Teacher Residency Programs

Half the time, twice the classroom experience.

If you want to earn a Master of Education and an Initial teaching license in just over a year of full-time work and study, consider a teacher residency. We partner with a number of Massachusetts schools (and one in Maine) to provide you with an opportunity to actively participate in the life of a school while fulfilling your coursework and student teaching requirements.

Programs begin in June and conclude at the end of the following summer. For all residency programs, costs are lower than for traditional programs, as some classes are taken at the school site at a reduced rate. Costs vary by school. Completed applications are due no later than May 1.

See below for program and site options and an overview of the application process.

Please note: The Office of Veterans Affairs has determined that teacher residencies are not eligible for veterans' benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®

Explore Our Teacher Residency Options

M.Ed. with Initial License Programs: Massachusetts & Maine
We offer teacher residency programs in collaboration with a number of independent and public schools. In a residency program, you’ll work full time at the school, and take coursework at both the school site and on Lesley’s Cambridge campus. You'll follow a set sequence of coursework, and go through your courses with a group of fellow students.

Programs offered differ from site to site, and all but the Individually Designed M.Ed. in Maine lead to a Massachusetts Initial license.

If you are interested in exploring a teacher residency program, contact the school directly to schedule a site visit and interview. You must be accepted by both the school and Lesley. You may apply to more than one school.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Advanced Math and Science Academy, Marlborough, MA

View the Digital Literacy and Computer Science program.

Early Childhood

Belmont Day School, Belmont, MA

Brookwood School, Manchester, MA

View the Early Childhood program.

Elementary

Belmont Day School, Belmont, MA

Brookwood School, Manchester, MA

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Cambridge, MA

Old Sturbridge Academy, Sturbridge, MA

Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

View the Elementary program.

Middle School

Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Belmont Day School, Belmont, MA

Advanced Math and Science Academy, Marlborough, MA

View the Middle School program.

High School

Advanced Math and Science Academy, Marlborough, MA

View the High School program.

Special Education: Moderate Disabilities

The Carroll School, Lincoln, MA

Westwood Public Schools, Westwood, MA

View the Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 program.
View the Moderate Disabilities 5-12 program.

Special Education: Severe Disabilities

Westwood Public Schools, Westwood, MA

View the Severe Disabilities program.

Individually Designed (degree only; non-licensure)

Berwick Academy, South Berwick, Maine

View the Individually Designed program.
M.Ed. with Initial License Programs Plus Preparation for ESL License: Boston Area

Early Childhood Education with English as a Second Language Preparation: Somerville, MA

Earn your M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Initial Early Childhood license, and take courses that prepare you to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for English as a Second Language, in a residency program based in Somerville Public Schools, Somerville, MA.

Become familiar with family engagement and multilingual practices. You'll work with experienced teachers in preschool, kindergarten, first, or second grade classrooms. Most of your classes will take place at Lesley's Cambridge campus; the practicum seminar and two courses will be taught on-site in Somerville, and two courses will be taken online.

Learn more and apply to the Early Childhood Education with ESL Preparation program.

Elementary Education with English as a Second Language Preparation: Selected Boston Area School Districts

Earn an M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Initial Elementary license, and take courses that prepare you to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for English as a Second Language, in a residency at a participating Boston-area school district.

Most courses taught at Lesley's Cambridge campus; other courses are taken at the school site. Save money and time, and get direct classroom experience and a grounding in teaching students who are English language learners. Learn more and apply to the Elementary Education with ESL Preparation program.

Applying to a Residency Program

Overview of Application Process
Complete and submit the Lesley online application form.

Contact the residency site you are interested in to set up a Residency Admissions Interview.

On the Lesley program page for the M.Ed. you are interested in, find "Next Steps to Apply" at the bottom of the page, choose "teacher residency," and you will be directed to a page that will outline all documentation you will need to submit to Lesley.

Receive decision from your chosen residency site

Submit contract, which indicates Lesley will review you for admission to the program. All materials must be received by Lesley no later than May 1.

Receive notification of Lesley's admissions decision.

If admitted, work with your advisor on course/program planning.

Schedule an appointment with graduate admissions for more information about teacher residencies.

"Lesley's [teacher residency] with Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) School was the most incredible way to earn my master's degree. Getting a full year of teaching experience with 2 different master teachers and the support of the advisors and staff at BB&N was incredible."

Kate Harney ’12, M.Ed. in Elementary Education