An M.Ed. in Literacy opens up a variety of possible occupations for graduates. Through an online M.Ed. – Literacy program like the one offered by Eastern Washington University, it’s possible to earn the M.Ed. in as few as 12 months.
Here are just a few of the opportunities available to graduates with an M.Ed. in Literacy. The following salary figures reflect U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024.
Classroom Teacher with Enhanced Skills in Literacy (median yearly salary: $62,310)
Reading is a vital skill, so well-prepared literacy educators will always be in demand. With an M.Ed. in Literacy, you will be qualified to work in private, public and charter schools and will likely start out at a higher rate of pay. Grade school classroom teachers generally focus on the basics of teaching children to read and write. At higher grade levels, reading, English and language arts classes help students improve comprehension of more complex literature and content area text.
Reading Specialist (average yearly salary: $61,174)
The primary focus of a reading specialist is to support students of any age who do not read at grade level. This could mean working in a one-on-one setting with a student, giving small group instruction, assisting the primary teacher with devising strategies to improve reading skills, or, in some cases, co-teaching readers who may need additional assistance. When a student’s reading skills threaten to affect their ability to keep up with their classmates — or they show signs of a learning disorder — reading specialists may be called in to help such students overcome whatever challenges they may be facing.
District Reading Curriculum Specialist (median yearly salary: $74,720)
While they share a common mission with reading specialists, the district reading curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator, typically works outside the classroom environment. Their focus is designing and implementing curriculum, training teachers, selecting textbooks or educational materials, establishing district standards and analyzing students’ test data. They often work one on one with teachers, as they mentor and coach educators to meet the needs of struggling readers.
Adult Literacy Teacher (median yearly salary: $59,950)
Adult literacy teachers must be both adaptable and creative as there is no “typical” student. At any given time, a class could include students of various ages or education levels, non-native English speakers and individuals dealing with challenges in their everyday lives.
Adult literacy teachers must think outside the classroom bubble, as their students may require help developing skills that will make them viable job candidates. Some adult literacy teachers also connect their students to community resources. Literacy educators may work with students in traditional classrooms, one-on-one settings, through community organizations or even at the community college level.
Start Your Career as a Literacy Educator
Graduates of the online Master of Education in Literacy from Eastern Washington University have a number of professional options to choose from. In their day-to-day efforts, these dedicated educators often propel their students to greater success, thus elevating the entire community. Whether supporting struggling readers in K–12 classrooms, leading district-wide curriculum initiatives, or teaching adults new skills, M.Ed. graduates are equipped to make a meaningful difference at every level.
The program’s flexible online format makes it possible to earn your degree while continuing to work in your current role. By completing the M.Ed. program in as few as 12 months, you could be embarking on your own career as a literacy educator.
Learn more about EWU’s online M.Ed. in Literacy program.
