Middle School Education

The Lesley University Middle School Program offers Master's Degree programs leading to Initial licensure in seven subject areas. The programs below are offered on and off campus; students may also wish to investigate the Collaborative Internship program, a 14-month, field-based Master's program leading to initial licensure.

The Middle School programs are built upon the belief that teachers who work with young adolescents should have a professional training program that focuses exclusively on the needs of this age group. Underlying the goals of the Middle School program is the recognition of the importance of the early adolescent years in shaping the future academic and social success of students. 

The Lesley vision of middle schools is one in which:

• adults are active participants in youngsters' lives;
• students construct their own knowledge;
• schools are committed to and deeply involved in community life; and
• teachers are cooperatively creating the kinds of learning experiences that breed excellence.

To prepare someone to teach middle school students requires a thoughtfully-crafted set of study topics, so that teachers obtain deep pedagogical content knowledge, age-based skills, and a strong commitment to student achievement and their discipline. Heterogeneous grouping, integrated studies, good classroom management techniques that create a community of self-monitoring learners, interdisciplinary teacher-teams, community-based projects, small learning communities, fair assessment practices, and parental involvement are all critical.

The preparation programs at Lesley are designed so that graduates leave being able to identify, plan, and facilitate the type of inquiry and joint problem-solving that is necessary for both social and cognitive tasks in their future classrooms and schools.

Students with Master's degrees may also choose the 12-credit option for professional licensure.

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.

Master's Degrees leading to Initial Licensure

• English (5-8)
• General Science (5-8)
• History (5-8)
• Humanities (5-8)
• Mathematics (5-8)
• Mathematics/Science (5-8)
• Political Science/Political Philosophy (5-8)

12-Credit Option for Professional Licensure (Post-Master's)

For those who already hold Master's degrees, 12 credits of graduate credit 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.