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What Is a Literacy Specialist and How to Become One

Literacy Specialist

What Is a Literacy Specialist?

A literacy specialist helps people with literacy issues or non-native English speakers learn to read and write. As a reading specialist, your job duties are to work with individuals or small classes, providing them with reading materials, lessons, and supervision. You also complete student assessments and consult with the student’s primary teachers on strategies to improve their students’ reading abilities. Many literacy specialists work in kindergartens or elementary schools, teaching students who have had difficulty with reading skills. Some literacy specialists work with older children or adults.

How to Become a Literacy Specialist

The qualifications needed for a career as a literacy specialist include a bachelor’s degree in English or education. To teach in public school, you also need to get a teacher’s license. Some states have a specific certification for becoming a literacy specialist as part of the teaching certification process. During your education, you should complete a student teaching program. Excellent communication skills and patience are crucial for this job.