Reading Specialist Program

Certifying teachers and leaders with an IDA-accredited Reading Specialist licensure endorsement in partnership with Lipscomb University.

Applicants must be local Memphis educators or leaders who hold an active Tennessee teaching license (practitioner or professional). They must have at least three years of experience as Teacher of Record upon completion of the program. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.

Reading Specialist Certification Program applications will remain open until January 18, 2026. Reading Specialist applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and offers will be shared by the end of February 2026.

Want to know more? Head to memphisliteracy.org/reading-specialist-certification for details and FAQs.

Award for Excellence in Literacy Instruction

This award recognizes three educators who are fostering exceptional learning environments rooted in evidence-based practices. This award honors individuals who demonstrate:

• a deep knowledge of and commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction
• proven impact on student success
• exemplary leadership and commitment to professional learning
• commitment to implementing equitable literacy instruction for all students

 Eligibility Requirements

• Regional Requirement: Applicants must be a current educator working in a school within Shelby County, including Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Arlington, Lakeland, or Millington. Strong consideration will be given to applicants teaching in schools that serve historically marginalized or underserved student populations.
• Employment: Applicants must be a current PreK-12 general education, ESL, special education, or intervention teacher actively engaged in literacy instruction or support.
• Instructional Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of experience implementing evidence-based literacy practices as a PreK-12 classroom teacher by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
• Conference Participation: If awarded, finalists must be available to attend the Memphis Literacy Conference on September 19, 2026.

Application Deadline: June 1st, 2026