Elementary Education
Master's and Post-Master's Degree Programs
Initial and Professional Licensure Programs

The Elementary Education programs at Lesley University prepare teacher candidates to be competent generalists who are able to meet the needs of the diverse student population in an elementary school classroom. The programs emphasize: attention to the child as an individual, inclusive education, linguistic/cultural diversity, inquiry, technology, and the place of assessment in the education process.  Program types include Master's Degree (non-licensure), Master's Degrees leading to to Initial Licensure, and Master's Degrees leading to Professional Licensure. Students with Master's degrees may also choose the 12-credit option for professional licensure. Programs are offered on and off campus, as well as through the Collaborative Internship Programs, which offers a 14-month, field-based Master's program leading to initial licensure.

The major goals of the programs are:

• to educate reflective practitioners who continuously develop and refine their practice
• to model best practices in pedagogy in response to the needs of each learner
• to prepare and endorse knowledgeable teacher candidates for licensure

The programs draw on a group of faculty who are immersed in elementary school classroom settings as administrators, math or literacy coaches, teachers, or consultants. Faculty members remain current in their academic areas and are involved in scholarly writing, professional presentations, or district professional development plans. 

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning September 1, 2009, all new applicants seeking admission to an initial license program must submit evidence of having taken, or registered for, the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Effective Fall, 2010, all students seeking a first initial license must pass all portions of the MTEL(s) required for their licensure program to be eligible for student teaching or practicum.

The following programs are available:

MASTER'S DEGREE (Off-Campus Non-Licensure Program)

• Master of Education in Elementary Education: Profession and Practice (1-6)

MASTER'S DEGREE LEADING TO INITIAL LICENSURE

• Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Joint Creative Arts in Learning and Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6) and Specialist Teacher in Reading
• Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6) and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
• Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6) and Instructional Technology (Levels: All)

MASTER'S DEGREE LEADING TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary Education Generalist (1-6)
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Teacher of Students with and without Disabilities (PreK-2) or Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Math and Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts: Early Childhood (PreK-2)and Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Science in Education in Elementary Education (1-6)
• Master of Education in Ecological Teaching and Learning and Elementary Education (1-6)

12-CREDIT OPTION FOR PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

For those who already hold Master's degrees, 12 credits of graduate coursework in the subject matter knowledge of the Initial license can be used to meet part of the requirements for the Professional license in that field. This is an individual option listed in the Massachusetts state regulations and not an approved program. Those interested in taking advantage of this option should consult with an Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the School of Education before enrolling in courses.