Dyslexia Graduate Certificate Scholarship

Through the generous philanthropic support of Nathan’s Gift, the Literacy Research Center & Clinic at the University of Wyoming is proud to offer the newly established Nathan’s Gift Scholarship Cohort for the Dyslexia Graduate Certificate. This opportunity reflects a shared commitment to advancing literacy across Wyoming by supporting dedicated educators who seek to deepen their expertise in evidence-based practices that benefit students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

Across our state, educators play a vital role in ensuring every student has access to effective literacy instruction and intervention. This cohort is grounded in collaboration centered around professional learning leadership development. It will prepare participants to serve as knowledgeable teachers and advocates of struggling readers in their schools and communities

Selected participants will engage in a graduate-level learning experience focused on research-based instruction and intervention while working alongside fellow Wyoming educators who share a commitment to improving student literacy outcomes.

Program Support

• The LRCC through Nathan’s Gift will cover tuition and fees for required course(s) per semester.
• Participants will be responsible for purchasing the required course textbooks.

Selection Process

• Ten educators will be selected through a rubric-based review process conducted by outside evaluators.

Participant Commitments
Educators selected for the cohort will:

• Sign a good-faith agreement committing to completion of the program.
• Actively participate throughout the duration of the cohort experience, contributing to a collaborative learning community:
  Take courses as advised
  Attend a two-day summer institute
• Add the PTSB endorsement to your current Wyoming teaching license.

Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:

• Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recent degree
• Have at least three years of classroom teaching experience as a teacher of record
• Maintain a current Wyoming teaching license
• Currently work with students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties

Please note: Full acceptance to the LRCC Dyslexia Graduate Certificate Cohort is contingent upon unconditional admission to graduate study through the University of Wyoming Office of Admissions. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements for the Nathan’s Gift Scholarship Cohort for a Dyslexia Graduate Certificate does not guarantee admission.

Application Requirements
Principal Nomination Letter
Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their principal that:

• Confirms eligibility criteria and readiness to participate and successfully complete graduate level coursework
• Demonstrates strong literacy instruction, positive classroom environment, and classroom management
• Verifies the applicant currently serves students through small-group literacy instruction

Cover Letter
Applicants must submit a one-page cover letter (APA 7th edition format) clearly articulating:

• Evidence of a strong literacy foundation, including understanding of the five pillars of literacy
• The anticipated impact this certification will have on their students, particularly those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties
• Experience establishing structured routines that support literacy instruction and small-group intervention, maintaining a productive learning environment for all students, and implementing intensive, evidence-based dyslexia or other reading difficulty interventions.
• Knowledge of current issues related to dyslexia and reading difficulties within their local context and across Wyoming
• Commitment and readiness to successfully complete the program.

Applicants who are not selected for the LRCC-sponsored cohort may still register for courses independently.

Contact Information
For application information and deadlines, please contact:

Sara Pommarane
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Literacy Research Center & Clinic (LRCC)
University of Wyoming
307-766-3156
LRCC@uwyo.edu