UWM's Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers two programs for certified classroom teachers who have a special interest in reading:
The Reading Teacher Program and the Reading Specialist Program
The reading certification programs may be taken by students admitted either as a post-baccalaureate student (special student) or as part of a graduate degree. Students must formally apply to UWM using either the post-baccalaureate or graduate program process to participate in a reading certification program.
Reading Teacher ProgramThe Reading Teacher Program leads to the Wisconsin Reading Teacher license (formerly referred to as License 316) which is required of teachers who have a specific assignment to teach reading at the elementary, middle or high school level. Kindergarten through grade 12 license endorsement will be granted upon completion of this program.- The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will issue the license only to applicants who can verify two years of successful regular classroom teaching experience, hold a valid Wisconsin teaching license in another area, and show proficiency in the teaching of reading from work in courses and practicum.
- If you have questions about the verification of your regular teaching experience, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at (608)266-0452 or (608)266-2386.
The Reading Specialist Program leads to a Wisconsin Reading Specialist license (formerly referred to as License 317) and is designed for certified reading teachers whose goal is to direct a K-12 reading program or to work with reading teachers, classroom teachers, administrators and others as a resource teacher in reading.
- The Reading Teacher license is a prerequisite for certification as a reading specialist.
- Tania Mertzman Habeck, Ph.D., Assiociate Professor
Phone: 414-229-4931
E-mail: mertzman@uwm.edu
- Ruth Short, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone: 414-229-4536
E-mail: rashort@uwm.edu
