I%26#039;ve looked up a couple of programs and it seems they%26#039;re all post master%26#039;s programs for existing teachers. My current major is speech pathology and if I change to a completely different topic I will be in college for like 10 years. I%26#039;m already graduating late. Are there any programs I can just take prereqs and then go straight into?|||Reading specialist is usually an endorsement, so you will need an existing teaching certificate before you can pursue it. In addition, many school districts will require a number of years of experience as a classroom teacher before they will hire you as a reading specialist. In Illinois, where I am, it%26#039;s often around 3-5 years.
SLP is an extremely in demand position across the country right now, so keep that in mind when making your decision. You would have your pick of a lot of positions and you might find one that would fit perfectly.
If you feel that it%26#039;s definitely not for you and you%26#039;re very passionate about becoming a reading specialist, then I would pursue that. Complete your bachelor%26#039;s degree, then apply for a master%26#039;s program in education. Following your masters program, you will be certified to teach and, after a few years of experience, you could go back to get the additional endorsement as a reading specialist.|||Ask the Education Department in your university. They%26#039;re the ones that set the pre-reqs
