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Reading Endorsements

Drake offers reading endorsements at the elementary and secondary level, as well as a professional strand option. Courses are offered on weekends and evenings to accommodate the practicing professional.  Some reading endorsement courses are offered online, and day courses are offered on campus during the regular academic year as well as the summer months.

Programs that pair with this Endorsement

The Reading Endorsement is available in combination with the following degree programs:

Coursework

There are a required set of courses that all students pursuing a reading endorsement must take in order for Drake University to recommend a student to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). Each potential student comes with a unique history of undergraduate and graduate coursework. Students may fulfill some required reading coursework with courses previously taken. Each case is different and therefore, an individual transcript review must be completed.

Send an electronic copy of all transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) with this Transcript Review Request Form to have them reviewed.  All transcript pages should be uploaded as a single document.  

After transcripts have been reviewed, students will receive a letter listing which courses Drake would require. Most students need 4-6 courses to complete the endorsement.

Reading Specialist

The reading specialist endorsement is made up of seven courses, all available online. This endorsement is designed for classroom teachers with a passion for literacy instruction or a desire for leadership opportunities in this field. The Reading Specialist provides students great flexibility. All of these courses are available online so you can take classes when they fit your schedule. If you prefer face-to-face instruction, these courses are offered on the weekend to accommodate your work schedule.

The curriculum for the reading specialist endorsement provides exceptional breadth and depth into the field of literacy including:
  • Implementing effective models for instruction
  • Understanding data driven assessment
  • Learning historic foundation as well as current theories of reading and writing research
  • Leading school change

  • EDUC 260: Designing and Implementing Professional Learning in Literacy
  • EDUC 280: Case Studies in Literacy Education
  • EDUC 281: Writing Research & Theory
  • EDUC 285: Research-Based Effective Literacy Models
  • EDUC 287: Reading Research & Theory
  • EDUC 288: Leading and Coaching Data Analysis to Inform Literacy Instructional Practices
  • EDUC 289: Managing School-Wide Change through Literacy Coaching

Ready to Apply?

  • Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis; therefore, it is requested that all materials be submitted approximately 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the intended start-term.
  • Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers. 
  • In order to begin the application process, please select the apply link below. This link will provide you application requirements. Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.

Apply Now

Questions about this Endorsement?

For K-8 Reading Endorsement

DeDe Small, PhD
Professor of Literacy Education
dede.small@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, x3059
515-271-3059

For 5-12 Reading Endorsement

Lindsay Woodward, PhD
Assistant Professor of Secondary Literacy Education
lindsay.woodward@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, x3006
515-271-3006

For Reading Specialist Endorsement

Lindsay Woodward, PhD
Assistant Professor of Secondary Literacy Education
lindsay.woodward@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, x3006
515-271-3006