Why I decided to become a literacy specialist

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Have you ever thought about becoming a reading specialist or literacy specialist? Let me know if you have!

[@gracefulgemsshowroombyshar3238]

hi! I am a stay at home mom and when my kids were in elementary, I volunteered as a reading tutor. I would pick up a reading kit and head to the students class and sit and guide them through reading for about 15 to 20 mins. 8t was such a delightful experience. I truly would like to know how I can make this a career. I have no education degree only business administration. I have 1 year teaching experience in the military many moons ago. Do they have certification programs in this area? Where a 4 year degree is not required?

[@TinaChristinaTD]

I'm currently a K-2 Literacy Coach. I think I’d like being a Reading Specialist more.

[@Flutterby1388]

I am interested and am considering getting my masters in reading however, I don’t see many local jobs on my area. That concerns me. I need a job that provides a good income and retirement. So many are just hourly positions.

[@Gemelian2809]

I would love to learn more about being a Literacy Specialist. Currently aiming towards achieving my Masters in that field.

[@Tinytalesinhollybreezebay]

Hey! I know I’m watching this two years later. But yes I’m contemplating it right now. I’m a homeschool mom.

[@brewilliams5739]

I am excited about finding your page. I just enrolled in a Reading Literacy program in my state. The reason that I chose to change my path is because I see that students (3rd grade) are struggling in the classroom with reading. This breaks my heart. I am going to take time this evening to look at your videos. :-)

[@learningattheprimarypond]

So excited for you to start this journey! I'm glad my videos are helpful - best of luck to you! :)

[@kathykrause842]

Yes, I love helping children become great readers

[@vanessahennessey1875]

I have a desire to become a reading specialist teacher. I have seen so many children struggle and work in learning support. I have a passion for helping children in this area as reading is everywhere. I also have three dyslexics in my family so seeing their struggles first hand makes me more passionate to do further training to help them and others

[@learningattheprimarypond]

This is so wonderful, Vanessa!

[@marissasueplas]

Me! I am about to start my student teaching in 4th grade this coming semester but this semester during our practicum where we learn so much application...I am surprisingly really intrigued by my reading methods class. I want to know more. I know I want to get my masters and at first I thought it was in history so I could eventually teach college history...then it was special education or school psychology...but now I'm torn between special education or literacy!

[@ResetKeisha]

Yes I’m looking at a program rn. I think I’m going to jump in. I love reading and writing. I want to a better understanding of how to teach this and grow with it. Im a kinder teacher now and I love lower elementary. I figure now is the time.

[@FirstGradeTeachers-gl7wg]

I am currently applying to a Reading Specialist program in my state. I agree wholeheartedly that it is so challenging to both teach as mandated by your school district and help your struggling readers as effectively as you would like. I am so excited about the possibilities of everything I'll be able to do to help my students become life long readers.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Best of luck to you!!

[@melissa3407]

Love your transparency. Sounds like my life. Great video.

[@MySunshine234]

Yeah I work with kids right now in a pre k classroom as an para. I have my bachelors in education. I want to go back to my college where I got my bachelor's to get my masters in reading and literacy. I used to work in a library but that job did not workout due to management. So I started working with kids I always wanted to be a librarian because I love books but since that did not workout I feel that becoming a reading/literacy specialist would be the right job for me. I'm going to apply soon for it and the job I have now is perfect for me to get a masters degree and work at the same time.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Sounds like you're put a lot of thought into it! Best of luck :)

[@paulcooper1046]

Our narratives have similarities. When I was young, I was a math major who accumulated two years of college credits but didn't graduate. I decided to return to school as a middle-aged adult and received an AA in Spanish in 2019 and a BA in Spanish (History minor) in 2021. I am currently in the MA TESOL program at OU and am about to record and upload an assignment focusing on literacy. While thinking about how an emphasis on literacy informed my acquisition of English growing up, I came across your video. I hope things are going well for you and your kiddos! Health and happiness. Cheers.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@victoriaLL345]

Starting year 19, being moved around a bunch the last 5 years, but mostly done ELA. Glad I found your channel. Have taught 4th-8th, but will need to be a Reading Interventionist this year K-8.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Best of luck!!

[@Lettuceandhummus]

I teach high school English in Chicago and am considering g becoming a reading specialist to help my high school kiddos. Thanks for this video

[@learningattheprimarypond]

You're so welcome!

[@cas9954]

Thanks…. I feel the same

[@maddie7899]

Me! Today is the first time I ever considered this job. I work as a special ed teacher and yet I’ve realized my passion is in literacy....especially with the students who struggle most. I have my master’s in special education. Do most places require a specific degree in reading?? I also live in IL! Thanks for all your wisdom!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey! It really, really depends on the district you'd like to work in. Some don't require a specific degree (they focus more on your experiences), while others won't even consider someone without a Masters.

[@cedishapitts7742]

Reading Partners is a good company to look into if you're interested in positions in literacy. Even if you don't have a degree or certification.

[@pinarose]

My career path as a classroom teacher has not gone the way I was hoping. I've been thinking about becoming a literacy specialist. What holds me back are, 1. program costs, and 2. feeling like I'm limited in the number of students I could help.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Many schools/networks offer funds to help teachers get a necessary degree! It's worth asking. And even though you don't have your own individual classroom, you can help just as many (if not more!) students across different grades. Just some things to think about!

[@JoanneKaravara]

I need more insights to help students to read effectively, from Papua New Guinea ❤

[@learningattheprimarypond]

I have lots of videos on my channel! I hope they're helpful! :)

[@MySunshine234]

I'm getting my degree online Point Park Univeristy 1.5 years and take 1 class for every eight weeks you will still finish the program in 1.5 years.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

That's great!

[@juligildart2954]

I want to be a literacy specialist. As a second grade teacher, I see a huge need and not enough time….

[@PaulFloyd207]

Me, I'm currently looking into it. I really don't know where to start. I really enjoy watching others succeed and I really want a job where I can help kids be successful. I have no experience in teaching other than training people in pervious jobs. All my work experience is customer service or TV production. Still researching being a teacher possibly a reading specialist.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Love that you're looking into this!

[@lorenarom]

I love teaching beginning reading to kids. I am so passionate to teach literacy to kids. I am interested to become a literacy specialist. I hope I can be one.😊

[@learningattheprimarypond]

That's awesome!

[@Tawns7]

Have you heard of the Accademics Associate reading program?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Tell me more about that!

[@Tawns7]

Its a reading program that I was looking getting my son into. Seems to have lots of success and just wondering if you had heard of it.@@learningattheprimarypond

[@loriross6841]

I have been a teacher for 10 years~ 5th and 2nd. I just took a job as a tester/ literacy specialists, but I don't have my masters. Any advice that looks at schedules, what activities works best or what helped you the most would be appreciated!!!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Lori! How exciting!! Take a look at my blog - learningattheprimarypond.com/blog/ There are tons of posts that I think will give you support and guidance on what you're looking for! Best of luck and please let me know if you need anything!

[@readingeducationjourney]

I'm a currently taking master's degree in Reading Education and I found this worthwhile.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Awesome!

[@LizaT217]

I’ve been thinking of becoming a literacy specialist for some time, specifically in Spanish. I’m not even sure what programs are out there for something like this. I teach DI Kinder and absolutely love it. Wondering if you think it’s a good idea to have experience with all the primary grades prior to pursuing something like this.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Working with a range of abilities beforehand helps once you're in the role of literacy specialist, but it's not a necessity to becoming one!

[@mirandasaunders2983]

How does the work/life balance compare to being a classroom teacher? How much do you work outside of contract hours?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Great question. It definitely depends on your district or network. I've found my work/life balance to better than it was, however I think it just depends on your own personal time management too.

[@Carpeish]

Thanks for this video! I’m currently looking into St. John’s Online Literacy PhD. There’s no way I’m paying for a PhD unless I have a fellowship which I think I am competitive enough to receive. I’m just concerned about prospective jobs and salaries post grad

[@learningattheprimarypond]

That's so cool! Yes, it's important to weigh all of that! Definitely a difference in PhD and Masters as far as what the costs are associated with it.

[@jrbudke9071]

Have you had a specific program training like Reading Recovery or letrs training? How do you measure growth with the one on one students? What do you consider to be the difference between literacy interventionist and a specialist?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey there! We have Reading Intervention products that are similar (www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Learning-At-The-Primary-Pond-Alison/Category/Reading-Intervention-576478). As far as terms, it can depend on the school/district for what they describe them as. In my experience, a specialist tends to focus on bigger picture things (such as teacher coaching, curriculum), whereas an interventionist is working in small groups or one on one with students.

[@talghow-i2326]

Yes literacy is powerful...

[@e.lenahwilson4344]

I am looking into becoming a Reading Specialist. I am not a teacher...I have always wanted to do it deep down, but I chose tech for the pay. But I have had to opportunity to score the reading portion of standardized tests for several years and every time I do so, it reawakens my passion to help children with their reading/writing skills. As someone who has not been a classroom teacher (I did tech ESL online for a bit), would I be able to do this without becoming a traditional classroom teacher?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey there! Yes, you definitely can become a Reading Specialist without having traditional classroom experience. Each school/district is way different though when it comes to what they require/want from a potential candidate, so you may want to check wherever you'd be interested in working and go from there!

[@jaylalaland]

I found this video at the perfect time. I'm in my senior year of my undergrad degree and plan on working as a literacy tutor during my gap year before getting my masters in teaching. Becoming a reading specialist is my end goal. Is it required that you work for a specific number of years as a classroom teacher before transitioning in to the literacy specialist role? Also did you contemplate becoming a reading specialist at a different school from the one you taught at? I'm curious to know what your thought process was in choosing where to work as a reading specialist. Hope this made sense!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

So glad it was helpful! The requirements to be a literacy specialist really vary from district to district, school to school. I know some schools that require a Masters but not necessarily classroom experience. I know others that value classroom experience and will waive the Masters qualification. I suggest looking into some schools or districts where might be interested in teaching, and go from there :)

[@shirleys2889]

Me! Want to help my struggling readers as well.

[@shakeramarner3308]

liked that thanks

[@samirayancha1750]

Hello! I am still questioning if I want to become a literacy teacher. I am on my way to an elementary teacher/special ed elementary teacher as well. However, for my masters, i am interested in literacy as I love reading, I love kids, etc.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

It's such a great profession!

[@PeppyAnna]

Hi! I'm a current education major, and I was curious as to how many students you have at a time?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Anna! It really depends on the district/school and how they're utilizing their literacy specialists. There can be quite the range. Some see students 1:1 in their own space, whereas some literacy specialists go to the classrooms and support in a whole group setting.

[@Unniaamii]

Hi ma'am could you tell me what are the challenges faced by the reading coach

[@learningattheprimarypond]

There are a lot of pros to become a literacy specialist! There can be some set backs depending on what district/school you're at though. For instance, you might not have tons of time to meet with groups/individual students. Overall though, it's a wonderful profession!

[@Unniaamii]

@@learningattheprimarypond ma'am can you tell me some tips for my first reading coach class because I am new to this job Your tips may help me to perform well

[@boyohboy23]

Any tips for a high school Spanish teacher who is interested in becoming a reading specialist? Do you think it's possible even without experience working with younger students?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey there! My suggestion would be to spend a bit of time in some classrooms with younger students just to be 100% positive first that this is the age range you're interested in! It's definitely possible to make that switch though.

[@catpaw5848]

I'm also considering being a reading specialist to be able to give more individualized attention to students. Is there a reason you didn't pursue being a professor/researcher? As a literacy specialist do you focus more on phonology/pronunciation or comprehension/understanding? Or is it about equal? Tysm!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

I wanted to still work closely with teachers and their students which is why I didn't go the professor route! I still get to do tons of research in my current role :) I tend to focus on phonics most but it's ALL important!

[@michelepayne3832]

Hi I came across this video, it's inspirational! I am in the process to become a reading specialist. I am unsure , a bit scared and ignorant to my first step. We don't officially have Literacy Specialist in our education system. Our principals may assign a teacher to this area; this is usually challenging and often fails to function after a while. I am teacher trained (elementary), have a B.A in Literatures of English and a master in Language and Literacy Education. I am also a trained TESOL with the American TESOL Institute. I welcome feedback and ideas!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Michele! It can often take a school/district a few years to actually adopt a position like this because of the funding needed. You could definitely start having conversations with administration about why you think this position would be beneficial and see if they're willing to put together a short term plan for you to maybe do this while teaching at first and then eventually as a full time position!

[@michelepayne3832]

@@learningattheprimarypond thanks for the advice! Keep up the good work!

[@AimeeFay]

Hi, Allison. I am fascinated by this video! Thank you! My first master's degree is an MSOT. I am an occupational therapist in Washington state. I came to a small town in Arizona near the border to get married (long story). I have been working at the high school, since there are no therapy jobs nearby. I realize that occupational therapy has a definite relationship to being a literacy specialist. I am currently in a second online master's program for special education. I am feeling super attracted to becoming a literary specialist. I have two questions: Do you have to have a master's specifically in literacy? and Do you know of anyone who works with high school students (ELL and/or learning disorders) and reading?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

So glad you enjoyed the video! The topic definitely "hits home" for a lot of people. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] and we can chat more!

[@ginakruaprasert2727]

I need a career change. I’m currently a sped teacher and thinking about becoming a reading specialist. I just can’t find it in my heart to leave my job. Please help!!!!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Gina! Yes, there is such an emotional pull that goes into any educational profession! I encourage you to talk with (and maybe even shadow) a reading specialist for a day to see if this is something you'd like. It's also so incredibly important to be at a school that's supportive, no matter which field!

[@sls554]

Me, how are the courses helping with the reading state state examination. Does literacy help student learn how to find the main idea of a story?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey! Would love to hear a bit more about what you're asking. Phonics and fluency have been shown to lead to better comprehension, including finding main idea.

[@sls554]

@@learningattheprimarypond okay so literacy helps for better comprehension , fluency, and phonics. Some states require schools to take the reading exam for students so will literacy help with students in public school to pass state examine. Also, does literacy help students to identify the main idea in a story.

[@lauragriffin5626]

Hi! I'm a classroom teacher that is interviewing for reading specialist positions right now! I'm excited but nervous to answer questions about a job I've never done. Any interview tips or help? Thanks, Laura Griffin

[@learningattheprimarypond]

I recommend finding out which curriculum/resources the reading specialists use at the place you're interviewing! Take a look at those materials so that you're well versed. Also, if you know of any teachers who work there, it may help to talk with them about some of the issues they're seeing so that you can speak about how you'd support the teachers :) Good luck!!

[@Bree628]

How do language skills affect the students performance in class?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Good question! It really depends. Some are still able to pick up phonological awareness skills. However, for others, if they aren't hearing words correctly spoken for example, they won't be able to segment them, which in turn means they will have trouble encoding in the future.

[@tball7496]

I currently have two options & they are, I can take 3 courses that would end in me having a reading endorsement or I can take the test & become exempt from the courses. My question is if I go through the take the test route, is there a way I can get the resources to self learn & help me become a efficient reading specialist in the future?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey there! I would think that you could still buy the books for the courses to read up on info! There's also tons of information online, of course. It helps to stick with books that are designated for courses though just so you know it's reliable!

[@MikandaMaboto]

Me

[@janeepowell4217]

me!

[@fwalker9274]

I have an interview tomorrow 🙏🏾 I have 10 years experience in upper elementary and middle school English, but I'm ready to make the transition. Any interview advice?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Ahh good luck!! I probably am too late in responding, but just review your resume before you go. Sometimes when you're nervous it's easy to forget all the relevant experience you have. I hope it went well!

[@lalaineeman7566]

Hello, thank you so much for sharing your journey. What undergraduate degree must someone have to enroll in this Masters (Reading Specialist)? Thank you

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Great question! It really depends on the program. Many want you to have an undergraduate degree in education or literacy or some related field. But you may find some programs with more flexibility!

[@stacygrubbs1948]

Me!

[@nadaali7388]

Does my native language have to be English in order to become a reading specialist?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Definitely not!

[@shayscott7464]

Me! I have a Bachelor's in Journalism and currently work in an intermediate school. What would I have to do to become a Reading Specialist?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Shay! It definitely depends on individual districts. I've seen some networks/districts that don't require any special degree. They more so want you to have extra professional development and classroom experience. But then other districts require a Masters for the profession.

[@KayGeanna]

Hello ! I'm currently enrolled in a Masters program, Secondary Education with content in English, but I have been researching about Reading teachers. I'm not sure about ELA anymore, but I do desire to help students gain literacy. Do reading teachers choose their content area as Reading? English Language Arts ? Or Literacy? (does it make a difference?) I would truly appreciate your response! Thank you!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hi there! It really just depends on the school. Most schools follow standards given to them by the state and then some schools have curriculums they follow that match those standards to ensure all the content is being taught! I hope this helps! :)

[@sls554]

Ok

[@alexsena937]

Hi

[@faitholiver263]

How do you become a literacy specialist?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey! I actually have a free resource called "A to Z Guide to Becoming a Reading Specialist" that you can grab here - proud-night-1304.ck.page/c6350dfb07

[@portiawebb533]

me

[@carolinedriscoll7]

Me!

[@wendynelson2605]

me

[@javainmorrissey1771]

Me!

[@rosainostrosa1838]

Me!