While America’s school system as a whole is facing a variety challenges — overcrowded classrooms, school violence, lack of food security, budget cuts — the state of West Virginia is particularly challenged in very specific ways: The U.S. Department of Education list shows teacher shortages in schools in 32 West Virginia counties, including Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Randolph counties.
In light of West Virginia’s teacher shortage, the state is very much in need of qualified, intelligent, and empathetic educators who can teach life-changing skills to students of all ages. We had the opportunity to talk with one educator who pursued the Master of Arts in Literacy Education and the respected Reading Specialist Certification at West Virginia University. Here's what she had to say about her experience in WVU's program and how she believes obtaining this degree and certification has made her a better teacher.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Eva Warner and I am 41 years old. I live in the little town of Madison, which is located in southern West Virginia.
I graduated from West Virginia University in December of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, in Early Childhood Development and Family Studies. Through this degree, I was able to take the Praxis test, which certified me to teach preschool in the public education setting.
Are you currently working in an educational setting?
I am working as a preschool teacher at Ramage Elementary school, located in Boone County WV.
This is my 9th year at Ramage, and in addition to teaching preschool, I am the Faculty Senate President and on my schools leadership team. I am also in the English Cadre for our county.
Tell me about your experience in WVU’s Literacy Education graduate program?
My journey with the LE program actually began with a postcard I received with information on how to apply for Dr. Swan Dagen and Morewood's grant program, funded by the Benedum Foundation that would help preschool teachers obtain National Board Certification in Literacy.
I applied and completed this course of study, which then led to me enrolling in the Literacy Education program. I have always loved reading and enjoy sharing that love of reading with others, so earning a Reading Specialist Certification was a natural direction for me to pursue.
List 3 practical ways that WVU’s LE program prepared you to impact real, tangible change as a reading specialist.
One: One way the LE program prepared me as a reading specialist was by providing real hands-on opportunities to work with students and then receive feedback on my work. During this program, I learned about different assessments and how to interpret the data gained. I then used that data to create and implement lessons and activities to help the students in a small group setting. Once a week, I was able to show these lessons to my professor and peers and receive feedback and new strategies on how to improve my plans and presentation of the activities. For me, this feedback was so positive and reassuring and really helped me feel confident enough to help my students.
Two: Another way the LE program prepared me as a reading specialist was by providing valuable resources that I could use in my future endeavors. Through the textbooks, articles, and interactions with my fellow students, I was able to build a library of resources that help me plan lessons for struggling readers as well as advanced readers.
Three: This program also prepares you to become a literacy leader and work with your peers and administrators. Implementing change within an already established program can be difficult, but this program provides you with information and hands-on experiences to help you plan professional developments or present new programs and ideas so that others feel empowered and not threatened by what you are offering.
Working with adults can sometimes be intimidating, but the information and experience gained through this program helped to build my confidence and gave me the tools needed to positively interact with my co-workers and administrators.
Tell me about one experience with a professor in the LE program that really impacted your experience at WVU in a positive way.
This is hard as I enjoyed all my experiences with my professors in the LE program. If I had to pick one, I would say my favorite was getting to meet live on line with Dr. Moorewood and my fellow students. These interactions were always so positive and informative. I always came away excited about what I had accomplished, and I also had incredible new ideas to help enhance my future group activities.
What advice would you give to an aspiring LE student hoping to get a Reading Specialist Certification?
What are you waiting for! It is sometimes scary to take a leap into something unknown, but this program provides so many valuable connections and resources that it is worth it to complete this program. The faculty and program staff are so helpful — any issue you may have, Allison Dagen has a solution for it. You will not be disappointed in this program and will walk away prepared to step into a variety of roles as a reading specialist.
What advice would you give to an aspiring LE student who is worried about enrolling in a 100% online graduate program?
This online program was a perfect fit for my busy life. As a working mom with three children, who all participate in a variety of activities, I was nervous to enroll in school. Since the Literacy Education program was completely online, it allowed me the flexibility I needed to further my education. I was able to complete this program while working and still keeping up with my kid’s busy schedules. In addition to the flexibility, I was still able to receive hands on experiences and become close with the other students in the program.
Pro Tip: Hear from more students who pursued the Literacy Education graduate degree and Reading Specialist Certification at West Virginia University by reading the interviews below:
- Is Getting a Reading Specialist Certification Worth It? Here's Why This Teacher Believes So.
- Transforming the Future of Education With a Reading Specialist Certification — Eleni's Story
Ready to pursue a Reading Specialist Certification at WVU?
Getting a Reading Specialist Certification in the context of a graduate degree in Literacy Education at West Virginia University will make you a better teacher in a variety of ways. Further, the skills you will cultivate as you pursue such a certification are not limited to the field of literacy. Instead, the problem solving, communication, and other abilities that emerge through your certification coursework will affect your entire teaching career.
If you are ready to learn more about enrolling in a Reading Specialist Certification within WVU's M.A. in Literacy Education, we invite you to visit our website!
Are you passionate about the field of literacy education? Download A Guide for Literacy Educators Seeking a Reading Specialist Certification to learn more about boosting your career in education!
