Frequently Asked Questions
The reading program is for licensed teachers, and it meets the International Literacy Association, CAEP, and Illinois State Board of Education standards for the preparation of reading specialists and reading teachers. In Illinois, reading teacher endorsement and reading specialist endorsement is a second process for those who hold a professional educator license (PEL).
The reading program is demanding, and students should expect: reflective papers, teaching projects, with both research and reflection involved, examinations, evaluation of your participation, presence and professionalism, and membership and participation in a professional literacy organization.
Typically, reading students who are practicing teachers take one course per quarter. Enrolled in one course per quarter, it will take two years to obtain the reading teacher endorsement and two to three years for reading specialist endorsement.
Reading teachers work primarily with school age students and may teach reading 50% or more of their time. Reading specialists are called upon work in classrooms with individuals and smaller groups of students to identify their specific needs and to plan instructional interventions. Specialists may also fill coaching roles and provide curriculum leadership for program design and teaming, professional development for teachers and administrators, and community outreach. Degree holders also work in publishing, as college instructors, as district coordinators and as literacy consultants.
Students may register as a "student at large" for any of the following courses: RLR 501, RLR 502, RLW 541, RLL 520 or 528. Students must enroll in a reading program to take any other Reading courses, or receive approval from an instructor. To enroll in a reading program, please contact the graduate admissions office.
- NLU admissions office: admissions@nl.edu
- NLU graduate advising: 847.947.5900, advising@nl.edu
Once admitted to a reading program, you will be contacted by a graduate academic advisor who can assist with questions and can help determine your course sequence.
There are a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards you may qualify for to offset the cost of tuition and other expenses. Click here to browse available opportunities.
The reading program is constrained by national and state standards. NLU may accept up to 6 sh of graduate transfer credit (not older than 6 years old from your graduation date) from other institutions if applicants have performance examples of their work and syllabi that show how the course meets ISBE and IRA standards. These determinations are made by the admissions office.
Teachers with ISBE deficiency statements unfortunately cannot take a single upper-level reading course to fulfill their deficiency. Contact the admissions office with further questions.
You may apply for endorsement any time after you finish your practica, 592A, B and have a total of 24 sh of reading coursework (which may include your undergraduate or other graduate work). Click here for directions on how to apply for additional endorsements.
If you are ready to graduate from NLU's Reading Specialist program, have two years of experience, and have passed the Reading Specialist test 221, you may apply for licensure by entitlement. Follow the instructions on the NLU How to Request Your Professional Educator License page.
For Additional Questions:
Licensure—Office of Admissions and Records
1000 Capitol Drive
Wheeling IL 60090
