X

Advance your career with a Master's in Literacy Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialty in Literacy Education is designed to enable teachers to develop the competencies that qualify them as reading specialists according to the criteria of the International Literacy Association and the Michigan Department of Education. Our program prepares teachers to improve students’ reading and language skills in all content areas.

You will gain field experience in a variety of district types (urban, suburban, rural) and establish professional relationships. Our graduates also serve as literacy coaches at all grade levels.

MORE INFORMATION

Student Success

MLE Student Success

Kathryn Patel '18

Kathryn is currently working for the Learning Care Group in Novi, as an Education Specialist, writing curriculum and training teachers for private early childhood programs. According to Kathryn, “The knowledge I have gained through the MLE program has helped me better communicate with early childhood professionals, giving them valuable resources, through in person meetings, conference calls, emailed newsletters, and webinars. I am now able to help teachers set up more effective and functional classrooms, based on guided reading practices. My experience as an MLE graduate has also helped me to write developmentally appropriate activities for all students,

RELATED PROGRAMS

Elementary Literacy Graduate Certificate

This 9 semester hour program is designed to enable teachers to develop competencies in the development of assessment and instruction of literacy for elementary learners, as well as improve understanding of essential early literacy practices to best meet the needs of all learners in the primary grades, and struggling learners in the upper grades.

Plan of Study

Secondary Content Literacy Graduate Certificate

This 9 semester hour program is designed to enable teachers to develop competencies in the development of content literacy, assessment, and instruction of adolescent learners, as well as improve understanding of literacy development to help meet the needs of struggling adolescent readers.

Learn More

Faculty Bios

Sue Ann SharmaAssociate Professor

B.S. University of Michigan - Flint

M.Ed. Oakland University

Ed.S. Oakland University

Ph.D. Oakland University

sasharma@madonna.edu

734-432-5785, 2230G

Sue Ann Sharma

Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Literacy in the College of Education at Madonna University. She is passionate about preparing teachers to meet the diverse needs of learners and developing instructional literacy leaders. Dr. Sharma is a literacy advocate and has served on the International Reading Association’s Literacy Reform Task Force.

Dr. Sharma is the past president of Michigan Reading Association and also holds appointments on the Michigan Reading Association’s Board of Directors and Michigan Reading Journal Review Board.

X icon

Bena HartmanAdjunct Professor

B.S. Clarion University

M.Ed. University of Pittsburgh

Ed.D. University of Pittsburgh

bhartman@madonna.edu

Bena Hartman

Dr. Bena Hartman is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at Madonna University.  She is also a Reading Specialist at Windemere Park Charter Academy in Lansing, MI.  Dr. Hartman has written three award winning children’s books: September’s Big Assignment, Jasmine Can:  Creating Self-Confidence, and My Elephant Sized-Dream. 

She has also authored several articles that appeared in The Reading Teacher, The Advocate, and Urban Education on the importance and use of African-American Children’s literature.  She was on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Reading Association and was the chair of the Diversity Committee.

Dr. Hartman has been a champion for helping students become independent and avid readers, writers, and thinkers for many years ... and is committed to doing so for many years to come.

X icon

Bridget ReganAdjunct Professor

B.S. Eastern Michigan University

M.A. Eastern Michigan University

bregan@madonna.edu

Bridget Regan

Bridget Regan is a Literacy Consultant for Wayne County RESA (Regional Education Service Agency) and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Literacy at Madonna University.  Mrs. Regan has been in education for 24 years as is passionate about preparing educators as they strive to become exceptional while utilizing research based instructional practices each and every day in their classrooms.

Mrs. Regan has served in many roles in her career including:  4th & 8th grade Teacher, Reading Recovery Teacher & Learning Specialist, Literacy Facilitator, Elementary Principal and more recently as a Literacy Consultant at the county level.  Mrs. Regan believes that teachers are leaders and that they can be the change we wish to see in the world.

X icon

Julie AbeskaAdjunct Professor

B.S. Western Michigan University

M.A. Wayne State University

Ed.S. Oakland University

jabeska@madonna.edu

Julie Abeska

Julie Abeska is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at Madonna University.  She is also the District Information and Technology Specialist at West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, MI. 

Mrs. Abeska has served in many roles in her career including: Elementary Information and Technology Specialist; Coordinator of Communication Arts, Assessment, and Evaluation K-12; Reading Specialist/Reading Recovery Teacher; K - 5th Grade Teacher.

X icon