Master’s Degree in Reading Education Portfolio

Reading Portfolio

The foundation of reading starts at home. (pictured above from left to right; My Nephew and my son sharing a book.  They spend 20 minutes a day reading independently

Keisha Thomas

Advising Professor, Jennifer Bailey

Purpose for pursuing a Master’s in Reading

           The idea to pursue a masters in reading started during my first year in education.  I was given an opportunity to be one of the first to complete a reading endorsement with Okaloosa County School District which sparked my interest in secondary reading. In addition there was a cohort that was developing  which I thought would helped me to define what my impact would be on this new profession that I was venturing in.  Historically the statistics for African American students achieving adequately yearly progress in reading has been on a decline; with education always being a big proponent for me I changed careers and jumped right in hoping to make a difference. 

           My short term goals are to increase the percentage of students who are reading on grade level and to motivate students to enjoy reading even after they have left elementary school.  Obtaining my reading masters will prepare me to help improve student performance in reading and to use the necessary background knowledge, resources and partnerships to provide the best possible reading strategies and techniques for the students that I teach.

Keisha C. Thomas

My son enjoying a biography on Will Smith, the actor.  He enjoys reading science, comedy, and biographies.