Literacy Education Concentration
Literacy is a core value embedded in societies and relates to academic performance, professional career and citizenship. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, we support educators who strive to make a difference in their learners’ lives and future careers. Thus, we work with educators and administrators to enhance their understanding on how reading and writing develop, and on ways to support learners from the initial stages of reading, spelling, writing, and thinking acquisition to later stages of critical thinking through technology, writing, while promoting self-regulation, motivation, and a growth mindset.
The Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in Teacher Education, Literacy Education Concentration, prepares students for both formal and informal leadership roles in elementary schools. This degree is designed for those students who already possess a master’s degree in education.
| EdS in Teacher Education, Literacy Education Concentration | Credit Hours |
| Required Courses (Core Area) | 6 |
| Must include one course from two of the following areas: adult learning, assessment, cultural studies, educational technology, ESL, instructional pedagogy; or Special Education | |
| Concentration: Literacy Education Specialist Certificate | 12 |
| Related Studies | 6 |
| For Thesis Option: | |
| TPTE 518 – Educational Specialist Research and Thesis | 6 |
| For Non-Thesis Option: | |
| TPTE 503 – Problems in Lieu of Thesis | 6 |
| For Both Options: | |
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Literacy education faculty host free virtual literacy series (#UTLitSeries)! Sessions occur once a Month and have a one-hour duration. Topics address literacy development and instruction (e.g., phonological awareness components with practices, oral language). Be sure to check out our social media pages for more information on topics and faculty hosts. All sessions are offered via Zoom, and are open to educators, parents, and policymakers. You may also access previous recordings at
Contact Information
If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact: Zoi A. Traga Philippakos at zphilipp@utk.edu
A222 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer BoulevardKnoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-1920
