Master of Arts in Teaching - Dyslexia Specialist

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Dyslexia Specialist degree is a graduate program administered by the Colorado College. This intensive two-year training program is for individuals seeking to learn the most effective, research-based strategies of reading instruction, including instruction for students with dyslexia and related disorders. 

Watch the Fall 2023 MAT Dyslexia Specialist Information Session from Oct. 12. (Fast forward to the 4 minute mark.)

Watch this video for an overview of the Colorado College Dyslexia Specialist MAT program

MAT Dyslexia Specialist Program Brochure


Scheduling that works for educators

  • Academic courses for this low residency program run in-person for three to four weeks in July during both summers
  • During the academic year, candidates complete practicum and attend two to three hybrid Saturday seminars per semester

Certifications & Endorsements

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Completion of this program may lead to national professional certification as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) or Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).

ALTA video on dyslexia

Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) National Certification

  • Certified Academic Language Therapist (upon completion of all requirements after Year 2 and passing the Academic Language Therapy Association Competency Exam for Multisensory Structured Language Education at the Therapy level)
  • Certified Academic Language Practitioner (upon completion of all requirements after Year 1 and passing the Academic Language Therapy Association Competency Exam for Multisensory Structured Language Education at the Practitioner level)

Colorado Department of Education Endorsements

  • Reading Specialist Endorsement (after second year and completion of all requirements)

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Dyslexia Specialist Candidates will gain an understanding of:

  • Structures of written English and the science of reading
  • Instructional strategies and methods (multisensory, systematic, cumulative, direct, diagnostic)
  • Progress monitoring for accuracy and fluency, and
  • Dyslexia, related written-language disorders, and identification of specific learning differences 

Related Links:

Questions or Concerns Regarding Admission? Please contact Debra Yazulla Mortenson, Director of Teacher Education Programs at 719-389-6472 or dmortenson@coloradocollege.edu.

Report an issue - Last updated: 02/23/2024