Best Reading Teacher Education Programs

Reading forms the foundation for student success in school. Yet, many students continue to struggle.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 65% of fourth-grade students scored below the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) proficient level in reading achievement. The NAEP proficient level indicates the student has shown solid academic performance and demonstrated competency with challenging subject matter.

Teachers across the country are working to overcome students’ learning loss due to disruptions to their education and school schedules caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states have focused on the need to help students read at their grade level.

A bachelor’s in reading teacher education program can equip aspiring teachers with the skills necessary to help students overcome reading challenges and learn to love reading.

Earning a bachelor’s in reading teacher education requires about four years of study, including a student teaching experience in a classroom. Some schools may offer online course options, though most programs do require in-person attendance.

Reading education programs allow aspiring teachers to study childhood development, instructional best practices, and literacy. Curriculum includes opportunities to observe teachers, plan engaging lessons, and instruct students.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers from 2020-2030, with about 124,300 job openings, on average, each year. These teachers earned a median annual salary of $61,350, as of May 2021.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Earning a bachelor’s in reading teacher education can prepare you to support student literacy. Specialized training helps these educators identify learning challenges and develop specialized lesson plans to help students succeed. According to the BLS, kindergarten and elementary school teachers reported a median salary of $61,350, as of May 2021.

Every school subject relies on a student’s ability to read and comprehend information. Students who have not mastered reading skills can also fall behind in other subjects. Reading teachers can focus on early childhood literacy or help older students struggling with reading gain the skills they need across their classes.

Earning a bachelor’s in reading teacher education can prepare teachers to work as elementary school teachers or reading teachers. The curriculum also prepares graduates to work as reading resource specialists or school interventionists, working with small groups of students on critical literacy skills.

Many teachers continue their education with a master’s degree in reading or curriculum and instruction. These educators can take on leadership positions within their schools. Many school systems employ instructional coaches who help teachers implement new curricula or instructional materials.

Some reading teachers also work with textbook publishers or educational technology companies that serve thousands of students with high-quality instructional tools.

The BLS projects about 124,300 job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, on average, each year from 2020-2030. Multiple states report a shortage of reading teachers and reading resource specialists, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s teacher shortage area report for 2021-2022, including Michigan and Washington.

Many states have focused their attention on literacy, particularly in younger grades. Nationally, 65% of fourth graders were considered “basic” or “below basic” on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2019.

Many teachers have worked to help students catch up following widespread school closures during the pandemic. Still, a 2021 Stanford study found reading gains were lagging about 30% behind a typical school year.

Teacher pay varies significantly from place to place and by years of experience and education.

The BLS reports a median annual kindergarten and elementary school teacher salary of $61,350. However, top-earning teachers earn salaries upwards of $98,440, while the lowest-earning teachers were paid less than $38,390.

New York reported the highest average annual pay for elementary school teachers, $87,700, followed by California, which paid an average of $86,470. Local government offered the highest annual salary for elementary school teachers, $84,590.

Teaching offers the highest pay for graduates with a bachelor’s in reading teacher education, with a median elementary school teacher salary of $61,350, as of May 2021.

Many teachers decide to pursue a master’s degree in education so they can take on leadership positions. These roles often offer higher wages to accompany the expanded responsibilities.

Instructional coordinators, who typically need a master’s degree, earn a median annual salary of $63,740, as of May 2021, according to the BLS. They help develop and select instructional materials and implement them in classrooms.

School principals, who also usually earn a master’s degree, oversee all operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. They earn a median annual salary of $98,420.

Feature Image: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images