Programs
Education Programs
Touch the Future, Teach!
Lesley’s Education Programs develop practitioners who are able to integrate current research and theoretical knowledge into professional practice. The Programs reflect the University’s commitment to inclusive schooling, appropriate integration of technology, as well as a focus on multicultural education that emphasizes social justice.
Education Programs Overview [PDF]
Early Childhood Education
Leads to initial licensure as an early childhood teacher, grades preK-2. Students completing this major are ready to work with young children and their families in nursery schools, kindergartens, and grades one and two using developmentally appropriate materials, techniques, and curricula.
Requirements of the Early Childhood Education Major
Elementary Education
Leads to initial licensure as an elementary teacher, grades 1-6. Students will be well qualified to serve as teachers in public and private elementary schools with knowledge of the full range of instructional strategies, methods, and curricula. Students are ready to work with children in diverse communities.
Requirements of the Elementary Education Major
Middle School Education
Leads to initial licensure as a teacher of general science, English, history, mathematics or political science/philosophy in grades 5-8. In this program, students develop teaching techniques, materials, and curricula which focus on the whole child.
Requirements of the Middle School Education Major
Secondary Education
Leads to initial licensure as a teacher of English, history, mathematics, or political science/philosophy. The students in this program draw on the culture of high schools and the psychology of adolescence to develop teaching techniques, materials, and curricula.
Requirements of the Secondary Education Major
Special Education
Leads to initial licensure as a teacher of students with Moderate Disabilities in grades PreK-8. This program places an emphasis on developing a child’s potential in an inclusive learning community. Students develop expertise in assessment, curriculum design, and instructional techniques that provide access to the learning environment.
Requirements of the Special Education Major
Education Specializations
Students may also pursue optional Education specializations which provide in-depth study in the teaching of a particular subject or population. Specializations are designed to enhance a student’s professional qualifications, but do not lead to additional teacher licenses.
- Early Care and Education
- Early Intervention
- Explorations in the Reggio Emilia Approach
- Mathematics Education
- Multicultural Education
- Reading
- Science
- Special Education
- Teaching English Language Learners
- Technology and Teaching
- Individually Designed Specializations
Requirements for the Education Minor
Field Experiences and Student Teaching
One of the reasons Lesley students are so highly respected in the field of Education is the extensive and varied experience they have working directly with students in a classroom setting. All students pursuing an Education major or minor will be in the field for one semester in both their freshman and sophomore years. This early field experience is integrated with core education curriculum, so students are learning simultaneously through hands-on work in the classroom and small group work with other Education students and faculty. Senior year, Education majors spend an entire semester student teaching full-time.
Working and Networking
In addition to the opportunity to develop professional skills in the classroom, the field experiences also foster relationships between students and area superintendents, principals, and experienced faculty members. Lesley is fortunate to have a cooperative and collegial relationship with a number of metropolitan and suburban districts and schools in Massachusetts. Lesley also boasts the cooperation of many other schools, agencies, and public and private institutions that help to provide real-world training for Lesley’s future educators.
The Massachusetts Tests for Education Licenses (MTEL)
Lesley requires that Education majors pass all relevant portions of the MTEL test before they begin student teaching in their senior year. There are a number of support services available to students in addition to their regular classroom experience. These range from specific MTEL workshops to individual tutoring through the Center for Academic Achievement.
Dual Degree Programs
Students who demonstrate a high level of maturity and academic potential are eligible to apply for the Bachelor’s and Master’s dual degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Middle School Education.
