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How to Become a Reading Specialist
Reading Specialists are literacy experts who diagnose reading difficulties, support struggling readers, and empower teachers with effective instructional strategies. They play a critical role in building foundational skills that impact a student’s entire academic journey—and beyond.
If you’re passionate about literacy, learning equity, and closing achievement gaps, becoming a Reading Specialist could be your next step. A Master’s in Reading & Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading focus, or a related M.Ed., equips you to deliver targeted interventions, design school-wide reading programs, and lead professional development efforts.
Reading Specialist Job Description
Reading Specialists serve as both instructors and instructional leaders. They may work directly with students in small groups or one-on-one, while also coaching teachers, analyzing school reading data, and developing literacy initiatives that align with curriculum standards.
Their work can span grade levels, languages, and school-wide systems. In many districts, Reading Specialists also lead multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for literacy.
Standard Tasks and Responsibilities:
| Core Tasks | Examples |
|---|---|
| Provide targeted reading instruction | Deliver interventions for students with reading difficulties |
| Assess student reading levels | Use diagnostic tools and progress monitoring systems |
| Support and coach teachers | Share strategies for literacy instruction and differentiation |
| Develop literacy curriculum and materials | Align content with standards and student needs |
| Lead professional development | Facilitate workshops on phonics, comprehension, fluency, and other related topics. |
Douglass saw literacy as the foundation for freedom and empowerment.
What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a Reading Specialist?
Reading Specialists must first become licensed educators, typically with experience in classroom teaching. To specialize in literacy instruction, most states require a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy or Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading emphasis, along with additional coursework in assessment, child development, and linguistics.
Graduate programs also offer practicum experiences where candidates work directly with struggling readers and collaborate with classroom teachers to improve outcomes.
Education Path:
| Level | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Education or related field | Required to become a licensed teacher |
| Master’s Degree | M.Ed. in Reading & Literacy or Curriculum and Instruction with Reading focus | Required for specialist roles in most states |
| Fieldwork | Literacy practicum or intervention project | Supervised work with students needing reading support |
Internships and Exams:
- Graduate practicum with reading diagnostics and intervention planning.
- Passage of a state-required Reading Specialist exam (e.g., Praxis Reading Specialist Test).
Are Any Certifications, Licenses, or Credentials Needed?
Yes, most states require Reading Specialists to earn an endorsement or advanced license beyond a standard teaching certificate. These credentials typically reflect graduate coursework, field experience, and demonstrated literacy expertise.
Common Credentials:
| Credential | Purpose |
|---|---|
| State Reading Specialist Endorsement | Authorizes targeted literacy intervention and instructional leadership |
| Standard Teaching License | Prerequisite for any specialist endorsement |
| National Board Certification (Literacy: Reading–Language Arts) | Optional but highly respected advanced credential |
Credentialing Process:
- Hold a valid teaching license
- Complete an approved master’s or post-graduate program
- Pass a state-recognized content exam
- Apply for endorsement through your state education department
Where Do Reading Specialists Work?
Reading Specialists primarily work in public and private K–12 schools. Some serve at a single school site, while others rotate between schools within a district. They may also be employed by regional education centers, reading clinics, or education nonprofits.
There is also growing demand in early intervention programs, bilingual schools, and virtual learning environments.
Common Workplaces:
- Elementary and secondary schools
- District-level instructional offices
- Education service centers or cooperatives
- Private tutoring centers or literacy clinics
- Online schools or literacy intervention programs
Employer Examples:
| Employer Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Public School Districts | Broward County Public Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools |
| Regional Literacy Centers | Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) |
| Nonprofits | Reading Partners, Literacy Lab |
| Online Providers | BookNook, Lexia Learning, Amplify |
See Related Articles Widget (This section will feature internal links to other education careers or specializations.)
What Skills and Traits Do Successful Reading Specialists Have?
Reading Specialists must understand the science of reading while also demonstrating strong interpersonal skills. They work closely with struggling students and collaborate with teachers and families, requiring both instructional precision and relationship-building.
Empathy, patience, and a belief in every student’s ability to succeed are core to the role.
Key Skills and Traits:
- Deep understanding of reading development and interventions
- Diagnostic assessment and data analysis skills
- Collaboration and instructional coaching ability
- Knowledge of literacy curriculum and instructional best practices
- Strong communication and cultural responsiveness
- Organizational and leadership skills
- Empathy, patience, and adaptability
Reading Specialist Salary Overview
Salaries vary based on experience, credentials, location, and district size. Specialists who take on leadership roles or work across multiple campuses may receive additional stipends.
| Role Level | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| School-Based Reading Specialist | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| District Literacy Coordinator | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| Instructional Coach – Literacy | $75,000 – $90,000 |
Job Outlook: The U.S. Department of Education identifies reading and literacy as high-need areas in many states. Increased focus on early literacy, pandemic recovery, and equity in reading outcomes has made Reading Specialists more essential than ever.
Link to our Master’s in Education Salary Guide for more details.
Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Reading Specialist
If you believe every student deserves the power of literacy, becoming a Reading Specialist gives you the tools to change lives. A Master’s in Reading & Literacy or Curriculum and Instruction with a literacy focus can prepare you to provide expert reading support and lead school-wide efforts to improve literacy outcomes.
Explore graduate programs designed to help you assess needs, close reading gaps, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Sources
- International Literacy Association: Becoming a Reading Specialist
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators
- Reading Rockets: Roles of Reading Specialists
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Literacy Certification