Literacy Coaching

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study (Online)
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Mode of Study
Online
Department
Literacy, Language, and Culture
School
School of Education and Human Development

Tuition per credit hour

$447 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

12 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as little as 1 year. Explore program requirements

Admissions

No application fee. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Balance your schedule while earning your certificate: Our fully online program for practicing educators allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to coach PreK-12 teachers in effective literacy instruction and promote professional learning in schools and districts.
  • Practice and enhance your literacy coaching skills by working in a unique practicum experience in the field.
  • Study with full-time faculty with doctoral degrees in Literacy, Language, and Culture — and with part-time faculty who are experienced members of the professional education community.
  • Save money with reduced e-tuition for out-of-state students.
A student teacher gives a presentation and points to something on a whiteboard.

Career opportunities

Students who complete this certificate will be able to develop a comprehensive literacy program; coach classroom teachers in the literacy curriculum; advocate for equitable, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction; and facilitate integration of digital literacies in support of school goals.

View options
A student writing on a whiteboard.

Program requirements

This certificate is for teachers with an MSEd or Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and 2 years of Literacy teaching. Our curriculum is aligned with the International Literacy Association’s Professional Standards for Reading Professionals.

Visit course catalog
An aerial view of the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are actively involved with presenting work at national conferences, publishing their work in journals, serving as members of state education associations and committees, and engaging with the Southern Maine Writing Project.

Meet our faculty
A teacher meets with a student to discuss an assignment.

Independent study practicum

Pursue options that align with your professional interests. These might include a writing project, intensive clinical experiences, educational consultation, or research.

Learn more
A teacher in a classroom with a laptop at their desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this program, you’ll examine contemporary approaches to school-wide literacy and build capacity for teachers and school leaders to carry out the school’s literacy mission.

Get answers
You may also be interested in…

Educational Leadership

Master’s Program

Literacy Education

Master’s Program (Online)

Educational Leadership

Certificate of Advanced Study (Online)

Literacy Education

Certificate of Advanced Study (Online)
Next Steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

Students walk down the sidewalk by Wishcamper Center on the Portland campus on a sunny day.

Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Literacy Coaching

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Term & sessionApplication deadlineSession timeline
Fall term: Session 1August 10, 2022August 29 — October 14, 2022
Fall term: Session 2October 5, 2022 October 24 — December 16, 2022
Spring term: Session 1December 28, 2022January 17 — March 3, 2023
Spring term: Session 2March 1, 2023March 20 — May 5, 2023
Summer term: Session 1April 26, 2023May 15 — June 30, 2023
Summer term: Session 2June 14, 2023July 3 — August 18, 2023

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a master’s degree in literacy or a closely related field and two years of classroom teaching experience. To earn a certificate, students must complete 75 percent of the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee: Waived for all applicants
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Personal Statement addressing the following prompt: Explain your interest in literacy leadership and coaching. Describe your philosophy of effective literacy teaching and learning and your vision for effectively supporting teachers to enact this philosophy. What personal qualities and professional experiences qualify you to pursue this certificate?
  • Proof of teacher certification: See details below.

About proof of teacher certification

  • The evidence should be a copy of your teacher certification from the state in which you are certified. Teacher certification must be at the level of provisional or professional, and not at the level of conditional certification.
  • This program requires that students are certified teachers at the time of admission and for the duration of the program. This is because the program may lead to a certain state of Maine endorsement that requires provisional or professional teacher certification.
  • Students seeking an exemption to this requirement must write a request for a waiver that includes both an explanation and justification for the request.
  • Submit your proof of teacher certification or request for a waiver along with your application materials to edocs@maine.edu.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Applications in progress

Check the status of your application