Reading Minor

The reading minor is designed for education majors who seek proficiency in the teaching of reading and the language arts (writing, speaking, and listening). Among the many premises of the International Literacy Association Standards for classroom teachers and Common Core State Standards is the inclusion of reading and language arts in all content subjects. The minor provides teacher candidates with the necessary skills to teach reading and language arts to all learners within an early childhood classroom (PreK-4).

The Department of Teacher Education offers an undergraduate PreK-4 Reading Minor designed to prepare future teachers in scientifically-based research, reading disorders, and literacy issues for PreK-4 grades. In addition, the minor strives to provide skills for developing curriculum and assessing, evaluating, and instructing students in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

The reading minor will require you to complete 5 additional courses that will be offered in a block. The block of 5 courses is offered each summer (term 3 and part of term 4), fall and spring semesters. The courses must be taken together in order to earn the minor before graduating with your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (PreK-4).

A minor in reading can prepare you for graduate study and make you more marketable in the job market for teaching jobs. K-12 Reading Specialist jobs give you more options when planning your career in education, including:

  • Elementary Reading Coach
  • English Literacy Development Teacher
  • Reading Recovery Trainer
  • Reading Center Positions
  • Reading Interventionist
  • Reading Tutor
  • Winter: RDG334 Classroom Based Literacy Assessment (1)
  • Summer: RDG330 Content Area Reading in the Primary Classroom (2)
  • Summer: RDG340 Seminar in Literacy Tutoring (2)
  • Summer: RDG345 Teaching Language Arts in the PreK-4 Classroom (3)
  • Summer: RDG350 Text Accessibility and Comprehension the PreK-4 Classroom (3)

RDG334 Classroom Based Literacy Assessment is a prerequisite course that must be taken prior to taking the remaining four courses.

The Shippensburg Education Association helps future educators develop an understanding and appreciation for the education profession. Students can join the Keystone State Reading Association to help promote literacy in local schools. Another great opportunity for education majors is the non-profit organization, Bridge for Kids, that participates in tutoring local children, working with the parent and teacher organization (PTO) at Luhrs Elementary, and providing book fairs to underprivileged school in the community and many more.

Teacher Education
214 Shippen Hall, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717) 477-1688
dlsurotchak@ship.edu
Department Website