On-Campus Joint Program

Creative Arts in Learning Division and School of Education
Master of Education Degree Leading to Initial Teacher License
Elementary Education (1-6)

In response to Massachusetts state licensure regulations, the Creative Arts in Learning Division and the School of Education offer a joint graduate program for students who wish to become grades 1-6 teachers.  Successful students in this program earn a Master of Education degree and an initial teacher license recognized in Massachusetts.  The program provides students the opportunity to discover the power and potential of integrating the arts into classroom practice and curricular in order to enhance teaching and learning in new and effective ways.  The strength of this program rests in its underlying philosophy that the arts are central to human learning, and can serve as a foundation for education.  The curriculum is designed to offer our graduate students current theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the fields of math, literacy, special needs education, science, and arts approach to multicultural education, history and social sciences, and the various arts modalities.  It emphasizes and honors solid understanding of child development, content knowledge, state standards, assessment strategy, basic technology application, inclusive learning environment, accommodation of different learning styles; and the empowerment of students through creativity and individual expression.

This is a 39-credit program that consists of course work, pre-practicum experiences, a 75-hour early field experience, and a practicum.  Students have to complete satisfactorily the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) requirements before they take the practicum.  It is possible to complete the program in a year and a half of full-time study.  Students have the option to customize their program of study to meet their needs on either part-time or full-time basis.

Note: Lesley University reserves the right to engage in periodic review of courses, credits or programs of study to strengthen the academic integrity of the program and/or satisfy external accrediting agencies without prior notice.  Licensure programs will be revised from time to time to be in compliance with the Massachusetts Teacher Regulations.  All students should contact their faculty advisors to obtain current information regarding program requirements.