Introduction to The School of Education

The Lesley University Graduate School of Education believes that the fundamental purpose of education in a democratic society is to provide opportunities for all to participate fully in the cultural, political, and economic life of the nation and world. It is an inclusive community of teachers, administrators, and other educational personnel who are committed to the preparation and professional development of teachers. The clear commitment to provide rich and rewarding educational experiences to all of the nation's children--without exception--is a defining characteristic of Lesley's education programs.

The School of Education offers opportunities for advanced study leading to Master's degrees, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study, and Ph.Ds in Educational Studies. Among the fields of study are Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School Education, Special Education, Science, Mathematics, Literacy, and Technology in Education.

Courses are offered in both traditional and non-traditional (weekend) formats to accommodate busy educational practitioners, and are given both at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus and in locations in 22 states. In the off-campus sites, core faculty from the Cambridge campus, augmented by outstanding educational practitioners from other institutions and schools, provide instruction in programs that offer flexibility and cohort-based support. The school also offers two fully online degree programs, in Technology in Education and in Science in Education (K-8).

All programs continue the Lesley tradition of being student-centered, deeply imbedded in schools and other educational settings, and actively engaged in collaborative study and research.

The education faculty, in their various roles as teacher-mentors, facilitators, researchers, consultants, writers, conference speakers and members of educational boards, commissions and focus groups, are the primary force in setting the high academic standards and the visionary goals of the School of Education. Students are offered a superior education through challenging coursework, classroom-based reflection, research and clinical experiences that model a strong commitment to and belief in cultural pluralism, inclusive communities, and the integration of technology in education.

A Lesley education inspires graduates to take leadership roles in helping to initiate reform in their schools and to contribute to the restructuring of education for future generations. The professional contributions of the graduates and faculty of the School of Education continue to have a profound impact on the lives and futures of children and adults, from inner city schools to rural and suburban school districts, in human service agencies and in universities.

Off-Campus Programs in New England and Across the United States

Master's degree study, as well as programs leading to licensure, are offered at sites in New England and in states across the US. All programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and approved by the appropriate state agencies. The majority of students enrolled in the off-campus programs are licensed teachers, many of whom have a number of years of classroom experience. The off-campus programs meet in an intensive weekend learning format approximately once a month - a feature highly attractive to working professionals.

Students in these programs, like their on-campus counterparts, use their own professional settings to implement and evaluate the theories and practices addressed in the programs. A particular characteristic of the off-campus programs is the cohort model, in which students form a close-knit group that progresses through the same sequence of courses together. Graduates of these off-campus programs often cite the professional support and exchange of educational expertise generated by their group as one of the great advantages of this model of graduate teacher education.

Licensure Regulations

Massachusetts Certification and the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

The educational programs at Lesley fulfill the Massachusetts teacher licensure regulations instituted by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Lesley University programs are state approved and recognized by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement 2005-2006, which means that graduates are eligible to apply for certification in forty-five other states. 

The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 mandated a two-part testing program as part of the state's teacher licensure requirement. Beginning in 1998, candidates in teaching, administration, and counseling seeking initial licensure are required to pass a test of communication and literacy skills, as well as a test of the subject area of the certificate. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure are administered five times a year at a variety of sites throughout the Commonwealth. Information and registration bulletins are available at the Lesley University Certification Office, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, or at the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, 781-338-3300.

Massachusetts Recertification

Lesley is a state-approved professional development provider, offering courses, seminars, institutes, workshops and other activities which fulfill Massachusetts recertification requirements. Professional development activities are available in a wide range of formats, on weekends, weekdays and evenings, on campus and at school sites.

Massachusetts teachers, administrators, and support service personnel must apply to the Department of Education from recertification every five years as noted on their individual certificates. This requirement applies only to those who hold Professional Licensure. Information and guidelines are available at the Lesley University Certification Office, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, or at the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, 781-338-6600.