2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Graduate Certificate in Developing Literacy Expertise through Responsive Classroom Teaching (K-8) 18 credits

Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership


Deepen your impact in the classroom with a graduate certificate designed to strengthen literacy instruction across grades K–8. Developed by the Lesley University Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership, this program blends social-constructivist and dialogic teaching with the latest evidence from reading science.

You’ll build expertise in responsive, research-based practices for teaching reading, writing, language, and foundational skills —including support for multilingual learners. Learn to plan and deliver effective whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction, using ongoing assessment to inform every decision.

Program Highlights
• Practical, classroom-embedded coursework
• Emphasis on systematic assessment and responsive instruction
• Designed for teachers currently working with students (in a classroom or other setting)
• Option to transfer up to three credits toward the certificate

Prerequisite: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.

Program of Study

Required Courses (18 credits):

EEDUC 6165Linking Assessment to Teaching: Reading, Writing, and Word Study (K-8)

3

EEDUC 6169Thinking, Talking, and Writing about Texts (K-8)

3

EEDUC 6039Phonics, Vocabulary, Spelling and Word Study in Grades K-8

3

EEDUC 6045Guided Reading: Differentiating Literacy Instruction (K-8)

3

EEDUC 6168Intentional Teaching in a Readers' Workshop (K-8)

3

EEDUC 6176Intentional Teaching in a Writers' Workshop (K-8)

3