Reading specialists are teachers who specialize in working with students who are struggling with literacy. They work with students who have learning disorders, such as dyslexia, as well as students who are simply struggling to read.

Becoming a reading specialist can be a particularly good fit for those who are passionate about books and the transformative power of reading. As you further explore the question, What is a reading specialist? you may find yourself drawn to a specialized teaching role that can fulfill your dreams of teaching, making a difference and sharing a love of reading with children all at the same time.

A reading specialist identifies various literacy challenges, develops literacy curricula and helps students overcome them to improve their reading skills. They are licensed teachers who have a specialized reading education degree allowing them to work with students, primarily at the elementary level, to improve literacy skills.¹ A reading specialist may also work with other teachers in a professional development capacity. 

These teachers take on many responsibilities that support students who need help improving their reading. They might:

• Work one-on-one with students to practice reading comprehension and word skills
• Conduct small group lessons with students who have similar needs
• Support Response to Intervention (RTI) needs by conducting individual or small group intervention lessons
• Administer specific research-based literacy programs to students with dyslexia
• Review literacy curricula with teachers to ensure proper support
• Co-teach and lead small group lessons in the classroom
• Attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 meetings for students needing literacy support

There is a distinction between the two roles. A literacy specialist has a broader focus, supporting all areas of literacy — reading, writing, listening and speaking — while a reading specialist traditionally focuses on reading instruction.¹ Though often used interchangeably or combined (e.g., reading and literacy specialist), the term literacy specialist is becoming more common as it better reflects the full scope of the role.²

Trying to explain What is a literacy specialist vs. a reading specialist? may depend on your specific role and even the state in which you plan to teach. Typically, a literacy specialist may cover all literacy areas, while a reading specialist typically concentrates on reading instruction.

There are a number of essential hard and soft skills for aspiring reading specialists. Since reading specialists are teachers, they need a strong knowledge of teaching strategies, both in theory and in practice. They also need specialized knowledge in teaching literacy skills.³

Additional skills include:³

• Strong rapport with children
• Empathy and patience
• Communication skills
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

Becoming a reading specialist allows you to make a direct impact on students by helping them become confident, capable readers and writers. Reading specialists are experts in adapting literacy curricula, conducting assessments and using data to tailor instruction to individual student needs. Educators drawn to the vital link between reading and academic success may decide to pursue a reading specialist certificate or a degree with a reading focus. These professionals are often passionate about reading and eager to inspire that same love in their students while helping schools boost overall achievement.

Reading specialists may work in a variety of settings, including:⁴

• Private and public K-12 schools, especially elementary schools
• Private and public academic centers (e.g., tutoring centers)
• Adult education centers
• Continuing education centers
• Community colleges

Teachers who wish to improve their own pedagogy may also consider becoming reading specialists. These programs may cover literacy skills that support student growth beyond basic language knowledge, including:

• Phonemes
• Phonics
• Comprehension
• Instructional strategies
• Assessment
• Educating diverse students and nonstandard English speakers
• Creating a supportive literacy environment
• School leadership skills

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t track employment data for reading specialists specifically. However, based on illiteracy statistics in the U.S., reading specialists are an important aspect of improving skills in reading.⁵

According to the National Literacy Institute:

• As of 2022, 21% of U.S. adults were illiterate.⁵
• Approximately 40% of students across the nation cannot read at a basic level, as of 2023.⁶
• As of 2023, 54% of adults have a literacy level below a sixth-grade level.⁵
• 46% to 51% of U.S. adults are below the poverty level at least in part because of their illiteracy, as of 2023.⁶

According to the National Literacy Institute, when children struggle to read in school and don’t receive the help they need, they will likely continue to struggle throughout their adult lives.⁵ Illiteracy not only inhibits overall academic progress but can also create problems in everyday life — from employment to health issues.⁵ Reading specialists can play an important role in helping children overcome barriers to their growth as readers.

To become a reading specialist, all education teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license (including any state-specific requirements) to teach in a public or private school.⁷ A bachelor’s in education usually covers reading assessments, remediation strategies and literacy interventions for learning disorders like dyslexia. 

Some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification and obtaining a job.⁷ Graduate-level education can help you dive deeper into teaching methodologies in general and reading interventions in particular.

GCU offers two graduate programs for licensed teachers: the Master of Arts in Reading Education K–12, aligned with ILA standards and the MA in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, focused on literacy strategies for younger students. 

Additionally, practicum/field experience or student teaching hours may also be required (depending on your program) to gain hands-on experience working with students in real classroom settings.

GCU aims to help prepare you to make a positive impact on the lives of others in their communities, whether through teaching or in other professions. If you would like more information about GCU’s education programs, visit our College of Education or fill out the form on this page to connect with a university counselor. 

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c)