Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Reading Endorsement classes must be taken at the graduate level.

The Ohio Board of Higher Education requires early childhood, middle childhood, and intervention specialists candidates for the Ohio reading endorsement to have 12 semester hours of reading instruction prior to being accepted into a certificate program; all other licensure areas need 9 semester hours of reading coursework. Candidates without the required prerequisite hours (usually those graduating before 2004 and those from out of state), will need to take additional courses prior to admission into the endorsement classes. Three courses generally meet these guidelines: READ 5010 Phonics and Word Study; READ 5000 Foundations of Reading; and READ 5020 Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Writing Instruction.  Consult with the program coordinator for more specific information about which courses to take.

The Ohio Reading Endorsement allows teachers to teach reading from kindergarten through grade 12.  These are advanced courses that build upon the undergraduate courses you may taken.  The Endorsement also allows you to serve in different roles for a school system, such as a Literacy Coach or Title I teacher.

The Ohio Board of Higher Education requires all candidates for the Ohio Reading Endorsement to complete a minimum of 100 field hours distributed across the grade span. At BGSU, we distribute these 100 hours across three courses.

The registration process can begin once you submit all paperwork identified under the degree or non-degree options and have met the criteria for registration. Candidates must self- register for courses unless unable due to a prerequisite.   For assistance, please contact Wendy Vaughn at 419-372-7320 or wwalsto@bgsu.edu.

Yes. Three semester hours can be transferred in the Ohio Reading Endorsement coursework, or the BGSU Reading Endorsement Certificate Program. For the Master of Education in Reading degree, Nine semester hours may be transferred with program coordinator approval.