addressing one of America’s most pressing educational challenges. Educators ready to expand their impact can advance their expertise through programs like the online Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) – Literacy program at Youngstown State University (YSU), which prepares graduates to become literacy leaders in their schools and communities.
According to a 2024 National Literacy Institute (NLI) report, 79% of U.S. adults are literate, while UNESCO reports that 739 million adults globally still lack basic literacy skills. As literacy challenges continue to impact students nationwide, the need for skilled reading specialists has never been greater.
Understanding the Reading Specialist Role
Reading specialists are literacy experts who work as instructional coordinators specializing in reading and language arts education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies these professionals as instructional coordinators who oversee curriculum development, maintain teaching standards, research instructional materials and assess their effectiveness. Unlike traditional classroom teachers, reading specialists divide their time between working directly with struggling readers and serving as literacy leaders who coach teachers, develop curriculum and analyze student data.
Reading specialists work in elementary, schools and high schools, as well as district offices. Some focus on early literacy intervention, while others support adolescent literacy or lead district-wide initiatives. The NLI reports that teacher shortages are particularly pronounced in special education, bilingual education and early childhood education, creating increased demand for literacy specialists who can support multiple classrooms.
Core Responsibilities of Reading Specialists
Reading specialists provide direct intervention to students who struggle with reading, conducting assessments to identify specific skill gaps in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. These sessions use evidence-based strategies tailored to each student’s needs.
Beyond direct instruction, reading specialists serve as instructional coaches for classroom teachers. They model effective literacy techniques, observe classroom instruction and provide feedback to strengthen reading instruction. Reading specialists also lead curriculum development and materials selection, evaluating programs to ensure alignment with research-based best practices. Many coordinate literacy assessment systems, analyzing data to inform instructional decisions.
Education and Certification Requirements
Becoming a reading specialist requires substantial preparation. Instructional coordinators typically need a master’s degree and related work experience, according to BLS. YSU’s M.S.Ed. in Teacher Education – C&I online degree provides the foundation for this process. Most reading specialists begin as classroom teachers before pursuing advanced degrees. Master’s programs in literacy education prepare specialists with coursework in literacy theory, assessment, intervention strategies and instructional leadership.
Many states require reading specialists to hold a specific reading endorsement or certification beyond their teaching license. These endorsements typically require coursework addressing reading assessment, phonics instruction, literacy coaching and working with diverse learners.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential
BLS reports that the median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $74,720 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 1% between 2024 and 2034, according to BLS, with most of the annual openings for instructional coordinators resulting from workers transferring to different occupations or retiring.
Salary varies based on location, experience, education level and employing organization. Some specialists advance to district-level positions such as literacy coordinator or curriculum director. The demand for reading specialists remains strong despite modest projected growth, driven by persistent literacy challenges. UNESCO data shows nearly two-thirds of the 739 million illiterate adults globally are women, highlighting educational equity issues that reading specialists help address.
The Impact of Reading Specialists
When specialists work effectively with classroom teachers, they multiply their impact across entire schools. Teachers who receive high-quality coaching improve their literacy instruction, benefiting all students. Reading specialists help create schoolwide literacy cultures where all staff members share responsibility for student reading development. Through courses like Brain Based Teaching and Learning, graduates of YSU’s online M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – C&I – Literacy program gain the tools to connect with all kinds of thinkers.
Student outcomes improve when schools employ skilled reading specialists who provide targeted intervention alongside teacher support. Early identification of reading difficulties and prompt intervention prevent students from falling further behind.
Reading specialists help schools address literacy equity gaps, ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds, English language learners (ELL) and students with disabilities receive specialized support to become proficient readers. For educators passionate about literacy and interested in expanding their influence beyond a single classroom, becoming a reading specialist offers a rewarding career path supporting both struggling readers and the teachers who serve them.
The Value of an Online M.S.Ed. Degree in C&I From YSU
As schools grapple with teacher shortages and urgent literacy needs, reading specialists serve as critical leaders in education. These professionals transform literacy instruction and support educators across classrooms.
Youngstown State University’s 100% online program combines research-based coursework with practical application, meeting Ohio’s reading endorsement requirements while fitting into the schedules of working teachers. This program enables professionals to take the next step toward transforming literacy education and making a lasting difference in the lives of students in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Specialists
Educators considering a transition to reading specialist roles often have questions about the path forward and what to expect in this specialized position. The following answers address common concerns about qualifications, training requirements and career opportunities in literacy education.
What’s the difference between a reading specialist and a reading teacher?
A reading teacher provides daily reading instruction to a full class of students. Reading specialists divide their time between providing targeted intervention to small groups or individual students and serving as literacy coaches for classroom teachers, focusing on assessment, intervention and instructional leadership.
Do you need to be a certified teacher first?
Yes, most reading specialist positions require prior teaching experience and certification. Many states require candidates to have several years of successful classroom teaching before pursuing a reading specialist endorsement.
How long does it take to become a reading specialist?
After earning a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certification, most educators need 2-3 years of teaching experience before beginning a master’s program. Master’s programs typically require 30-36 credit hours, which can be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study or 2-3 years part-time.
What is a reading endorsement?
A reading endorsement is a specialized credential that qualifies educators to serve as reading specialists or literacy coaches. State requirements vary but typically include graduate-level coursework in literacy assessment, phonics instruction, reading intervention strategies and supervision of reading programs.
Can reading specialists work with all grade levels?
Many reading specialists are endorsed to work across multiple grade levels, though some choose to specialize in early literacy, adolescent literacy or adult literacy. Elementary specialists often work with students in grades K-5, while secondary specialists support students in grades 6-12.
What skills are most important for reading specialists?
Essential skills include deep knowledge of reading development and evidence-based intervention strategies, strong assessment and data analysis abilities, excellent communication and coaching skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with teachers.
Is there demand for reading specialists?
Yes, demand remains strong despite modest projected job growth. Teacher shortages and persistent literacy challenges create an ongoing need for literacy specialists who can support multiple classrooms.
What’s the typical salary range?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $74,720 for instructional coordinators in May 2024. Actual salaries for reading specialists range from approximately $35,000 to over $91,000, depending on location, experience and education level.
Can you become a reading specialist with an online degree?
Yes, many accredited universities offer online master’s degree programs in literacy education. Online programs provide flexibility for working teachers while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Ensure your program includes required field experiences and meets your state’s endorsement requirements.
What career advancement opportunities exist?
Reading specialists can advance to district-level positions such as literacy coordinator, curriculum director or director of instruction. Some become educational consultants, work for publishers developing literacy materials, or pursue doctoral degrees to become literacy researchers or university faculty.
About Youngstown State University’s M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – C&I – Literacy Online Program
Transform children’s lives by inspiring a love of reading through one of Ohio’s premier literacy education programs. The online M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy degree from YSU prepares educators to lead the way in literacy and to work in roles such as reading instruction specialist.
This 100% online literacy master’s degree focuses on understanding and applying major theories, current research and practical classroom strategies to support students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities. Study topics include brain-based teaching and learning, literacy and phonics, reading and language arts assessment and curriculum development. The 30-credit-hour program meets the requirements for the reading endorsement for Ohio teachers and can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – C&I – Literacy program.
