Middle School Education

Lesley University offers Middle School-level Master's Degree programs leading to Initial licensure in seven subject areas, as well as a joint English and Specialist Teacher in Reading program, Teacher of Visual Arts (Initial and Professional), and Science in Education Online (Professional). The programs are offered on and off campus (joint program and visual arts on campus only). Students may 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 on the belief that teachers who work with young adolescents should have professional training that focuses exclusively on the needs of this age group. Underlying the goals of the program is the recognition of the importance of these years in shaping students' future academic and social success. 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.

Teaching middle school students requires deep pedagogical content knowledge, age-based skills, and a commitment to student achievement and their discipline. Also critical are 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.

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)
• English (5-8) and Specialist Teacher in Reading (All Levels)
• Teacher of Visual Art PreK-8 or 5-12 

Master's Degrees leading to Professional Licensure

• Science in Education (1-6) or (5-8): Online Program
• Teacher of Visual Art PreK-8 or (5-12)

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.