Graduate School of Education

Preparing Educators to Become Changemakers and Lifelong Learners

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Graduate School of Education has earned a reputation as New England’s most respected provider of teacher preparation programs. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a teacher or are already teaching, we'll help you become the best teacher you can be.

We integrate arts, literacy, technology, and strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners into all of our Master's, license only, certificate, and PhD programs. By studying here, you'll learn both what to teach and how to teach. You'll prepare to anticipate the evolving needs of PreK-12 students through practical approaches, field-based experiences, and ongoing feedback and support. Read our mission statement.

Become a vital member of our collaborative learning community, where our 5-year alumni employment rate is 97 percent. And as a Lesley graduate, you’ll join an extensive network of alumni educators who are making a difference in students’ lives across the country and around the world.

phd in expressive therapies class presentation

PhD in Educational Studies Application Deadline Extended: We will be accepting applications through March 15 on a space available basis.

You'll find information on how to apply at the bottom of each program page:

Educational Leadership Specialization
Human Development and Learning Specialization
Individually Designed Specialization
Jewish Educational Leadership Specialization

Not quite sure about taking the leap? Read Five Reasons to (Finally) Get Your PhD in Education.

A sampling of what our graduates are doing:

Theresa Melito-Connors, Educational Leadership '19, is the special education out-of-district coordinator for Melrose Public Schools (MA). Her scholarship focuses on self-care and renewal for leaders. She recently started a consulting business, "Dr. MC's Self-Care Cabaret."

John Bailie, Adult Learning and Development '13 (now Human Development and Learning) and Craig Adamson, Adult Learning and Development '13, are the president and provost, respectively, of the International Institute for Restorative Practices in Bethelehem, PA.

Stacy Atkinson, Adult Learning and Development '17, was recently named chancellor of the Richmond campus of Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. Previous to this appointment, she was vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Sally Buckley, Individually Designed '12, is registrar and dean of academic services at Wheaton College in Norton, MA.

We also offer professional development through our centers:

Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative

Headed by renowned literacy expert and author Irene Fountas, the center is a national leader in literacy research, professional development, and school programs for grades PreK–8. We run workshops, institutes, and courses in Cambridge and in school districts, as well as the annual Literacy for All Conference.

Learn more about the Center for Reading Recovery.

Center for Inclusive and Special Education

The center is dedicated to supporting educators, families, and communities in meeting the needs of all learners. We are guided by a philosophy that presumes the competence of all people in their different ways of knowing, learning, and expressing. We are also the home to the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity, which advances the development of trauma-sensitive learning environments.

Learn more about the Center for Inclusive and Special Education.

Center for Mathematics Achievement

We assist teachers, coaches, specialists, teacher leaders, and administrators in honing and deepening mathematics content knowledge through workshops, professional development, and consultation at school and district sites. We believe that educators who have enriched their own mathematical content knowledge are better equipped to provide more effective mathematics opportunities for their students.

Learn more about the Center for Math Achievement.

Center for Advanced Professional Studies

We provide professional development that addresses critical content areas in teaching and learning, serving educators throughout their careers through workshops, courses, and other offerings.

Learn more about the Center for Advanced Professional Studies.

STEAM Learning Lab

The STEAM Learning Lab provides a new way for our students and community partners to engage in inquiry-based exploration. It's a space where students can come together to imagine, build, and invent.

Learn more about the STEAM Learning Lab.

Teacher and students in the classroom, reading a book on the floor

Teacher Residency Programs

Earn a Master of Education degree and an Initial teaching license in just over a year of full-time work and study in a residency program at a participating Massachusetts school.

Accreditation

Educator Licensure Regulations

Each state’s educator licensure regulations are subject to change. If you’re an educator looking for an endorsement or addition to your current certification/license, you should verify with the appropriate state educator licensure authority that a program meets state requirements.

Elementary Generalist Online Program in Top 50

College and program ranker Intelligent.com rates our program #39 and Best Private University.

See the ratings.

classroom teacher with students at table

Lesley's New Teacher Community

Discover how our resources and workshops for education graduates can support you during your first years in the classroom.

Learn more about the New Teacher Community

Dean Rutstein-Riley Welcomes Students to the 19-20 School Year

A letter to Graduate School of Education students.

Read the Message from Dean Rutstein-Riley

WGBH

Graduate student Natalie Ornell, inspired by Rosa Parks, encouraged Massachusetts to support a law that requires MBTA buses to carry a decal honoring the civil rights icon.

vandernoot gallery during crowded opening

Parker Gallery

The John O. and Olivia Parker Gallery, located in University Hall, hosts exhibitions that amplify a wide range of voices from K–12 students to professional artists.

Visit the Parker Gallery Facebook page

Lesley hosts summer institute with Boston Public Schools students

Our educators to work with Brockton schools, immigrant families

A memoir of family and the Holocaust

Caroline Heller's memoir explores not only her family's experiences during World War II, but also how the Holocaust affected her as the child of a concentration camp survivor.

Listen to Caroline Heller's podcast interview

University among six nonprofits benefiting from neuroscience pioneer’s $10M grant for support of science teaching.

"What makes teaching important is your impact on so many students over so many years. Everyone's had one teacher who stood out as a person who made a difference in their lives—and they remember that teacher forever."

Brenda Matthis, Associate Professor

children playing cards and learning from their teacher

6 Ways Educators Can Prevent Bullying

Think about your classroom. Now picture your students. Chances are that one out of every five has been bullied. As an educator, what can you do about it?

Learn more about preventing bullying.

Boosting Classroom Literacy

Ideas for classroom teachers on how to create a literacy-rich classroom that inspires a love of words, reading, and learning.

Read the Six Guiding Principles

Online Literacy Program in Top 50

College and program ranker Intelligent.com rates our program #41 and Best Job Placement Rate.

See the ratings.

teacher sits in background assisting young students as they work on a project

5 Signs You Should Be A Teacher

So you're thinking of becoming a teacher but you're not 100% ready to make the leap? These are 5 signs that teaching is the right job for you.

Learn more about being a teacher.

threshold student writing in class and receiving assistance from the teacher

Transitioning to Adulthood

Moving into adulthood is a little more complicated for students with disabilities. See ways schools, families, and students can help.

a group of children work on art projects in a classroom

Anti-Bias Education

Through anti-bias education, early childhood educators can create learning communities that support human differences. Discover how you can foster an empathetic classroom.

Become a School Leader

Expand your reach beyond your classroom, for greater impact on both your students and your career.

Thinking of Becoming a Teacher?

You'll need a number of solid skills, naturally, but here are a few traits that will be indispensable in your teaching career.

7 Ways Professional Development Helps

Want to expand your teaching and learning horizons? Discover how professional development can help you become a better teacher.

Read about the benefits of professional learning.

Boston Public Schools

Boston Public Schools Principal Craig Martin is the 2018 Massachusetts Elementary Principal of the Year.

Jennifer Moriarty and Elise Catalano headshots

Award Winners

Two M.Ed. in Technology alumnae, Jennifer Moriarty '07 and Elise Catalano '99, were each awarded the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

Andy Mellen studied Special Education: Severe Disabilities at Lesley University.

Andy Mellen ’17

As an adaptive learning center teacher, Andy goes above and beyond to ensure students with diverse learning needs can succeed in a general education setting.