1. Who is this program for?This program is for people with practical teaching experience who are looking to deepen their understanding of mathematics to better support their students, whether licensed or not. Some of the coursework includes projects that require the use of a classroom.
Students who are on a leave from teaching must foster a relationship with a local school (grades K-12) and make arrangements to be a guest in a classroom from time to time. Students without teaching experience can contact the Graduate Admissions Office for information on appropriate programs for people who want to become teachers.
2. How long does the program typically take to complete?The program consists of 11 courses. Most students take one course per term and finish in about two years, though students may discuss taking more courses with a program advisor. Students can take up to seven years to complete the degree.
It is advised that students who are actively teaching not take more than two courses in an 8 week term. One course translates to roughly 7 hours of work each week, depending on projects and assignments. Most students log in every other day to check on assignments, etc. At times, students will need to set aside up to 90-minute blocks of time to be online.
3. Will I be able to advance an existing teaching license or certification with this program?In Massachusetts: If you hold an Initial License in Elementary Education (1-6), the program can lead to Professional Licensure. If you hold an Initial License in Middle School Mathematics (5-8), the program can lead to Professional Licensure.
Outside of Massachusetts: As our program can satisfy requirements in some states, we encourage you to approach your local Department of Education or licensing and certification organization to ask if our program will help to advance your existing license or certification. (We suggest obtaining their approval in writing.)
4. I see that this is program can be taken for Professional licensure, but I don’t need a license. What do I do?You will need to sign a non-licensure agreement, which is the applicant's acknowledgement that they fully understand the Master’s program they are about to enter will not allow Lesley University to endorse them for licensure.
5. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?The most important technical requirements for online coursework are access to a high-speed internet connection and an email address you can check daily. Students can work either with a PC or a Macintosh with some form of antivirus software loaded on their computers. Some content-specific software will be required throughout the program; students will be given information on how to purchase it prior to the start of each course. Students must also have access to a scanner. It is essential that all students download Firefox as their browser, which can be
downloaded for free.
Software needed: Geometer's Sketchpad: CD-ROM, available at
amazon.com.
6. How are classes conducted? Do I need to be online at certain times?No. These are asynchronous courses, so you can arrange your study times to fit your personal schedule.
7. Is being away from a class for a week or two a problem?Being away from class for a week or more is problematic, as the program is very much a classroom environment. While the courses are asynchronous, you still must be present each week. If a situation arises such as a family crisis or illness, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face-to-face course).
8. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?Lesley University may allow a transfer of up to 6 credits from an appropriate institution. They must be graduate level and relevant to the program of study. Please refer to our transfer policy.
9. I am not interested in completing a Master's degree at this time. However, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?Probably. However, some courses have prerequisites and also may require some specific technical skills. Contact the program advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll.
10. Who is the program advisor for the Mathematics Education program?Mike Matvichuk:
800.999.1959ext. 8463, or
617.349.8463 or
mmatvich@lesley.edu.