Teacher Education Department
Reading Licensure Program (K-12)

We are the first and the largest reading license program in the state, and the only one to offer every course every semester both online and on-campus.

Hamline's K-12 Reading License prepares teachers to foster growth, development, and success for all learners. The six course program helps teachers get to the heart of what effective reading instruction is all about. With a variety of strategies in K-12 student assessment, evaluation and instruction, the program supports a practical, research-based approach to teaching reading. 

The licensed reading teacher will be authorized to teach reading skills, strategies, and comprehension to kindergarten through grade 12 students, and to provide assistance to teachers who have responsibility for providing reading instruction.

Flexibility

Hamline has been offering K-12 reading licensure courses online since 2004. We know how to provide a rigorous, intensive education though an online format. Our 24-7 tech support ensures that your experience is seamless and that you get help whenever you need it.

Trying to decide between online and on-campus? At Hamline you don’t have to commit to one format. You can switch back and forth anytime. Some students opt to take classes on campus during the school year and then take their summer courses online so they can have the flexibility to travel or spend time at the cabin.

Courses

View a list of required courses.

Reading license courses are offered on Hamline’s Saint Paul campus and at numerous off-campus locations. All six courses required for the K-12 Reading License are also offered online every term. 

Admission

Anyone with an initial teaching license from any state or country and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 can be admitted in the K-12 Reading License program. A Minnesota teaching license is required for acquiring this additional license.

Apply

Faculty

If you want to learn with the leading literacy experts in Minnesota, then Hamline’s program is right for you. Our experienced faculty are immersed in the field of literacy, are active in literacy organizations, are published authors, and serve as literacy leaders within school districts.


Reading Licensure Staff Advisor: Julie Doyle (contact with general inquires, questions about course scheduling/registration, and to set up initial-advising appointments)

Faculty Program Coordinator: Teresa Christenson, Ph.D. (contact with feedback or questions about the program)

Department Chair: Rachel Endo, Ph.D.

Field experience requirement

Thirty-five (35) hours of participation in reading-related instruction is required. To fulfill this requirement, field experiences occur at four different points in the six course sequence. A field experience must be completed at each of the three levels: elementary, middle, and high school. Part of the experience can be completed in the student's own educational setting. More 

Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE)

Beginning September 2010, the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) will be the statewide uniform means of assessing the subject-area knowledge of Minnesota's Reading Teacher candidates. All candidates for the K-12 Reading License will be required to pass the MTLE Reading Teacher test. 

For more information, go to www.mtle.nesinc.com 

MTLE test preparation sessions

In addition to comprehensive rigorous coursework, Hamline also offers test preparation sessions for the Minnesota Teaching License Exam (MTLE) in Reading. These intensive preparatory sessions help ensure that our students are successful in obtaining their reading license. This optional session is only available for Hamline students and costs $30. Registration will be required at least one week in advance of the session.

CHANGES TO THE READING LICENSE PROGRAM

The Minnesota Board of Teaching adopted new licensure standards for the K-12 Reading License.

Timelines for students
New course descriptions