The first mistake to avoid in a reading and literacy degree distance-learning program is finding one that is not properly accredited. When it comes to teaching credentials, it is important to go through degree programs with full accreditation. Accreditation shows that a university has gotten approval for its academic programs through an independent governing body. Without accreditation, your degree work will be for naught. Most schools do not accept credits from university programs that lack accreditation. It can also hinder your ability to go for advanced degrees later.

The second reading and literacy degree distance learning program mistake to avoid is not finding one geared to your particular interests. Many people enter education without thinking about their future career path. If you want to become a reading specialist for a few years and think about other options later, you need to find the right degree program. You want a degree program that offers you a full set of teaching credentials on top of becoming a reading specialist. This will allow you to enter other areas of teaching later. It also prepares you to earn an advanced degree to take your education in other directions.

A third mistake to avoid in selecting a reading and literacy degree distance-learning program is not getting a comprehensive program. Just because a degree program purports to be one dedicated to teaching reading and literacy specialists, does not mean that it provides a comprehensive education program necessary for the specialty. Not only do these educators need to be able to teach reading, they also need the ability to assess students' current capabilities and provide remediation as needed. These educators also need to work with children from the youngest ages through young adulthood.

A fourth mistake to stay away from in assessing reading and literacy degree distance learning programs is a program that only emphasizes remedial education. Sometimes, people make the mistake of thinking that reading teachers are only there to help children who are struggling with reading. However, a growing number of school districts realize the value of bringing in a reading specialist to teach reading to children of all ages. They bring a special set of skills that allow them to educate children from the start. With their special set of skills, they also have the capability of identifying children having troubles and fixing those problems quickly before the problems become major.

A final mistake to avoid when selecting a reading and literacy degree distance-learning program is not selecting a program that looks at all grade levels. Many times reading specialists trained only to help children up to maybe fourth or fifth grade. After that, many school districts consider reading problems minimal and leave later remediation to special education instructors. However, reading specialists need to be able to work with children with ages ranging from kindergarten all the way through graduating from high school. This allows for successful improvement of reading skills all grade levels. Avoiding these mistakes will make your education as a reading specialist smoother.