Add the Ohio Reading Endorsement
to your teaching credentials!
Support your students’ reading success while continuing to grow as an educator. Marietta College’s Reading Endorsement program is designed for practicing K–12 teachers who want practical, research‑based literacy strategies they can use right away in their classrooms.
Through a sequence of five graduate level courses (15 credit hours), you’ll build a deeper understanding of literacy development and qualify for the Ohio Reading Endorsement upon completion. Offered fully online with multiple start dates each year, the program is flexible, supportive, and aligned with the Science of Reading—making it easier to balance professional growth with your teaching responsibilities.
5 courses;
15 credit hours
3 starts
per year
Fully
Online
Complete in
1 year
Science of
Reading Aligned
$375/credit hour;
$1,125/course
Built on the Science of Reading
Strong reading skills are essential for student success—academically and beyond. Ohio’s focus on the Science of Reading reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every child learns to read effectively.
Informed teachers are our best insurance against reading failure. While programs are very helpful tools, programs don't teach; teachers do.
-- Louisa Moats
Marietta’s Reading Endorsement program is fully aligned with Ohio’s Science of Reading requirements. As you earn graduate credit toward your endorsement, the coursework you complete also satisfies Ohio’s required professional development in reading science—allowing you to meet state expectations while continuing to grow professionally.
The program is designed to ground educators in evidence-based language and literacy practices in an MTSS framework. It will help you to plan for literacy interventions while strengthening core instruction to prevent reading difficulties.
Dr. Michelle Elia is an assistant professor at Marietta College, teaching courses in the Reading Endorsement. A special educator at heart, Dr. Elia has served in diverse roles at the school, regional, and state levels, including serving as the Ohio Literacy Lead for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, where she supported literacy initiatives from pre-K through high school. She is a nationally recognized literacy consultant and professional learning provider, partnering with schools and organizations across the country to build educators’ capacity in assessment, intervention, and data-based decision making within an MTSS framework. Dr. Elia currently serves as President of The Reading League Ohio, where she leads efforts to advance evidence-aligned literacy practices statewide and contributes to the broader national movement for reading reform.
Dr. Carolyn Turner is the Ohio Literacy Lead with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. She works with local, regional, and state-level instructional leaders to build their capacity to implement evidence-based reading instruction within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. Carolyn is a Dyslexia Interventionist and received her doctorate in Reading Science from Mount St. Joseph. She has extensive knowledge of the evidence base for teaching reading and advocates for instructional approaches grounded in reading science. She ensures that all instructional leaders have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement and sustain practice changes that improve instruction and ensure successful reading achievement for all learners.
Flexible Online Learning—With Real Connection
Courses are offered in an 8‑week online format to fit the schedules of busy educators. While coursework is asynchronous, students also have the option to join weekly live virtual sessions with faculty and classmates.
These optional 30–40 minute meetings give you time to:
- Ask questions and talk through course content
- See instructional strategies modeled
- Learn alongside other practicing educators
The conversations and examples from these sessions can also be used to support your discussion work, helping bridge theory and classroom practice.
Start When It Works for You
With three start dates each year, you can begin the program at a time that fits your school and personal schedule—and finish in under one year.
Apply now for the June 1, 2026 start!
You may also be eligible to earn Graduate Credit for Prior Learning based on certain professional development you’ve already completed—helping you move through the program more efficiently.
Course sequencing is flexible, with the exception of the practicum (EDUC 625), which is completed at the end of the program.
Reading Endorsement Coursework
- EDUC 621 – Literacy Foundations
Build a strong foundation for instructional decision‑making using evidence‑based literacy practices.
- EDUC 622 – Phonics & Linguistics
Explore explicit, systematic instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness and how it supports early and struggling readers.
- EDUC 623 – Vocabulary and Comprehension
Learn practical strategies to help students engage meaningfully with texts across content areas.
- EDUC 624 – Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
Develop skills in assessing reading performance, identifying areas of need, and planning targeted instruction.
- EDUC 625 – Reading Endorsement Practicum
Apply your learning through in‑depth assessment, analysis, and instructional planning to support student growth.
Credit for Prior Learning
Now, you can earn Marietta College graduate credit for prior completion of Ohio Department of Education Workforce approved professional learning:
- LETRS
- Top Ten Tools
- Keys to Literacy
To qualify for earned graduate credit, you must apply for prior learning credit and meet the professional learning requirements listed for each course. Each course earns 3 graduate hours of transcript credit.
To earn credit for any of the graduate courses listed below, you must meet specific criteria that align with the graduate course for which you wish to earn prior learning credit. The evidence required to qualify for prior learning credit are listed with each course.
EDUC 621, Literacy Foundations (choose one option)
- Complete LETRS Units 1 & 2, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face to face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
- Complete the Top Ten Tools online course, then submit an the certificates for the completed online modules for all 10 tools. OR
- Complete the Keys to Beginning Literacy online course, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules.
EDUC 622, Phonics & Linguistics
- Complete LETRS Units 3 & 4, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.”
- Complete LETRS Units 3 & 4, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.”
- EDUC 623, Vocabulary and Comprehension (choose one option)
- Complete LETRS Units 5, 6, and 7, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
- Complete The Writing Revolution online training. Then, complete a book study of The Reading Comprehension Blueprint and an Explicit Instruction in Vocabulary activity.
- Complete LETRS Units 5, 6, and 7, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
Apply for prior learning graduate credit in the Science of Reading
- Complete the Graduate Studies Registration Form. Only one form is needed even if you are seeking graduate credit for prior learning multiple courses.
- Submit the application and digital documentation showing completion of professional learning requirements for the registered course(s) --as listed above-- to reading@marietta.edu.
Upon review and approval of the documentation submitted, a payment link will be provided to you via email.*
- Make a payment of $1,125 per course* ($375/credit hour)
- After payment is received, you will be provided with access to an electronic copy of your transcript showing credit for the course(s).
Just the beginning!
Watch for additional graduate opportunities for educators, coming soon!
• Transcripts
• Proof of licensure
• Proof of professional development completion, if registering for Credit for Prior Learning
PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:
Curriculum
• Required Courses (15 credits): EDUC 621, EDUC 622, EDUC 623, EDUC 624, EDUC 625
Students in this program will:
* Improve educator knowledge of Reading Science to better serve PreK – 12 students (Activities / Practice Exercises, Guided Notes for Language at the Speed of Sight).
*Provide opportunities for critical analysis and synthesis of educational research to make important educational decisions (Guided Notes assignment for Reader Come Home).
*Curate depth of content knowledge in language and reading development, theory, and the essential components of reading and writing instruction from PreK through grade 12 (Reading Brain Presentation).
