Leading and Directing the Reading Program

Develop your reading specialist and literacy leadership skills.
In this Section

Our Leading and Directing the Reading Program online course will show you ways to develop, lead, evaluate, and improve PK-12 literacy and professional development programs.

Register now to reserve a spot.

Online Course 
Three semester hours graduate credit
Instructor: Tera Ellison

Fall: September 16 - November 22, 2024 
Tuition:  $476 per semester hour of graduate credit ($1428 for a three credit course)
Fall tuition due date: TBA

We invite you to enroll in our RDGED 720 Leading and Directing the Reading Program online course to meet your professional development goals for reading specialist certification or if you need teaching license renewal, graduate credits to transfer to another university, or just a refresher course. 

Our Leading and Directing the Reading Program online course allows you to complete your weekly assignments as they best fit your schedule. All discussion postings and projects are submitted online.

If you need a copy of the syllabus for your employer to approve enrollment in the class, email: Online Professional Development.

Course Description

Using theory, research data, evidence, and organizational change principles to develop, lead, evaluate, and improve PK-12 literacy and professional development programs.  Leadership in developing and promoting effective literacy programs for all students is emphasized.

This course is designed for certified reading teachers at all levels. This is one of three required courses for individuals pursuing reading specialist certification, (Wisconsin DPI #5017) Licensure.

This course is an approved elective in the Master of Science in Education online degree program. 

How do I register?

Complete the Online Registration Form.

If you need a copy of the syllabus for your employer to approve enrollment in the class, email: Online Professional Development.

When is the registration deadline?

Reserve your spot now. This program is very popular, and courses fill well before the start date. This course is offered one time each year (fall term).

E-Textbook

An e-textbook will be provided when you log in to the course. 

Lassonde, C., & Tucker, K. (2014). The literacy leadership handbook: Best practices for developing professional literacy communities. Pearson. ISBN:  978-0-13-301388-7

If you prefer to read a hard copy of the textbook, instead of reading via your computer or tablet, you may purchase the used or new paperback from an online bookstore.

No travel to campus - 100% Online

  • Participate 24/7 from your home or work computer during hours that are best for your work and family schedule.
  • The class is highly interactive with a significant discussion component.
  • All discussion postings, projects, and assignments will be submitted via the course discussion board and Dropbox.
  • Activities are conducted according to a schedule with specific assignments due each week.
  • There are no required "live" chat sessions.
  • This is not a self-paced class.