Reading Endorsement

Wondering if you have some college coursework that you could apply to the endorsement?

1. Check here to see what is on your certificate now. Click on the Public Search Link if you don't want to create an account. If you have Reading Endorsement or Reading K-12 Certification (or Reading appears under Subject Areas) for the current validity period--you are good to go. If not, go to step 2.

2. Check your transcript for courses;  they must meet criteria outlined here. If you believe you have courses that meet the criteria for the endorsement, you can apply for "District Add Endorsement" through the FLDOE here. You will receive a letter from FLDOE advising you of additional content you need to take. There is a fee associated with this and the response may take a while, however. Once you receive your letter, scan the letter and your transcript to us and we can help you with next steps.

3. You can always sign up for our free District Add-on In-service Courses (see above for offerings). While it is always good to start with Comp 1, you don't have to take them in order. 

***NEW***

Teachers may submit a passing score on the Reading K-12 Subject Area exam to have the endorsement added. See the links above for more information. (Teachers who have taken the exam and also hold a Master's Degree in Reading Education may be certified to teach reading).

1.  Will the District provide for me to get my reading endorsement?  

The ECSD  reading department will provide Competency 1, 2, 3 and 5 free of charge* to current employees of  The Escambia County School District (traditional or alternative school) who hold a current, valid Florida teaching certificate in any grades or subject areas. Teachers must have access to ECSD Google Suite. Grades 6-12 teachers currently teaching reading courses and elementary teachers have priority for enrollment. Competency 4 is offered free of charge by FDLRS. 

*A fee may apply for participants who have previously dropped Reading Endorsement courses due to incompletion of course work or lack of attendance. 

2. How much time will it take to complete each course? 

Each competency is valued at 60 in-service points, which means that participation both face to face and online, independent study, and application in your own classroom will take a minimum of 60 hours. 

3. Can I take more than one course at a time? 

It may be possible to take more than one in a semester, but we will not register participants for more than one competency at a time.  The exception is Competency 5, which may overlap.

4. Will coursework from other institutions be accepted for Reading Endorsement? 

Update: The FLDOE Certification Office will accept college coursework that meet the criteria OR approved district add-on programs. If you have some college coursework--apply to certification and they will send you a letter of eligibility advising you of the remaining requirements (if any). Scan that letter and your college transcript to the ELA department and we will help you find the right course (if needed) to complete the endorsement. If you have taken reading endorsement courses through other Florida district state approved reading endorsement programs, supply us with your professional learning transcripts and we will verify and update your ECSD professional learning transcript.

If you have completed Competencies 1-4 in previous years through another district, please provide us with the professional development transcripts from that district or the certificates from the entity where you completed the work. ECSD only accepts Flamingo Literacy Matrix and ECSD delivered courses as pathways for employees currently completing the endorsement.

5.   What about teachers seeking alternative certification? 

The ELA Department provides the Reading Endorsement courses free of charge to ECSD teachers. Please check with the Professional Learning Department regarding requirements that apply to you.

6.  Can I work toward the endorsement and teach Tier 3 students? 

Beginning July 1, 2023 teachers who have successfully completed the UFLI micro-credential may deliver Tier 3 interventions to students with substantial reading deficiencies as long as the teacher is under the supervision of a reading endorsed co-worker. This means that a teacher can take the micro-credential and then continue working toward the full endorsement if it is a requirement. 

7.  Will I need to contact the Reading Department to inform them I have completed my course? 

If you do not receive notification that you have completed the course from the ELA Admin. Clerk within a week of finishing, please notify the ELA department that you have completed the work. 

8.  What if I need to register for practicum Course 5? 

This course is only for those who have completed Competencies 1-4.  Once you have applied on the Google form to take Comp 5, we will verify  that you have successfully completed all four and will register you in the Performance Matters system. 

9.  What happens if I have to drop the course? 

You are not “officially” in the course until you have made your first assignment submission. If you drop a course (or are dropped due to lack of attendance or late assignment submissions) you may have to pay to take that course if you enroll again.  You will not have to pay for any subsequent courses unless they are also dropped.

10.  How do I get the Endorsement added to my certificate? 

Keep copies of all of your certificates as back up. Contact Phyllis McDurmont, ELA Admin. Clerk, to be sure you have all courses in Performance Matters/TalentEd. Follow the Pathways to Reading Endorsement Flowchart. 

For more information, please contact Phyllis McDurmont, Administrative Clerk