The UWM Reading Program offers several pathways for those interested in improving their knowledge and skills in teaching reading. These programs can be a part of a Wisconsin DPI Professional Development Plan.
What is a PDP?
A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is “a list of activities, timelines for achievement, and a plan for assessment that indicates professional growth that has as a goal the improvement of student learning.” (PI 34.01(42), pg. 176.
UWM’s reading programs can be part of the:
- Initial to Professional Educator (PDP)
- Professional Educator Renewal (PDP)
- Professional to Master Educator (PDP)
- Master Educator Renewal (PDP)
What is Early Reading Empowerment?ERE is a two-semester, 6 credit, off-campus, course sequence that provides teachers with a solid knowledge base of early reading assessment and instruction to confidently and effectively teach struggling, beginning readers. Interested in Early Reading Empowerment?
Credits must be taken at the graduate level to be considered for inclusion in graduate degree requirements.
Current Spring 2013 offering:
Class: Currins 648-101 Class #47102
Date/Time: 1/22 - 5/9 (Tuesday), 4:30 - 7:10pm
Instructor: Kathryn Champeau
Location: Indian Community School, Franklin, WI
Register Now!! Click here for course information and easy registration.
Would you like to be notified of future offerings? Click here to submit your contact information.
What is Reading Teacher Certification?Reading Teacher is a K–12 certification that advances the classroom teacher’s knowledge of research and pedagogy, enabling the teacher to accept a specific assignment to teach reading.
Interested in a Reading Teacher License (DPI 316)?
Reading Teacher licensure requires 24 credits which can include:
• Up to 12 previously earned approved, undergraduate, literacy-related credits with a
grade of B or better may apply.
• 6 ERE credits will apply.
• Remaining graduate credits to fulfill Reading Teacher licensure proficiency
requirements (PI.34.33).
What is a graduate degree?A graduate degree is an advanced degree, which furthers the teacher’s knowledge of scholarship, research and pedagogy in curriculum and instruction. Interested in a graduate degree?
A Master’s degree requires 30 graduate level credits.
• 12 credits in C & I Core classes
• 3 - 6 credits of Master’s seminar or thesis
• 12 - 15 credits in a focus area which can include:
• ERE courses
• Reading Teacher courses
• Reading Specialist courses
• 3 credits PDP mentoring courses
• Writing Project courses
• Electives as needed
A doctorate may also include a combination of all or some of the above.
What is Reading Specialist Certification?Reading Specialist Certification advances the Reading Teacher as a resource teacher, enabling the teacher to work with other K-12 educators as a leader in reading. Interested in a Reading Specialist license (DPI 17)?
Reading Specialist licensure requires additional credits. Candidates must hold a Reading Teacher license and have earned a Master’s degree with a major emphasis in reading.
- ERE is a proven program with research (Mertzman & Short, 2007, 2009) showing that it has raised reading achievement for students who struggle with reading in many districts across the state.
- ERE meets the criteria for Response To Intervention (RTI) and addresses issues involving overidentification of students of color and of poverty.
- Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist licensure programs can create reading professionals who can address the issues of elementary, middle and high schools who have not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
- Outstanding multicultural faculty who are recognized internationally.
- A national reputation for urban education.
- Placement of more teachers and educators than any other school in Wisconsin.
- Continued professional development through post-baccalaureate, graduate studies and Wisconsin's only Ph.D. program in Urban Education.
- Cooperative partnership programs with over 200 schools and community programs in the metro Milwaukee area.
- Districts who host courses and programs may be eligible for buy-backcharge-back which reduces overall costs.
