Every day technology is changing how we communicate.

Thanks to social media, texting, emails, blogging, digital publishing, and the Internet, the role of the written word has become more important than ever. People will make decisions based on how we present ourselves in our writing. By adopting standards that require School Districts to incorporate writing at every level and in every subject, law makers and state officials have stressed just how important it is for our children to be able to write well.

The Teaching Writing and Literacy Certificate is designed for Teachers who want to incorporate more quality writing into their curriculum. The program contains twelve core credits plus a 3-credit elective concentration for a 15-credit certificate. These courses may “step up” as electives into PSU Harrisburg’s Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum.

Certificate programs provide a flexible, convenient, short-term opportunity for professional development, self enhancement, and earning a formal academic credential from Penn State. Certificate program courses can “step up” or apply to academic degrees at Penn State.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for K-12 teachers in all content areas including ESL, gifted and special education. Literacy coaches, paraprofessionals, Curriculum Coordinators and school Administrators will also find this program of tremendous value. (3 credits)

How to Apply for Graduate Credit Certificate Programs:

This is a post-baccalaureate certificate designed specifically for people working in education. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required to enroll in this certificate. If you are interested in enrolling, you will need to apply for the certificate. Please contact us at 570-963-2600.

Financial Aid:

Information on financial aid, including grants and loans, is available for part-time students enrolled in a credit certificate program.

Core Courses (12 credits):

  • EDUC 452: Teaching Writing
    The first course in the series offers techniques for teaching the writing process, kindergarten through grade 12, including writing in the content areas and incorporating the Common Core State Standards. This course is a pre-requisite for EDUC 463, 425 and 477. (3 credits)
  • EDUC 463: The Internet and K-12 Education
    The focus of this course is educational theory and practice applied to the Internet, relating content from writing theory, educational foundations, curriculum, and research. Prerequisite: EDUC 452, (3 credits)
  • EDUC 425: Literacy Assessment
    This course emphasizes alternative literacy measures for assessing writing, specifically focusing on portfolio and performance evaluation for classroom and large scale assessment. Prerequisite: EDUC 452, (3 credits)
  • EDUC 477: Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers
    This course offers a comprehensive overview of learning problems and effective strategies for teaching K-12 students who have difficulties reading and writing. Prerequisite: EDUC 452, (3 credits)

Elective Courses (3 Credits - choose one):

  • EDUC 432: Children's Literature in Teaching Writing
    Participants will learn methods for transferring writing skills and literary devices from literature to student writing in all subject areas. No prerequisites (3 credits)
  • ENGL 472: Current Theories of Writing and Reading
    Investigates models of textual production and reception current within English studies. (3 credits)
  • EDUC 464: Technology and the Learning Process
    This course examines and evaluates the relationship between technology-based resources for writing and learning theories. No prerequisites, (3 credits)
  • EDUC 400: Diversity and Cultural Awareness Practices in the K-12 Classroom
    This course addresses diversity, cultural awareness and sensitivity about cultures, concepts and methods in society, communities and educational settings. No prerequisites. (3 credits)
  • EDUC 416: Teaching Secondary English and the Humanities
    This course is designed to prepare candidates with the objectives, content, methods and knowledge necessary to teach English in today's secondary classrooms in middle and high schools. The pedagogical approaches, dispositions, and skills appropriate for adolescent learners will be highlighted.
  • EDUC 471: Best Practices in Literacy
    An application of best literacy practices to classroom instruction and assessment of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. (3 credits)
  • EDUC 465: Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Learners
    The course provides teachers with knowledge, understandings, and skills to engage culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in mainstream classrooms. (3 credits)