Becoming a Reading Specialist: Job Description & Salary Info

About this article
Learn about a reading specialist's job duties, salary and education requirements. Get straight talk about the pros and cons of a career in this field.
  • Pros & Cons
  • Career Info
  • Requirements
  • Standing Out
  • Alternative Careers

Reading Specialist Careers: Pros and Cons

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As a specifically trained type of teacher, reading specialists have the opportunity to improve students' reading comprehension and literacy levels. Employment opportunities are available at schools, adult learning centers and clinics. However, to enter this line of work, you usually must earn a master's degree, as well as certification or licensure. Read about the pros and cons of this job, so you can make an informed career decision.

Pros of a Reading Specialist Career
Can help reduce illiteracy among children and adults*
Can work at many locations (public and private schools, clinics, tutoring centers, prisons)*
May work with many different educational levels (elementary, middle and high school, as well as adult learning)*
Possibility of summers off**

Cons of a Reading Specialist Career
Must have at least a master's degree*
Might need prior teaching experience*
Certification or licensure is required in most states*
Patience is necessary when working with struggling students**

Sources: *International Reading Association, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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  • Pros & Cons
  • Career Info
  • Requirements
  • Standing Out
  • Alternative Careers

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Quantitative Research
      • Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning
    Master's
      • M.A. in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
      • M.A. in English with an Emphasis in Education
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (NITL)
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
      • BS in Early Childhood
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian Education
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.S. in Health Education
      • Master: Education (for Practicing Teachers: K-12)
      • Master: Higher Education - Online College Teaching
      • Master: Higher Education - College Teaching/Learning
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
  • Campus and Online Programs
    3. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
  • Online Programs Available
    4. National University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
      • Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
      • EdD - Curriculum and Teaching
      • EdD - General Education
      • EdD - Learning Analytics in Higher Education
      • EdD - Learning Analytics in K-12 Education
    Master's
      • MEd - Curriculum and Teaching
      • MEd - General Education
      • MEd - Reading Education
      • MEd - Early Childhood Education
    Certificate
      • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching
      • EdS - General Education
      • EdS - Early Childhood Education
  • Online Programs Available
    5. Colorado Christian University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Curriculum and Instruction, M.A. - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
    Bachelor's
      • Elementary Education (Non-Licensure), B.A.
      • Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure), B.A.
  • Online Programs Available
    6. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MED: Reading Specialist Endorsement
      • MA: Music Education: Music Studies
      • MAT: English Education 6-12 (36 Hours)
      • MAT: English Education 6-12 (45 Hours)
      • MAT: Middle Education English (36 Hours)
      • MAT: Middle Education English (45 Hours)
  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.A. in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • M.S. in Health Education
  • Master: Education (for Practicing Teachers: K-12)
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration

Which subject are you interested in?

The Chicago School

  • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

What is your highest level of education completed?

National University

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • MEd - Curriculum and Teaching
  • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching

What is your highest level of education?

Colorado Christian University

  • Curriculum and Instruction, M.A. - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
  • Elementary Education (Non-Licensure), B.A.
  • Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure), B.A.

What is your highest level of education completed?

Liberty University

  • MED: Reading Specialist Endorsement
  • MA: Music Education: Music Studies
  • MAT: English Education 6-12 (36 Hours)

What is your highest level of education?