A Letter from the Dean

Dear Student:

The Lesley University School of Education believes that the fundamental purpose of education in a democratic society is to provide opportunities for everyone to participate fully in the cultural, political, and economic life of the nation and world. To achieve our goal, the school offers innovative programs through creative pedagogies, high-quality instruction, scholarship, advocacy, and outreach. The programs are designed and offered by a faculty of scholar/practitioners who are encouraged to create meaningful partnerships with public and private educational communities.  Using this model means that we are connected to the everyday realities of today's classrooms and schools, and that we can place our students in relevant settings where they can learn and make a difference.

Because the School of Education believes schools are places where new insights and understandings about teaching and learning are acquired each day, it encourages its students and faculty to immerse themselves in school experiences throughout their studies and professional careers. The clear commitment to provide rich and rewarding educational experiences for all of the nation's children is a defining characteristic of Lesley programs in education.

Students may take advantage of opportunities for advanced study in many fields that lead to initial and professional licenses, Master's degrees, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study, and Ph.Ds. Among the fields are Educational Leadership, Adult Learning, Literacy, Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Middle School Education; High School Education; Special Education; Creative Arts in Learning; Teacher of Visual Arts; Arts, Community, and Education; Integrated Teaching Through the Arts; Science; Mathematics; and Instructional Technology. The programs continue the Lesley tradition of being student-centered, deeply embedded in schools and other educational settings, and promoting collaborative study and research.

Students in the School of Education are preparing for leadership roles in colleges and universities, public and private schools, day care centers, and other types of educational institutions, as well as in the education policy arena. The faculty seeks to provide the best possible professional education and is committed to the continuous reform and improvement of the American educational system. We hope you will find your time at Lesley rewarding.

William Stokes, Ed.D.
Interim Dean, School of Education