Help Students with Learning Challenges
- $637 per credit for 15 credits
- Complete in as little as 8 months
- In partnership with the Landmark School
- Understand language-based needs in the classroom
- Gain specialty skills for your students' IEP
- Courses designed and taught by teachers working in the field
Online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia Studies & Language-Based Learning Disabilities Overview
Learning differently requires teaching differently. As an increasing number of teachers, administrators, parents and caregivers will attest, students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLDs), which can fall under the umbrella of a specific learning disability (SLD), will need an individualized education plan, known as an IEP. Students with LBLDs such as dyslexia may struggle without them, thus the necessity exists for teachers to earn skills that serve the individualized needs of these students.
In a groundbreaking partnership with Landmark School, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities for educators who want to better understand how to support students with language-based learning disabilities.
Explore the renowned Landmark School's Six Teaching Principles™ that help students, grades 2-12, with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) achieve academic and social success.
The Six Teaching Principles™ are:1
- Provide opportunities for students to experience success
- Use multi-sensory approaches to teach
- Use micro-units and structured tasks for every student
- Ensure automatization through practice and review
- Provide models for students to use as a guide
- Include students in the learning process
"The Landmark School's partnership with SNHU shares our commitment to helping all students reach their full potential," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU. Our courses communicate our institution’s knowledge and best practices to deliver information to educators so they can help their students attain academic proficiency.
Overall, 5 different courses were built by Landmark educators in conjunction with SNHU course professionals. Each course is taught by Landmark faculty and offers practical and effective strategies that will help you reach and empower your students with LBLD.
For those who feel as though a Masters program best aligns with their career goals, SNHU also offers an online Master's in Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction with a selection of concentrations including one in Dyslexia & Language-based Learning Disabilities.
Learn how to:
- Focus on how students with LBLD process information and express knowledge
- Respond to students with LBLD using appropriate instructional models and exemplars
- Help students advocate for their own learning
Licensure Information
This graduate certificate does not lead to initial teacher licensure, administrator endorsement, or prepare you to become a Landmark specialist. For currently licensed educators, please note that state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly. As a result, SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of this certificate will result in rank, endorsements, and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.
SNHU provides additional information on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page. View disclosure information.
Career Outlook
While job growth varies by region, teaching is always an in-demand occupation.
The online Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities Graduate Certificate, in partnership with Landmark School, is designed for teachers and educators already leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. The certificate program is also ideal for those interested in becoming a language-based learning disability (LBLD) or dyslexia specialist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for special education teachers was $62,950 in 2022.2 As learning disabilities are identified earlier, more special education programs are added to schools and other organizations. This is predicted to cause an increase in demand for teachers certified to work in the field of special education.
"Research has shown that waiting until the third grade to identify reading difficulty can create a gap too big for students to be able to close," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU. "Thus, early and targeted remediation is essential. Taking the Landmark School courses through SNHU to gain strategies and knowledge about dyslexia and other similar learning disabilities can help teachers create an equitable classroom, no matter who or where they teach."
The dyslexia certificate online is an ideal credential for people in the following professions:
- Special education teacher: Teachers who work with students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) are always in demand. In this role, you might work with students of any age, helping them with reading, writing or study skills. You might work with students who have visual or auditory impairments, are on the autism spectrum or have other emotional disorders.
- Youth services librarian: As a librarian, you may have many opportunities to inspire students and help them gain confidence with reading skills. Understanding how children process language and need help learning to read could help greatly in this role. You may also use your knowledge to decide which books or materials to include in the library collection so that students of all levels of reading and learning ability are supported.
- Guidance counselors: Once a certified guidance counselor, the certificate in dyslexia and LBLD may help you in aiding students develop social skills in addition to reading skills. You may create a transition plan for a student to move from one grade to the next. You may also be in the unique position of being proactive for assessing student academic, social or developmental needs in support of their learning.
- Museum educator: This is a dynamic position that can encompass many specific content areas. Museum educators work with school groups and students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. In this role you may serve as a teacher, a visitor advocate, a content creator – or all three. You may also help with exhibit design, where you can incorporate sensory learning and other features to be inclusive to students of all levels of learning ability.
- Curriculum developers: In this role, you may help design the education programs that help students learn. The more you know about LBLD, the better equipped you will be to design courses and programs that are fun, educational and accessible to all students.
- Learning center tutors: Many schools have learning centers or writing centers staffed with professional tutors. As a tutor, you may work with students who have a variety of learning differences, including dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. In this role, you may help students of all ages develop the academic skills they need to success in writing or math, or even study skills or life skills.
- Reading specialist: This is a role that can be found in a traditional day school, a boarding school or even as a private tutor. Reading specialists do more than just help students with their reading skills. They plan classes, teach lessons and evaluate and assess student needs and progress. They may work with students individually, in small groups or in a full classroom setting. Reading specialists are needed in every academic level from elementary school through secondary school.
The dyslexia certificate with Southern New Hampshire University is also geared to help parents understand and advocate for a child who has been diagnosed with a LBLD.
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Graduate Certificate
Why SNHU For Your Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Opportunities
Thanks to Southern New Hampshire University’s partnership with the Landmark School, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Learn at your own pace through our fully online graduate certificate program
- Position yourself for career growth in the field of special education and language-based instruction
- Gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD)
- Learn from certified teachers who have worked in the field of LBLD for most of their careers, and who helped design, develop and teach each course in the program
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Walk through the application process with an admission counselor
Courses & Curriculum
Teachers, administrators, parents and other caregivers and educators have become increasingly aware of how students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) can be served by deliberate instructional planning and engagement.
The Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language Based Learning Disabilities allows stakeholders to learn more about how to help school-aged students with language-based learning disabilities achieve academic and social success.
Graduate certificate seekers are required to complete 5 courses that focus on how students with LBLD process information, express knowledge, respond well to appropriate instructional models and exemplars, and must learn to self-advocate for their own learning.
Note: This graduate certificate does not lead to initial teacher licensure or administrator endorsement.
In just 15 credits, you'll gain insight into the minds of students who struggle to process written and verbal language. You’ll be able to do the important work of helping young people gain the self-confidence critical for success in school and beyond. You'll be in a position to help students who struggle to process language become more proficient and successful students.
Courses may include:
- Executive Function and Study Skills: Coursework covers research-based strategies and relevant research on LBLD and executive function, with an emphasis on the Landmark Schools’ Six Teaching Principles. Integrated throughout the course, these principles provide a modality for teachers and other professionals to create lesson plans and ensure student success throughout the learning process.
- Expressive Language Skills and Writing: Focusing on the writing process in particular, this course provides instruction on the skill set needed to understand the hidden demands of writing for students with LBLD. Drawing on relevant research, coursework may include developing practical teaching strategies and skills for supporting students with dyslexia and other LBLD.
- Reading Interventions for Students with LBLD: An overview of reading interventions drawn from research can help you learn to integrate assessment strategies, engage with current research and develop practical strategies for supporting learners in developing phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships and more.
- Language-Based Learning Environments: With an in-depth analysis of teaching principles and academic planning strategies, this course covers establishing classroom resources and how to present and manage the physical classroom space to benefit students with LBLD.
- Social-Emotional Competencies and Students with LBLD: Because students with LBLD often struggle with social skills, this course presents a structured approach to helping students develop proficiencies in social and emotional competencies. Emphasis is placed on developing strategies for students and for establishing a classroom culture based on the concept of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
"Many students in this program are already well into their teaching careers," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU. "These courses can serve as a way for them to expand their teaching toolbox or add credentials to their resumes."
SNHU also partners with the Landmark School to offer a concentration in Dyslexia and Language-based Learning Disabilities as part of the online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction program, which is ideal for students looking to earn their master's degree focused on enhancing the curricular experience for students in a K-12 environment. Plus, you can choose from 5 concentration options to allow for further specialization in areas such as reading, special education, online teaching and education leadership.
About Landmark School
Landmark School was founded in 1971 with the goal of educating students whose reading, writing, spelling and mathematical skills did not match their thinking and problem-solving capacities. Most called these children dyslexic or learning-disabled. The school's founder, Charles "Chad" Drake, saw their promise and called them bright and capable.
Landmark currently educates 450 students on two campuses in Massachusetts. The school boasts a faculty and staff of more than 300 and is recognized internationally as a leader in understanding and catering to those with language-based learning disabilities. Landmark teachers understand the dramatic range in learning differences and tap into each student's intelligence. They uncover hidden talents, remediate skill deficits and teach students how to learn, ask questions and self-advocate. As a testament to Landmark School's effectiveness, 92% of its graduates attend college – more than 30% higher than the national average.
"Recognizing that Landmark School was founded with a focus on understanding dyslexia and key educational practices relating to dyslexia, SNHU welcomed the addition of Landmark expertise to their MEd," Cunningham said. "Both SNHU and Landmark agreed that embedding a certificate program in dyslexia would attract educator interest and meet a need in the field," she said.
For nearly 40 years, Landmark's Outreach Program has provided professional development programs and in-school consulting for educators across the country.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Language Based Learning Disabilities |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate Dyslexia Studies and Language Based Learning Disabilities | ||
| SPED 610 | Executive Function and Study Skills | Students with language-based learning disabilities often struggle with the cognitive and self-regulating tasks associated with executive function. These tasks range from organizing time, materials, information; preparing for work, managing frustration, accessing memory and self-monitoring one's progress and work. This course introduces educators to research-based strategies that increase and improve executive function through the use of effective study skills. While the course will explore relevant research on language-based learning disabilities and executive function, the emphasis will be placed on the practical teaching skills drawn from Landmark's Six Teaching Principles. These principles, which will be integrated throughout the course, encourage teachers to provide structured opportunities for students to achieve success, use multiple instructional modalities, create skill-based micro unit tasks, ensure student skill automatization through practice and review, provide models, and include the student in the learning process. |
| SPED 630 | Expressive Language-Skills and Writing | This course focuses on the strategies and skills for supporting expressive language skills for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, primarily for writing. The course introduces the concepts of scaffolding the writing process, using a hierarchy of skills to build appropriate foundational skills sets, and understanding the hidden demands of writing for students with language-based learning disabilities. Students in this course will draw from relevant research on expressive language arts to develop practical teaching strategies for their own learning environments. |
| SPED 635 | Reading Interventions for Students with LBLD | This course provides an overview of effective reading interventions drawn from research-based practice for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Students in the course will integrate appropriate assessment strategies, engage with the current research analyses on reading and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD), and develop practical strategies for supporting students in developing the phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships, and decoding patterns that improve reading fluency. |
| SPED 640 | Language-Based Learning Environments | Creating a supportive, effective, and well-structured language-based classroom is a key strategy for supporting students with language-based learning disabilities, though the principles apply to effective instruction for a variety of students. This course will provide an in-depth analysis of teaching principles and academic planning strategies implemented successfully as well as other K-12 language-based environments. Emphasis will be placed on the establishment of proper classroom resources as well as how to arrange them within the physical classroom space. |
| SPED 650 | Social-Emotional Competencies and Students with LBLD | Students with language-based learning disabilities often exhibit deficits in social skills, therefore a structured approach to developing proficiency in essential social and emotional competencies becomes an important part of a teachers' skill set. This course focuses on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as an essential piece in student development. This course will also provide an overview of the concept of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) derived from evidenced based instruction and research. Emphasis will be placed on developing individual strategies for students and establishing a classroom culture based on SEL practices. |
| Total Credits: 15 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible, by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. U.S. service members, both full and part time, as well as the spouses of those on active duty are also eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can teachers do to help students with dyslexia?
Teachers can become the biggest support to students outside of their family. Having a teacher trained in the most up-to-date learning science and strategies regarding dyslexia can make a huge difference in the learning experience of a child who is struggling.
Our curriculum uses the Landmark School’s Six Teaching Principles. These principles form the foundation of our teaching approach to help every student succeed, not just students who struggle with language.
The Six Teaching Principles are:
- Provide opportunities for our students to experience success
- Use multisensory approaches to teaching
- Use micro-units and structured tasks for every student
- Ensure automatization through practice and review
- Provide models for our students to use as a guide
- Include our students in the learning process
Students with dyslexia need systematic intervention and appropriate accommodations. By embracing these principles as the foundation for teaching, every teacher can help students feel included and empowered with the learning process.
These skills are grounded in patience and support, with an optimistic outlook and plan to provide students with coaching and strategies that they can apply to any learning situation.
What is a dyslexia certificate?
Teachers and other educators, including parents, who wish to work with students who have language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) may be interested in earning a credential specific to this area. If you wish to focus on the variety of disabilities that impact a students’ ability to process language, and you want to help those students succeed, a certificate built on understanding and aiding in learning for students with dyslexia and LBLDs may be for you.
Demonstrating the ability to have a meaningful impact on student learning as a whole, but also with helping students identified as having LBLDs is a rewarding path. You will be able to assist students in their structured learning as well as with social skills, executive function and even confidence.
A dyslexia specialist certificate is a professional credential tailored for special education teachers who want the specific knowledge and pedagogy involved in helping teach LBLD students with reading, spelling, writing and handwriting skills.
To achieve this credential, coursework in theory, research and pedagogy is necessary. The Southern New Hampshire University Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language Based Learning Disabilities provides the instruction needed to move forward in this richly rewarding area of education practice.
"This certificate is beneficial for teachers because it presents many strategies they can employ immediately in their classrooms to help students develop better academic skills," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.
And with approximately 15% to 20% of the population having a language-based learning disability, the need for this credential and commitment to learning is great.4
Can I get certified for dyslexia training online?
Not only can you earn a dyslexia certificate online, but you can earn one from an accredited, highly regarded university.
Most learners who are interested in learning more about dyslexia and LBLDs are already working and teaching in the field. They have full-time jobs, as well as lives, families and other challenges to their time that can make earning an additional credential difficult in a practical sense. Online education is a wonderful solution.
Online learning means that you get to learn on your schedule, as you wish. With the Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language Based Learning Disabilities at Southern New Hampshire University, you can complete the 5-course certificate in about a year, or even less.
"A certificate takes a shorter period of time to complete and can quickly deliver practical skills and ideas that teachers need to help students in today's diverse classrooms," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.
Our professional admission counselors and academic advisors can help ensure that you are able to take the courses you need when you need them. Our faculty is made up of professionals working in the field. In addition to top-notch instruction, they provide networking opportunities as well as professional advice to how best to apply your newfound specialized learning to assist students of all ages.
In addition to dyslexia, will a certificate help me teach students with other learning disabilities too?
Most people, even non-teachers, are familiar with the term “dyslexia.” What many people don’t know, however, is just how prevalent language-based learning disabilities are among students of all ages.
Approximately 15% to 20% of Americans have a language-based learning disability, according to the International Dyslexia Association.3
To address this need, the dyslexia training certification online program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides a suite of 5 courses that are specific to supporting students who encompass the spectrum of language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).
Dyslexia is one of them, but as a professional teacher, you know that learning disabilities affect student learning in myriad ways. Students with LBLD often struggle with social skills, executive function and negative feelings towards learning as a result of their challenges. If you are a certified teacher interested in expanding your toolkit, the Graduate Certificate for Dyslexia and Other Language Based Learning Disabilities could be just what you need.
Five courses means you can finish in just about a year. It’s possible to take a little more and or a little less time, depending on your schedule and your needs.
"The courses will help teachers better understand how dyslexia causes classroom struggles for their students and how to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of their students," said Kaia Cunningham, adjunct instructor at SNHU.
The courses are designed by Landmark School teachers, in partnership with SNHU. The Landmark instructors not only work in the field of LBLD, but have been for most of their careers. We offer this certificate program to you as a deep dive into the research and practical teaching strategies and skills you will need to help students of all types of LBLD succeed in the classroom and in life.
The Landmark School has been in the business of helping students with LBLD succeed since the early 1970s. Thanks to this exciting partnership, the dyslexia certification can help teachers learn new ways to enhance their classroom instruction and how to best address the diverse learning needs of children of all ages.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4)
1Landmark School, Six Teaching Principles, on the internet, at https://www.landmarkschool.org/our-approach/six-teaching-principles (viewed June 21, 2020)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 14, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council, on the internet, at https://www.imslec.org (viewed June 29, 2020)
4International Dyslexia Association, on the internet, at https://dyslexiaida.org (viewed June 29, 2020)