Otterbein’s Reading Endorsement comprises four nearly fully online courses, ideally sequenced to complete in two semesters (spring and summer).* The four courses provide online modules for flexible scheduling whereas the focus of the few face-to-face meetings is on what makes face-to-face learning irreplaceable — collaboration with other teachers and job-embedded application assignments. A unique summer reading clinic makes the two summer courses (and the state-required 50 hours of reading teaching) hands-on, so you immediately add value to your teaching with new techniques, expert coaching and mentorship, and opportunities to engage with the community and families. What you learn sticks and will change your teaching forever! You won’t have to worry about learning new skills and waiting until August to try them! You and your students will start the school year ready to go!

*provided you have met the state prerequisite course requirements. Contact Amy Featherstone, Graduate Education Advisor (afeatherstone@otterbein.edu), to determine which courses you need to complete the reading endorsement.

Applicants who are pursuing a Reading Endorsement and who meet Decision Point criteria will be admitted to enroll in up to 12 graduate semester hours required for completion of the Endorsement. These hours are concentrated in reading instruction.

A Reading Endorsement may be added at the graduate level only, to any valid Ohio Teaching Certificate/License. Candidates wishing to enroll in the Reading Endorsement program must have the following prerequisite course work:

• Early and Middle Childhood Educators must have 12 hours of reading course work, including one course in Phonics and one reading methods course.
• Adolescent/Young Adult and Multiage Educators must have a minimum of 9 hours of reading course work, including one course in Phonics and one reading methods course.
• Candidates wishing to pursue Reading Endorsement who do not have the pre-requisites outlined above must take at least one of the pre-requisite courses at the graduate level.

Refer to the Ohio Board of Regents Guidance Document (PDF) for specific state requirements for Reading Endorsement.

Otterbein Reading Endorsement and MAT Reading programs require a minimum of 50 clock hours of substantive field experience. These hours are distributed across the four required courses, culminating in two formally supervised, on-campus clinical practicum experiences in EDUC 6660 and 6670. Student performance in the field is formally evaluated by a university-appointed supervisor. Those applying for the Reading Endorsement must take the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) test for reading. Because of the sequential nature of the Reading Endorsement courses, the student should seek the advice of the Graduate Education Advisor in the Graduate School at the beginning of the Reading Endorsement program.