Mercy University

Advanced Certificate Programs: Literacy

Advanced Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Birth–Grade 6

The 15-credit Advanced Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Birth–Grade 6, will permit qualified applicants, who have a master’s degree and hold a teaching certificate in another teaching area to earn initial or professional certification in Teaching Literacy, Birth–Grade 6. This certificate requires completion of the five courses listed below, completion of Content Specialty Test in Literacy, training for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), development of an e-portfolio project and completion of 50 hours of practical experience in EDUC 659.

NYSUT ELT Core Courses:
EDUC 561 Literacy Instruction for Students with Special Needs (3 Credits)
EDUC 590 The Teaching of Writing and the Writing Process (3 Credits)

Mercy Courses:

EDUC 522 Language Development and Literacy Acquisition
EDUC 617 Literacy Instruction, Birth–Grade 6
EDUC 659 Practicum in Literacy Assessment, Birth–Grade 12
(50 hours required)

*After completing NYSUT core course with a grade of B or above, students formally apply to Mercy University for matriculation in order to complete remaining requirements.

Advanced Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Grades 5–12

The 15-credit Advanced Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Grades 5–12 will permit qualified applicants, who have a master’s degree and hold a teaching certificate in another area to earn initial or professional certification in Teaching Literacy, Grades 5–12. This certificate requires completion of the five courses listed below, completion of Content Specialty Test in Literacy, training for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), development of an e-portfolio project and completion of 50 hours of practical experience in EDUC 659.

NYSUT ELT Core Courses:
EDUC 561 Literacy Instruction for Students with Special Needs (3 Credits)
EDUC 590 The Teaching of Writing and the Writing Process (3 Credits)

Mercy Courses:

EDUC 621 Literacy Instruction and Adolescent Literature, Grades 5–12
EDUC 643 Reading and Writing in the Content Area, Grades 5–12
EDUC 659 Practicum in Literacy Assessment, Birth–Grade 12
(50 hours required)

After completing NYSUT core course(s) with a grade of B or above, students formally apply to Mercy University for matriculation in order to complete remaining requirements.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Students are NOT eligible to register for a Mercy sponsored course through NYSUT ELT or UFT if:

• they have already completed 15 Mercy University credits through NYSUT ELT or UFT
• they are currently enrolled in a Mercy University degree or Advanced Certificate Program
• they are on a financial hold with Mercy University OR
• they were academically dismissed by Mercy University

ELT is not responsible for reimbursement of tuition for students who register for any Mercy courses if they meet any of the above criteria.

NYSUT ELT is an approved provider of DASA training. Please contact us for more information.

Be mindful: New York State regulation (effective Fall of 2016) requires that all graduate schools of education require a 3.0 GPA.