Teaching Writing and Critical Literacy Postbaccalaureate Certificate

The certificate in teaching writing and critical literacy prepares preK-college educators to strengthen their skills and knowledge of current practice and research in the teaching of critical reading and writing (note that a university certificate program or certificate is distinct from a state certificate or certification).

Writing and reading complement one another, and their interconnectedness is critical to literacy instruction. This certificate will offer advanced knowledge of the teaching of literacy through a focused, rigorous program while developing practicing educators' skills as teachers and writers in a supportive learning community.

Changing literacy needs of students from all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds demand highly qualified teachers of reading and writing at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. Educators must prepare K-12 students to meet testing requirements at the state and national levels. In addition, teachers must meet the increasing literacy needs that accompany Minnesota's changing demographics of growing immigrant and English language learner (ELL) populations. Educators also must prepare students to communicate effectively by using new technologies.

The certificate program seeks to accomplish the following goals:
• -Develop effective strategies for teaching the writing process to English-language learners and diverse populations, as well as reading and writing across the curriculum.
• -Engage educators in current research about composition, reading, and learning theory.
• -Create learning communities where educators reflect on their own teaching, reading, and writing.
•-Give educators opportunities to learn from other practicing educators.

This program begins with a three-week, 3-credit Minnesota Writing Project (MWP) Invitational Institute and then extends to allow educators to choose from a wider range of courses from multiple University departments throughout the academic year.