St. Bonaventure University

A historic momement

Bolder Bonaventure Campaign Surpasses Goal, Raises Over $131M

Learn more
Give & Change Lives

Helping today's learners become tomorrow's leaders and innovators is a Bona tradition.

Choose your giving opportunity
Volunteer

Hosting an event, assisting a department on campus, or talking with prospective students can make a big impact.

Volunteer today
News & Events

St. Bonaventure's School of Education adds two master's-level literacy extension certificate programs

Apr 5, 2021, 12:04 by User Not Found
The School of Education at St. Bonaventure University is offering two new graduate certificate programs aimed at a very specific audience: those who earned a master’s in childhood or adolescent literacy from St. Bonaventure between 2000 and 2020.


The School of Education at St. Bonaventure University is offering two new graduate certificate programs aimed at a very specific audience: those who earned a master’s in childhood or adolescent literacy from St. Bonaventure between 2000 and 2020.
 
Prior to introduction of the Birth to Grade 12 (B-12) Literacy graduate program in 2020, leading to dual-certification in B-6 and 5-12 literacy, childhood literacy and adolescent literary were separate programs leading to separate certifications. This was the case dating back to 2000.
 
Since introduction of the B-12 program last year, past SBU graduates of the childhood and adolescent literacy programs have inquired about what it would take to achieve certification in the other area, making them dually certified, said Sheri Voss, visiting professor of education and director of St. Bonaventure’s master’s-level literacy programs.
 
“We’re very happy to announce to our alumni that they now have that opportunity through two new certificate programs,” said Voss. “What’s more, completion of either the B-6 Literacy Extension or 5-12 Literacy Extension Advanced Certificate of Study (ACS) program is designed to accommodate every SBU graduate seeking a literacy extension, including and especially working teachers.”
 
The new Childhood B-6 Literacy Extension ACS is designed for SBU graduates who earned their master’s in Adolescent Literacy 5-12, while the Adolescent 5-12 Literacy Extension ACS is for those who earned an MSED in Childhood Literacy B-6. Each certificate program extends these certifications by adding qualifications that enable one to teach reading from birth to grade 12.
 
Each certificate program consists of only 9 credit hours and may be completed completely online, said Voss. Students take a 3-credit online course in fall semester and another in spring semester. Each class meets twice a month synchronously, with the rest of the coursework completed at the student’s convenience.
 

Students then take a 50-hour, 7-week summer practicum through St. Bonaventure’s Reading Center. This may be taken face-to-face on the St. Bonaventure campus, virtually, or face-to-face with willing young readers in the student’s hometown.

The summer practicum is essentially a 7-week course with flexible hours, where the ACS candidate practices reading instruction with 2 students, together or individually, for a total of only 50 hours,” said Voss. “This is a real plus for ACS participants as the summer practicum is completed in half the time as the practicum in place for the formerly split childhood and adolescent literacy programs.”

The Childhood B-6 and Adolescent 5-12 extension programs meet their respective New York state requirements for literacy certification. They are presently available only to SBU graduates from 2000 to 2020.

Former literacy graduates do not have to wait to get started on this certification opportunity,” said Voss. “Registration is open immediately. Students should apply by Aug. 1 as the programs begin this fall, ensuring an ACS completion before the 2022 school year.”

For more information about these programs, visit the St. Bonaventure University School of Education’s Childhood B-6 and Adolescent 5-12 Literacy Extension Advanced Certificate program websites.

 
_____________
 
About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2020, St. Bonaventure was named the #2 regional university value in New York and #3 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.
 
See All News

  • 80s Weekend

    80s Weekend 2026 – Our 14th Year!

    Forever Young! See What’s New and Reconnect with Your Crew.

    Friday, January 30

    6 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Welcome Bash at Four Mile Brewing. Enjoy 80s music, microbrews, drinks, and great pub food as alumnus Nick Bohdanowycz ’08 MBA and team roll out the brown and white carpet, including a complimentary first drink. Cheers! A shuttle bus from the hotels to Four Mile will run from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

    Saturday, January 31
    9 a.m. – Richter Recreation Center access is available. Let’s get physical with the three gyms, weights, walking track, and more. Please fill out this online waiver for access.
    9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Memories, Prayer and Thanksgiving facilitated by 80s alumni of all faith traditions to share reflections, prayer, and thanksgiving, as we did with Fr. Dan Riley, with the Mt. Irenaeus community. McGinley-Carney Center.
    11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Tour the extensive athletics renovations and improvements and hear from VP & Athletics Director Bob Beretta ’87. Reilly Center meetup location: Hall of Fame, featuring light refreshments.
    3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. – Hickey Dining Hall for pregame dinner. Cost included in registration. Arrive early on campus to eat with friends and watch the televised women’s basketball game at Loyola Chicago.
    4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Pre-Game Reception at the ‘Skeller with game day snacks and cash bar.
    6:30 p.m. – Men’s basketball game with the Bonnies hosting A10 rival George Mason. Bob Lanier Court. Digital ticket for lower red seating will be provided.
    Post-Game Reception for 80s Weekend package registrants. Hall of Fame Room. Cash Bar.

    All Evening – Continue the fun at The Burton, hosted by alumni owners Brian Attea ’89, John Flanagan ’89, Kevin Patwell ’88, and David Przesiek ’88. Kitchen will remain open until 9 p.m. for Burton Burgers and more. Stay for last call and “Piano Man.”

    Sunday, February 1
    11 a.m. Mass: University Chapel or Mt. Irenaeus. Directions to Mt. Irenaeus. 

    Farewells and safe travels home!

    Full Bus Schedule
    Friday: 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

    Saturday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

    Register here!

  • Master's Entry to Practice (MEP) Nursing Virtual Info Session

    Learn more about the Master's Entry to Practice program in our virtual information session. 


    A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants. 

  • Florida Chapter Watch Party: Fordham

    Join us for a watch party as we gear up to cheer on our St. Bonaventure Bonnies against Fordham. Feel the energy, bring your spirit, and let’s make some noise together!

    The Parrot
    7320 52nd Pl. E.
    Bradenton, FL

    For more information, please email Mike Davis at jmike91250@aol.com.


See All Events
All Rights Reserved © 2026