Literacy Education for a Changing World

Binghamton University is consistently ranked among the top 50 best public colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. As a premier university in the northeast, Binghamton is renowned for its academic excellence, research and value. Students from over 100 countries choose Binghamton because they know it’s one of the few American universities that emphasize meaningful cultural and intellectual exchange. 

Binghamton University is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and is located in the Southern Tier of upstate New York. The campus is situated on 930 acres of land, and is conveniently just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Literacy Education (MSED)

The Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers a rigorous advanced certification literacy program that culminates in a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree. This program provides broad academic study and supervised field experiences in literacy education for certified teachers who are prepared to assume leadership roles as competent and qualified literacy instructors, specialists and consultants. We offer literacy education degrees in: birth–grade 6, birth–grade 12, and grades 5–12. 

The program follows the International Reading Association's Guidelines for the Specialized Preparation of Reading Professionals and guidelines established by the New York State Commissioner of Education. Integrally woven into the program are understandings of critical literacy, multiculturalism and diversity in relation to race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language, socio-economic background, learning style and ability. 

Degrees Offered 

¬ MSED in Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 12) 

¬ MSED in Literacy Education (Birth - Grade 6) 

¬ MSED in Literacy Education (Grades 5-12) 

Student teaching 

Throughout their preparation, teacher candidates must complete classroom-based field experiences. These field experiences provide students with opportunities to apply instructional and leadership techniques learned in coursework in a classroom, school, or community setting. 

The field experience office coordinates these opportunities. Staff members collaborate with local school and community partners to identify meaningful and relevant placements with exceptional mentor teachers, allowing teacher candidates to gain diverse learning experiences in multiple settings. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity where student teaching opportunities are available 

After You Graduate 

The completion of this degree and other requirements leads to a New York State certification as a literacy teacher. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools both in our region and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states. 

Substitutes with a Purpose (SWAP) Program 

This unique opportunity allows students to complete necessary fieldwork requirements while receiving compensation to substitute teach. Through this program, students will establish connections and relationships with local school districts, gain experience by providing instruction, and manage the learning environment.

Alumni Highlights

Gavin Boehm, a TLEL MAT English alumnus and Union-Endicott teacher, was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Achievement Award in Writing Advisory Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Read about his exciting accomplishment here. 

Rachel Murat, a TLEL MAT Social Studies alumna and Maine-Endwell teacher, was named the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year. Read about her story here.

Financing your education

Graduate students at Binghamton University obtain financial support from a variety of sources, including loans, grants, assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, research and travel funding, Federal Work Study, and part-time employment. Many students seek out graduate assistantships, which allow students to earn stipends while gaining professional experience in an on-campus office or department. Learn more> 

Email address 

tlel@binghamton.edu 

Request information 

Mailing address 

Matthew McConn, Chair Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership Academic B, Room 133 Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway Vestal, NY 13850