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, artistic, aesthetic, 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 offers opportunities for advanced study leading to Master's degrees, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study, and PhDs in Educational Studies. Among the fields of study are Arts in Education, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School Education; Educational Leadership; Special Education; Literacy; and Science, Mathematics, and Technology in Education; Creative Arts in Learning, Community Arts, Visual Arts, and Integrated Teaching Through the Arts. Offered fully online are Master's degrees in Mathematics in Education, Technology in Education, Science in Education (K-8); a PhD in Educational Studies with a Specialization in Adult Learning; and a 15-credit Advanced Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Courses are offered in both traditional and weekend formats, and are held on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, online, and in locations in 23 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. All programs continue the Lesley tradition of being student-centered, deeply embedded in schools and other educational settings, and actively engaged in collaborative study and research.

The education faculty, in their 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.

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 Elementary and Secondary Education. Lesley University programs are state approved and recognized by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which means that graduates are eligible to apply for certification in 48 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 Elementary and Secondary 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 Elementary and Secondary Education for 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 DESE, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, 781-338-6600.