Master of Arts in Teaching Reading (MATR) with Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
The Master of Arts in Teaching Reading (MATR) program prepares K-12 educators as reading professionals who provide expert literacy instruction in their own classrooms, work as reading tutors and literacy support providers, serve as school literacy coaches, and contribute to the larger debate on literacy policy as engaged scholars.
The need for teachers with advanced preparation in teaching reading is more important than ever as we work to ensure K-12 students have access to high quality literacy instruction that embraces their cultural and linguistic assets and responds to the needs of students experiencing dyslexia. Envisioning “literacy as a site of belonging” (Souto-Manning, Ghim & Madu, 2021), these throughlines guide our the content of our courses:
- Meaning at the center of literacy
- Affirming students as individuals and members of cultural and linguistic communities
- An ongoing conversation about the what and the why of teaching reading
The 11 units of coursework for the MATR degree include courses that meet the requirements for the CA Reading and Literacy Authorization (RLAA). After 3 years of classroom teaching, our graduates are eligible to be recommended for this added authorization to their CA teaching credential.
MATR Specific Courses
TEC 665 Fluency and Comprehension for Diverse Language Learners (3 units, Summer only)
This is the first course in the MATR course sequence. Candidates will review current research theories and evidence-based practices in literacy instruction for grades K-8, with a focus on linguistically diverse students. They will develop skills to support reading fluency and comprehension of linguistically diverse students as well as how to support students in their development of content specific literacies.
TEC 661 Reading Assessment and Intervention (3 units, Fall only)
This course provides opportunities for each MATR candidate to participate in the on-going assessment and evaluation of students’ reading and writing, including speakers of English and English language learners. Students will study research-based intervention models and develop skills and strategies to identify and assist readers at early and intermediate reading levels.
TEC 662 Reading Tutoring Practicum - Primary Level (1 unit, Fall only)
TEC 663 Reading Tutoring Practicum - Grades 4 - 8 (1 unit, Spring only)
These courses provide supervised field experience that enables MATR students to integrate reading theory and practice regarding assessment and intervention strategies for early and intermediate readers. The course requires tutoring fieldwork during the academic year.
TEC 672 Reading Research and Practice (3 units, Spring only)
In the final course of the MATR course sequence, candidates review current evidence-based practices in literacy instruction for K-8 students and apply findings to a classroom practicum where they design innovative instruction to accelerate reading development and a community-based practicum where they collaborate with community partners to plan and present literacy events based on community-identified interests.
Additional Information
For more information, contact Dr. Helen Maniates.
MATR FAQs
The coursework takes 3 semesters – summer, fall, and spring. Courses must be taken in sequence. You can skip a semester but you have to wait until the following year to restart.
You will have a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading (MATR) at graduation and you are eligible for a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) on your teaching credential when you have completed 3 years as teacher of record. (See below).
NO. If you select MATR as your master’s program, you only take the MATR courses. Instead of the MAT courses (TEC 673 and TEC 674), you take 14 units in reading coursework.
MATR reading coursework begins each summer with one course at the end of May-mid June on main campus only (Hilltop).
Multiple subjects candidates must have completed TEC 621 Early Literacy and TEC 612 Reading Language Arts.
Single subject candidates must have completed TEC 622 Academic Literacy and TEC 625 Teaching Adolescents.
Already credentialed teachers must have completed equivalent courses at their university.
When you have completed 3 years as teacher of record, contact the USF credential analyst to nominate you to the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the added authorization.
YES. JESD is your credential program. MATR is a master’s degree program. You would change your master’s option from MAT to MATR and take the MATR coursework instead of TEC 673 and 674.
YES. You would continue with your MAT in UESJ. You would take the 14 units in reading coursework. When completed, you will have your Master of Arts in Teaching: Urban Education and Social Justice and eligible for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (See #6).
YES. You can always apply and return. You’d already have your master’s degree so you would just take the 11 units in reading for the added authorization to your credential.
Submit the “Change of Program” form (available in ED 205) with your advisor’s signature.