In the Books: Centenary University Graduate Students Provide Tutoring for Young Readers this Summer

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Literacy Instruction provide hundreds of hours to tutor students 

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, July 23, 2025—Centenary University graduate students have provided hundreds of hours this summer to tutor youngsters as part of the University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction. The degree candidates are providing reading assistance for students in grades kindergarten through eight enrolled in the Allamuchy Township School District.

            The Master of Arts in Literacy Instruction requires graduate students to complete clinical hours—similar to doctors completing a medical residency—to meet their certification requirements. Throughout the program, graduate students accumulate clinical hours culminating in this summer experience. Under the guidance of New Jersey Department of Education-certified school leaders and reading specialists who act as professors-in-residence, the students step into the role of reading specialists in a local school district and provide tutoring using evidence-based best practices.

Director of the Master of Education in Literacy Instruction Lexis McCoy, Ed.D., explained, “This program strives for ‘books in hands and smiles on faces.’ Our goal is to cultivate a love of reading from the earliest years, so as children grow in proficiency they are motivated to continue reading widely. We can teach students how to read, but if they don’t enjoy reading, they will not continue. Our goal is to teach children the foundations so they know how to read well as we motivate them to want to read more."

Children participating in the program attend one-on-one tutoring sessions intentionally planned by the future reading specialists. In addition to the more technical aspects of reading, there is a strong emphasis on helping children gain self-confidence and ability to see themselves as readers. During tutoring sessions, the graduate students create positive relationships with young readers as they implement the evidence-based practices learned throughout their graduate program.

Centenary University Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Robert Battistini, Ph.D., said, “This is a fine example of university and public school partnerships. We are appreciative of this school district, which also hosts many of our undergraduate student teachers. It’s a win/win, providing the children with tutoring and Centenary students with a consistent opportunity to work in a real-life setting. This program benefits the whole community: Future literacy instructors will be better able to reach young readers and area children will read better.”

Mountain Villa School Principal Jennifer Gallegly, Ed.D., added, “Centenary University has been a strong component of our summer enrichment and extended school year program for the past 10 years. I strongly believe in the value of school and university partnerships like the one we have maintained with Centenary and I am extremely proud of it.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

Contact: Kristen Volkland (201) 960-3102