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Literacy Skills

Explore the career you could build with this skill.

What Is Literacy?

Literacy empowers people to read, write, communicate and think critically in academic, professional and everyday settings. Strong literacy skills help individuals understand information, express ideas clearly and engage confidently in an increasingly connected world.

Because of its foundational nature, literacy is one of the most crucial skills educators can teach their students, setting them up for a lifetime of success. It helps strengthen communication, comprehension, analytical thinking and information interpretation, abilities beneficial in both education and beyond.

Educational leadership shown through teacher explaining molecules.
A teacher reads a book to a group of young children.

As schools respond to concerns about student reading performance, many are placing greater emphasis on the Science of Reading and evidence-based instructional strategies. Many educators also feel literacy instruction is more important than ever with the rise of phones and short-form content that has veered attention spans away from deep-reading stamina.

At the same time, literacy instruction has had to expand to include the digital technologies that are reshaping how people access, evaluate and share information. Employers increasingly emphasize digital literacy, media literacy and critical thinking alongside traditional reading and writing skills, which means educators need to evolve their instruction if they want to adequately prepare their students for the future.

Literacy Courses

American College of Education (ACE) offers standalone courses that can help you develop your skills in this area.

Literacy Careers

Learn more about the career paths you can pursue with this skill on your resume. Please note that some careers listed may require state licensure, certification or additional qualifications.

Elementary School Teacher

Close your eyes and think of the future – whether you imagine technological advancements, medical breakthroughs or other kinds of innovations, there’s a big chance today’s young minds will be at the forefront of it all.  

Estimated Annual Wage: $62,310

High School Teacher 

High school students are walking through a season of self-discovery and advanced learning, and it’s paramount that they have exemplary educators. High school teachers have the unique and rewarding responsibility to prepare students, typically ages 14 to 18, for life after graduation. 

Expected Growth: 64,000 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $65,220

ESL Teacher  

Learn what it takes to become an ESL teacher. Discover the skills needed and the benefits of teaching English as a second language.

Expected Growth: 3,900 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $59,950

Instructional Coordinator  

Explore the role of an Instructional Coordinator in enhancing curriculum and instruction across schools and education systems.

Expected Growth: 21,900 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $74,720

School Principal

Leader, difference maker, visionary, cheerleader – these are only some synonymous names for school principals. From a more technical standpoint, school principals are at the head of a K-12 institution at either the elementary, middle or high school level. They are responsible for ensuring school operations run smoothly and provide a quality education experience for students and educators. With strong leadership skills and a passion for education, school principals are integral in a variety of ways. This is your unique guide to principalship, covering everything from daily responsibilities to how to get there.

Expected Growth: 20,000 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $103,460

Superintendent

Uncover essential insights with the superintendent career guide that details the pivotal role of a school district chief executive.

Expected Growth: 4%
Estimated Annual Wage: $105,350

Academic Advisor

Navigating through an academic journey at any level can feel exciting but also daunting without support. That’s where academic advisors rise to the occasion and help students plan their learning pathways toward meeting educational goals.

Expected Growth: 29,100 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $65,140

Educational Consultant

When a learning environment needs support in addressing areas for growth, it can be beneficial to bring in a specialized expert who can offer a fresh perspective and spearhead strategic planning. You might be wondering, what is an educational consultant? 

Expected Growth: 10%
Estimated Annual Wage: $113,101

Course Stackability

Graphic depicting the stack-ability of courses at the American College of Education

We want our students to get the most out of their hard work. That’s why we design our courses and programs with stackability in mind. Some courses can be applied toward a micro-credential or certificate, which can in turn be applied toward a master’s degree, subject to program requirements. That master’s degree coursework could then be applied toward a doctorate. Even by taking a single course at ACE, you're taking a smart step toward a larger educational future. 

The courses you take in this skill area can earn you academic credit that you can apply to these ACE degrees. 

Course Admissions

For students taking single courses without enrolling in a program, admission requirements will depend on the level of the course. Students must meet ACE’s general admission requirements and be admitted to the college before signing up for a stand-alone class.

Bachelor’s Level

  • At least 30 semester credits 
  • Minimum GPA of 1.75 

Master’s Level

  • A bachelor’s or highest post-baccalaureate degree
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5*

Doctoral Level

  • A master’s or doctoral degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0

*Applicants whose overall GPA is between 2.0-2.49 may be considered for admission if their degree was conferred more than 10 years from the start date at ACE or the applicant has five or more years of experience in the field appropriate for intended courses.

Literacy FAQs

What do literacy courses cover?

Literacy courses help students strengthen the reading, writing and communication skills needed for academic, professional and personal success. Depending on the course, you may explore reading comprehension, writing strategies, language development, literacy instruction and techniques for building critical thinking and effective communication.

Can I complete literacy courses online?

Yes. Many literacy courses online offer flexible learning formats that allow you to build your skills while balancing work, school and personal commitments. Course topics vary but may include literacy instruction, language development, reading strategies and evidence-based teaching practices.

What is an academic literacy course?

An academic literacy course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in educational settings. These courses often emphasize analyzing texts, developing academic writing, evaluating evidence and communicating ideas clearly across a variety of disciplines.

Why are literacy skills important?

Literacy skills support effective communication, lifelong learning and informed decision-making. They help people understand complex information, express ideas with confidence and adapt to changing academic, professional and digital environments.

Who can benefit from literacy courses?

Literacy courses benefit educators, students and professionals who want to strengthen communication and learning skills. They are also valuable for individuals who support literacy development in schools, workplaces or community organizations, as well as anyone looking to build a stronger foundation for personal and professional growth.

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