Program overview

UT’s Literacy Specialist PreK-12 (LSP) program prepares experienced educators (2+ years teaching, 3.0 GPA) for literacy specialist licensure. The program was revised to align with International Literacy Association standards, Tennessee state literacy standards, InTASC standards, and CAEP accreditation requirements, covering foundational literacy knowledge, curriculum design, assessment, equity, and professional leadership.

Candidates progress through six gateways—from admission and coursework (REED 529, 537, 540, 605; SPED 516) to clinical experience, portfolio artifacts, and passing the PRAXIS Literacy Specialist exam—before state licensure. Credits can later transfer toward a Master’s or EdS in Teacher Education. The program responds to declining NAEP reading scores, aiming to strengthen literacy instruction across Tennessee schools.

Why study Literacy?

Studying literacy prepares educators to address a real and growing need: the 2024 NAEP data shows 69% of American fourth-graders performed below proficient in reading, with 40% at or below basic level, a decline from prior years. Literacy specialists gain deep expertise in how reading, writing, and critical thinking develop, equipping them to support struggling learners and strengthen instruction school-wide.

Beyond remediation, literacy education builds skills that ripple across a student’s life. UT’s program emphasizes that literacy shapes academic achievement, professional success, and responsible citizenship, influencing every stage of a learner’s journey from early education to career advancement. Literacy specialists also learn to integrate technology and AI tools, foster self-regulation and growth mindset in students, and take on leadership roles in their schools.

What can you do with a Literacy Specialist graduate certificate after graduation?

With a Literacy Specialist certificate, you’re typically qualified to:

• Work as a school literacy/reading specialist — providing direct intervention for struggling readers, running small-group or 1:1 instruction, and progress-monitoring student growth
• Coach and support other teachers — many literacy specialists serve as instructional coaches, helping classroom teachers implement research-based literacy strategies
• Lead literacy curriculum and assessment decisions — selecting and interpreting reading assessments, and helping design school- or district-wide literacy curricula
• Take on literacy leadership roles — serving on school improvement teams, leading professional development, or coordinating intervention programs (like MTSS/RTI literacy tiers)
• Add licensure endorsement — in Tennessee, completing the program and passing the PRAXIS Literacy Specialist exam (5302) adds a literacy specialist endorsement to your teaching license via the state’s Office of Professional Licensure
• Advance toward a graduate degree — credits from UT’s LSP program can transfer into a Master of Science in Teacher Education or a Specialist in Education (EdS), opening doors to higher-level instructional or administrative roles
• Pursue district-level positions — with experience, some literacy specialists move into district literacy coordinator or supervisor roles

Essentially, it positions you as the go-to literacy expert in a building or district, whether that means working directly with students, coaching colleagues, or shaping policy and curriculum.