Recognizing Distinguished Programs
That Prepare Reading/Literacy Specialists
The International Literacy
Association Certificate of
Distinction for the Preparation
of Literacy Professionals (ILA
CoD) recognizes outstanding
licensure, certificate, and
endorsement programs that
prepare reading/literacy
specialists.
Earning an ILA CoD
demonstrates that the institution
adheres to a rigorous set of
standards, setting it apart from
similar programs. This seal
of approval shows that the
program meets or exceeds ILA’s
high standards for excellence.
WHAT ARE THE
ILA COD BENEFITS?
The benefits of the ILA CoD begin as soon as the institution starts
the review process and continues well after the designation is earned.
The review process helps institutions ensure each program is in
alignment with Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals
2017 (Standards 2017)*, which shows that its teacher candidates are
fully prepared to enter the profession.
Once your institution has earned an ILA CoD,
you will be able to use this designation to help you
� Market your program to potential students and the literacy profession
� Validate your status as an essential program in the university setting
and obtain new resources from your university/college
� Obtain new grant funding from foundations, the state, or federal
government
ILA will spotlight institutions who have earned
the ILA CoD with
� Recognition on the ILA CoD webpage
� Acknowledgement in an ILA press release
� An opportunity to present at a session at ILA’s annual conference
To learn more about the ILA CoD, visit ilacertification.org
Currently, programs that prepare reading/literacy specialists.
In the future, ILA will expand the certification to include programs
that prepare the following literacy professional roles:
� Pre-K/primary classroom teachers
� Elementary/intermediate classroom teachers
� Middle/high school classroom teachers
� Literacy coaches
� Literacy coordinators
WHO SHOULD APPLY
FOR THE ILA COD?
* To get more information about Standards 2017, or to purchase a copy, visit
literacyworldwide.org/standards2017