Reading Programs

° Reading Credential
° Master of Arts in Reading

Notre Dame de Namur University has long been recognized for the excellence of our programs in education. Presently NDNU offers five credentials, two certificates and seven master's degrees within the School of Education and Leadership. Many of our alumni are active teachers and administrators in San Mateo County and throughout the Peninsula. Personalized attention and individualized counseling for students, field orientation of programs, and successful placement of credential graduates have characterized the teacher education program since its inception in 1953. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has established credential reciprocity with most states. In 1999, the Education Department received the Smithsonian Award for innovation in technology.

NDNU’s Reading Programs

Success in reading is one of the most critical goals of students and their teachers. Many teachers, at all levels from elementary through community colleges, would like additional information and skill development in literacy instruction. Each NDNU reading program grounds students in foundational theory and practice and invites them to envision new possibilities (e.g., regarding assessment, equity, and technology). Personalized learning and mentoring ensure that students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to move classrooms, schools, and communities from "what is" to "what could be."

Notre Dame de Namur University's programs are designed to meet such needs, and offer two options for students interested in literacy instruction:

The Reading Credential Program (30 units) provides additional instruction, including program management and interface with Special Education. Successful candidates can receive the Specialist Credential: Reading, which authorizes instruction and program development at the classroom, school, district, or county level. This program involves five additional courses (15 units) beyond the certificate coursework; the reading certificate programs are prerequisites for the additional credential coursework.

The Master of Arts in Reading (33 units) adds one capstone course, Educational Research, to the Reading Credential for a non-thesis, portfolio master's degree.

Teaching Requirement

Prospective candidates with a regular Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education teaching credential may apply for the Reading Certificate or Credential program. They may be taking courses but must have completed three years of successful teaching before the Reading Certificate or Credential is awarded; internships do not count toward the three year requirement.

Curriculum: Reading Credential (30 units)

• Courses completed for the Reading Certificate
• Technology and Special Education
• Counseling in Special Education
• Current Issues in Literacy: Research and Practice
• Program Development and Inservice Leadership in Literacy Education
• Clinical Applications III: Advanced

Curriculum: Master of Arts (MA) in Reading (33 units)

• Courses completed for the Reading Credential
• Educational Research Capstone

Full course and program descriptions are available in the NDNU General Catalog.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Faculty

Mary Buckman, MA, San Francisco State University; Lecturer

Peggy Koshland-Crane, Ed.D., niversity of San Francisco; Lecturer

Shadrack Msengi, Ed. D., University of Northern Iowa, Assistant Professor

Rossi, Joanne, Ed.D., George Washington University ;Associate Professor of Education and Dean, School of Education and Leadership

NDNU’s School of Education and Leadership

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted university offering four bachelor degrees and over 15 graduate degrees and certificates. The School of Education and Leadership, under the direction of the Dean, Dr. Joanne Rossi, offers bachelor's degrees in liberal studies and human services in addition to education credentials, certificates, and master's degrees. The credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The program was reaccredited in 1998.

Contact:

Dr. Shadrack Msengi, Program Director
(650) 508-4154, smsengi@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions
Ralston Hall
Tel: (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: grad.admit@ndnu.edu
M – Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.