When Olivia Costa M’24 first started working in local schools, she saw many students struggling with foundational reading skills – and then experiencing “lightbulb moments” with one-on-one support.
“Seeing their newfound confidence and growth inspired me to specialize in literacy education,” she said.
The challenges Olivia encountered were far from isolated. Across New York state, only 46% of third- through eighth-graders are reading at grade level, while 27% are “well below proficient.”
These literacy gaps can become opportunity gaps with lifelong consequences. According to Literacy New York, limited reading skills are associated with lower wages and job security, higher crime rates, worse health outcomes, and reduced social connection.
The good news: There have been transformative advances in the science of reading, and Keuka College’s MS in Literacy program is empowering dedicated teachers like Olivia to implement new evidence-based practices in their schools.
“The professors were incredibly personable, and they made learning feel meaningful,” Olivia said about her experience in the program. “I felt valued as a student and as a person.”
“It allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how to support students with varying needs. And that helped me secure a position immediately after earning my degree.”
Along with advanced courses like Best Practices in Teaching Writing and Literacy in the Digital Age, the master’s program involves a practicum that enables students to apply the competencies they’ve gained in real-world learning environments.
For her practicum, Olivia explored accessible literacy resources for learners from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, experimenting with a range of diagnostic tools and working directly with K–12 students and fellow educators.
Olivia said this focus on experiential learning was vital to her success as an emerging literacy expert.
“Olivia is the ultimate educator,” said Dr. Debra Dyer, professor emerita of education at Keuka College. “She embodies knowledge, skills, intentionality, passion, and compassion.”
Olivia now serves as a literacy interventionist at REACH Academy Charter School in Buffalo’s Willert Park district, a minority-majority community where half of families live below federal poverty guidelines. In this role, she provides targeted support to small groups of fifth- and sixth-graders on their journey to becoming fluent and confident readers.
“We are so proud of Olivia,” said Linda Marszalek, co-founder and head of REACH Academy. “She brings passion, enthusiasm, and hope to our scholars every day. Being able to regularly work with a literacy specialist can transform their lives.”
“I knew Keuka College would offer a welcoming and supportive learning environment.”
Step into your next chapter
If you’re a working teacher who’s ready to amplify your impact in the classroom and beyond, discover Keuka College’s Master of Science in Literacy (All Grades). With all-online instruction, you can pursue your degree even with a demanding job. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that’s small on purpose and ready to provide personal guidance at every step.
