From its founding, when Edith Lesley and her colleagues brought their life experiences to their work of developing the Lesley School for the training of Kindergarten teachers, Lesley has embraced the core intentions of integrating theory with practice and learning from doing.
What is unique about this “experiential learning” today is that it is integrated into the student’s overall program of study. All students complete their General Education requirements, the academic requirements of their major, and the experiential learning component of their major. In this way all Lesley undergraduates are realizing Edith Lesley’s vision of integrating theory and practice.
There are four modalities of experiential learning available to students (the specific requirements for each major can be found in the Majors section of the academic catalog):
Internships
An internship is a structured, supervised, creditbearing work experience designed to enrich and complement the students’ academic program. All first year students engage in an introduction to field experiences. Then internships are available during the sophomore, junior and senior years.
Click here for more information about undergraduate internships
Field Placement
The Undergraduate Education Program prepares education students to teach diverse populations in a multicultural society. Appropriate field experiences are arranged in the first, sophomore, and junior years, culminating in an intensive student teaching practicum during the senior year.
Click here for more information about undergraduate Education field experiences
Study Abroad
Study abroad allows students to pursue educational opportunities in a foreign country. These educational experiences bring students to the sites and cultures and allow students to fully engage in the host culture.
Click here for more information about study abroad opportunities
Community Service
The Office of Community Service is committed to providing Lesley University students and staff with meaningful service opportunities. Through these opportunities, we strive to connect participants with the Cambridge and Boston community.
Click here for more information about community service opportunities
Faculty Spotlight
Frank Daniello
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education
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Lisa Fiore
Associate Professor, Dean of Faculty
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