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Reading Endorsement & Certification
Reading Endorsement Pathways
Lastinger Center for Learning
University of Florida
The UF Literacy Matrix is the online professional learning system utilized by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Educators can earn their Reading Endorsement by completing the “Literacy Matrix.” The program is fully online and asynchronous. The courses are facilitated by an instructor.
- Educators must master each competency in the Literacy Matrix in order to move to the next
- Failure to master all coursework will result in withdrawal from the Literacy Matrix
- Retake/re-enrollment is not available for those who do not complete the Literacy Matrix
Seats fill fast for this program! Reach out to the Professional Development Center to find out when enrollment for the next cohort will begin. You can also complete the “Program Interest Form” to be directly contacted by the Lastinger Center for Learning regarding program updates and enrollments.
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Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida State University
Florida Center for Reading Research has developed an in-person pathway for educators to earn their Reading Endorsement. This pathway covers all 5 Competencies as a bundle. Charlotte County Public School staff members have been trained to facilitate this course locally.
- FLDOE requires 90% attendance rate to successfully complete the program
- Modules cannot be split between different endorsement pathways
- Attendees must register at the beginning of the year; there is no continuous enrollment
This is a zero-cost program open to all Charlotte County Public School educators. For information on the 2025-2026 cohort,
reach out to Marie Brown at marie.brown@yourcharlotteschools.net
| Florida Center for Reading Research – Reading Endorsement Pathway | |
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| Special Notes |
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is closed. For reference, this year’s classes spanned from September 3, 2025 – April 22, 2026. |
College & University Partners
“Just Read, Florida!” is the state-wide reading initiative that establishes the requirements and guidelines related to the Florida Reading Endorsement. Colleges and universities have included reading classes and certifications to their teacher preparation programs and many make these endorsement/certification programs available to educators.
- Coursework needs to amount to 15 Credit-Hours
- Classes must cover specific reading research with a focus on on both the prevention and remediation of reading difficulties
- Past coursework must be evaluated against the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification requirements for the Reading Endorsement
If you have any questions regarding this pathways, call the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification at 1-800-445-6739 or visit their website.
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Beacon Educator
Professional Learning
Beacon Educator is a learning platform subcontracted by Charlotte County Public Schools to provide targeted, online coursework to employees seeking to earn specific inservice credits towards Reading, ESE, ESOL, and other certificate/endorsement areas. Each course is facilitated by an instructor and is self-paced with rolling enrollment throughout the year.
- Available to Charlotte County Public Schools employees only
- Endorsement pathway consists of 5 courses to be completed in order
- Each course is 60 hours
- Each 60-hour course counts towards your 40-hour Reading Renewal requirement
If you have any questions regarding this pathway, reach out to the Professional Development Center. Email us at PDC@yourcharlotteschools.net or call 941-255-7675.
| Beacon Educator – Reading Endorsement | |
| Required Courses |
Reading Competency 1: Foundations of Reading Instruction
Reading Competency 2: Application of Evidence-based Instructional Practices
Reading 3: Assessment
Reading 4: Differentiated Instruction R+
Reading 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment R+
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Lastinger Center for LearningUniversity of Florida
The UF Literacy Matrix is the online professional learning system utilized by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Educators can earn their Reading Endorsement by completing the “Literacy Matrix.” The program is fully online and asynchronous. The courses are facilitated by an instructor.
- Educators must master each competency in the Literacy Matrix in order to move to the next
- Failure to master all coursework will result in withdrawal from the Literacy Matrix
- Retake/re-enrollment is not available for those who do not complete the Literacy Matrix
Seats fill fast for this program! Reach out to the Professional Development Center to find out when enrollment for the next cohort will begin. You can also complete the “Program Interest Form” to be directly contacted by the Lastinger Center for Learning regarding program updates and enrollments.
Program Literacy Matrix Literacy Micro-Credentials Course Details - Competency 1: Elementary or Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential (60 hours)
- Competency 2: Application of Evidence-Based Instructional Practices (60 hours)
- Competency 3: Foundations and Application of Assessment (60 hours)
- Competency 4: Foundations and Application of Differentiated Instruction (60 hours)
- Competency 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment (60 hours)
- Competency 1 (select one)
- Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential (60 hours)
- 6th – 12th Grade Personnel
- Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential (60 hours)
- Prekindergarten – 5th Grade Personnel
- Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential (60 hours)
- Birth through Prekindergarten Personnel
- Competencies 1-5 must be completed in their entirety in order to earn the Reading Endorsement and be eligible for the program stipend
- All hours earned from mastery of Competencies count towards the 40-hour reading requirement and certificate renewal
- Literacy Micro-Credential can be completed as a stand-alone program without completing Competencies 2-5
- Hours earned from this program count towards the 40-hour reading requirement and certificate renewal
Stipend - $1000 after completing Literacy Micro-Credentials (Compentency 1)
- Additional $2,000 after completing the Literacy Matrix (Competencies 2-5)
- Find out more about who is eligible for the stipend on the Lastinger Center for Learning Website
- Total Stipend after successful completion of Competencies 1-5 = $3,000
- $1,000 after completing Literacy Micro-Credential (ONLY Competency 1)
Special Notes - Open to K-12 educators and coaches
- Enrollment is not currently open, but the 2024-2025 Term spanned from October 22, 2024 – April 28, 2025
- Credits and stipend can only be earned once
- Program open to Paraprofessionals
- Enrollment is not currently open, but the 2024-2025 Term spanned from October 21, 2024 – February 18, 2025
- Credits and stipend can only be earned once
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Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida State University
Florida Center for Reading Research has developed an in-person pathway for educators to earn their Reading Endorsement. This pathway covers all 5 Competencies as a bundle. Charlotte County Public School staff members have been trained to facilitate this course locally.
- FLDOE requires 90% attendance rate to successfully complete the program
- Modules cannot be split between different endorsement pathways
- Attendees must register at the beginning of the year; there is no continuous enrollment
This is a zero-cost program open to all Charlotte County Public School educators. For information on the 2025-2026 cohort,
reach out to Marie Brown at marie.brown@yourcharlotteschools.netFlorida Center for Reading Research – Reading Endorsement Pathway Course
Details- Competency 1: Foundations of Reading Instruction
- Competency 2: Application of Evidence-based Instructional Practices
- Competency 3: Foundations of Assessment
- Competency 4: Foundations & Applications of Differentiated Instruction
- Competency 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment
Location & Time - Deep Creek Elementary School
- Wednesday Evenings
- 4:30PM – 8:00PM
- 27 Meetings in total
Facilitators - Marie Brown, MTSS Coach
- Dr. Lori Lynch, ESE Teacher
Special
Notes
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is closed. For reference, this year’s classes spanned from September 3, 2025 – April 22, 2026.
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College & University Partners
“Just Read, Florida!” is the state-wide reading initiative that establishes the requirements and guidelines related to the Florida Reading Endorsement. Colleges and universities have included reading classes and certifications to their teacher preparation programs and many make these endorsement/certification programs available to educators.
- Coursework needs to amount to 15 Credit-Hours
- Classes must cover specific reading research with a focus on on both the prevention and remediation of reading difficulties
- Past coursework must be evaluated against the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification requirements for the Reading Endorsement
If you have any questions regarding this pathways, call the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification at 1-800-445-6739 or visit their website.
Florida College and University Partner Programs - The following programs have partnered with Florida’s “Just Read, Florida!” initiative to provide continuing education opportunities that can make the Reading Endorsement accessible to educators.
- The list provided is not exhaustive; reach out to colleges or universities and inquire about a Reading Endorsement Certificate program for educators to see if they offer a compatible program.
Programs - Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
- RED 6540 Assessment in Literacy (3)
- RED 6544 Compreh.,Cogn.,Cont Area Rdg (3)
- RED 6545 Vocabulary & Word Study (3)
- RED 6656 Instruc Struggling Readers (3)
- RED 6846 Practicum (3)
- University of Florida (UF)
- RED 5355: Teaching Reading in the Elementary School OR Secondary School (3)
- RED 6546: Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties (3)
- RED 6548: Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3)
- RED 6941: Practicum in Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3)
- RED 5337: Teaching Reading in the Secondary School (3)
- Florida State University (FSU)
- RED 6749 History and Foundations in Reading and STEM Disciplines (3)
- RED 6544 Cognition, Comprehension, and Content Area Reading: Remediation of Reading (3)
- RED 6545 Issues in Vocabulary and Word Study (3)
- RED 6540 Assessment in Developing Literacies (3)
- RED 6846 Practicum in Reading (3)
Cost - Employees are responsible for any costs associated with this certificate pathway
Related - If you have completed comparable coursework in a non-approved college/university or at an out-of-state college/university, reach out to the FLDOE’s Bureau of Educator Certification to determine if the endorsement can be awarded.
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Beacon Educator
Professional Learning
Beacon Educator is a learning platform subcontracted by Charlotte County Public Schools to provide targeted, online coursework to employees seeking to earn specific inservice credits towards Reading, ESE, ESOL, and other certificate/endorsement areas. Each course is facilitated by an instructor and is self-paced with rolling enrollment throughout the year.
- Available to Charlotte County Public Schools employees only
- Endorsement pathway consists of 5 courses to be completed in order
- Each course is 60 hours
- Each 60-hour course counts towards your 40-hour Reading Renewal requirement
If you have any questions regarding this pathway, reach out to the Professional Development Center. Email us at PDC@yourcharlotteschools.net or call 941-255-7675.
Beacon Educator – Reading Endorsement Required Courses Reading Competency 1: Foundations of Reading Instruction
- Course 1 of 5
- Explore the reading process with a focus on developing emergent literacy skills and progressing through the phases of word reading, resulting in comprehension as the final outcome. Gain a substantive understanding of six components of reading as a process: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course addresses current research and evidence on core reading concepts.
Reading Competency 2: Application of Evidence-based Instructional Practices
- Course 2 of 5
- Apply the principles of explicit, systematic, and sequential evidence-based reading instruction and scaffold student learning while integrating the six components of reading. Engage in the systematic problem-solving process to identify students with reading difficulties—including identification of students with characteristics of dyslexia—provide appropriate interventions, and conduct effective progress monitoring.
Reading 3: Assessment
- Course 3 of 5
- Understand how to select and administer assessments and analyze data to inform reading instruction to meet the needs of students. Engage in the systematic problem-solving process to identify characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia, provide appropriate interventions and conduct effective progress monitoring.
Reading 4: Differentiated Instruction R+
- Course 4 of 5
- Gain broad knowledge of students from differing profiles in order to understand and apply evidence-based instructional practices by differentiating process, product, and context. Engage in the systematic problem-solving process to identify characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia, provide appropriate interventions and conduct effective progress monitoring.
Reading 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment R+
- Course 5 of 5
- Through a culminating practicum, demonstrate knowledge of the reading components as well as assessments and data analysis to implement a comprehensive evidence-based reading plan of instruction for all students. Engage in a systematic problem-solving process to identify characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia, provide approved interventions and conduct effective progress monitoring.
How to Enroll - Go Classlink and select “MyPLC” from the “Professional Learning” folder
- Select “Courses,” and search the name of the course you wish to enroll in
- Click “Sections,” on the left-hand column and then click the blue “Register” button
- You may only register for one course at a time (in the order listed above)
- You will be automatically enrolled in a corresponding Canvas course
- Directions for creating an account and locating the specified course on Beacon Educator can be found here
- When you finish the course, upload the completion certificate to the Canvas course to receive credit.
- Once all five courses are completed, the Reading Endorsement can be added to your license.
Cost - No cost to CCPS employees
Reading Endorsement vs. Reading Certification
Reading Endorsement
What is it?
The Reading Endorsement is a designation on your Professional Educator Certificate that qualifies you to serve struggling readers and teach specific reading courses. Depending on your position, you may be required to add the Reading Endorsement to your certificate within 2 years of your hiring or subject placement.
The Reading Endorsement is comprised of five (5) “Competencies,” or courses which must be taken in order.
- Competency 1: Foundations of Reading Instruction
- Competency 2: Application of Research-Based Instructional Practices
- Competency 3: Foundations of Assessment
- Competency 4: Foundations and Applications of Differentiated Instruction
- Competency 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment
Each course aligns with the standards established by the FLDOE, viewable here. Each course is equal to one 3-credit hour college course. Mastery of each “Competency” earns 60 in-service hours (300 for the completed endorsement).
Who needs it?
- Teachers who signed a Reading Endorsement agreement upon hire
- Teachers designated by the FLDOE who must earn the Endorsement:
- Teachers providing a basic level reading interventions to the students within a course
- Teachers providing intensive level reading interventions to stduents within a course
How can I earn it?
Pathways to the Reading Endorsement can be found here.
Reading Certification (Grades K-12)
The Reading Certification (K-12) is a subject area specialization that can be added to your Professional Educator Certificate. There are two pathways available to earn this Certification:
- Master’s or higher degree with a graduate major in Reading
OR
- Bachelor’s or higher degree with thirty (30) semester hours in Reading.
Coursework must include the following:
- Six (6) semester hours in foundations of reading instruction to include the elementary and secondary levels
- Six (6) semester hours in diagnosis of reading disabilities and techniques of corrective or remedial reading
- Three (3) semester hours in educational measurement
- Three (3) semester hours in literature for children or adolescents
- Three (3) semester hours in methods of teaching language arts at the elementary or secondary level
- Three (3) semester hours in administration and interpretation of instructional assessments with instructional strategies and materials based upon scientifically based reading research for the prevention and remediation of reading difficulties
- Three (3) semester hours in a supervised reading practicum to obtain practical experience in increasing the reading performance of a student(s) with the prescription and utilization of appropriate strategies and materials based upon scientifically based reading research to address the prevention, identification, and intervention of reading difficulties
The Reading (K-12) Certification Exam must be passed in addition to a Master’s Degree and content specialization in order to add this subject area to your certificate.