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Education

Inclusive Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)

Master of Education (M.Ed.): Initial Licensure Program

Empower and advocate for young learners with disabilities.

At Lesley, we believe in the competence of every individual and that an equal education is a right. To that end, we prepare teachers who will be lifelong advocates for their students, and who will prepare them for success in life. 

REGISTER: M.Ed. in Education Virtual Information Session

This program begins with an overview of the special education profession. From there, you'll take courses in communication, reading and writing, and elementary subject areas. Explore issues of inclusion, social justice, and equity. Design curriculum for learners of varying abilities, and build Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). And because evaluating students is a responsibility of all special educators, you’ll also focus on assessment issues.

Come study where you and your faculty will work together to co-construct new knowledge and practices, and where the importance of equity and social justice is woven throughout your study. 

You'll have field experiences during your program, and at the end of it, you can practice your newfound skills through an immersive student teaching experience (teacher residencies fulfill this requirement at the residency site).

Then, with the skills needed for a rewarding career, you'll graduate knowing that you have the degree you need to land the career you're passionate about. That's because employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. 

Come study where you and your faculty will work together to co-construct new knowledge and practices, and where the importance of equity and social justice is woven throughout your study. 

You may be able to waive some courses based on previous coursework, which may reduce the total number of program credits (minimum = 34).

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

On-campus, off-campus, or accelerated teacher residency program

41 Credits
On-Campus Graduate Education Programs

Our on-campus programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face, remote synchronous via Zoom, or asynchronous online courses. Whatever the delivery mode, you'll get the same careful attention and support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you have any questions.

teacher with 2 students at a desk

Yearlong Teacher Residency Option

Finish your degree in just over a year—with double the teaching experience and at a reduced cost—as a resident intern in a participating public or independent school. In this program format, you participate full-time in the life of the school, and take classes at both the school site and Lesley. 

Apply by May 1, 2023, to start this program in Summer, 2023, at one of the following sites: Carroll School (PreK-8; 5-12), Westwood Public Schools (PreK-8; 5-12; or Severe).

Gain Skills and Expertise
Our moderate disabilities program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Gail Cahill
Special Education
Gail Cahill
Gail joined Lesley after many years in the public education sector. She has taught at various grade levels as well as held several administrative positions, including special education administration and school based administration. She has also worked at private facilities such as McLean Hospital and the Protestant Guild for the Blind. She serves on the International Council of Exceptional Children, CEC Elections Standing Committee.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Graduate Inclusive Special Education Programs

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this master's degree program. Tuition and fees are for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Inclusive Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
  • Tuition
    $850/credit x 41
    $34,850
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $650
    Assessment Fees
    $200
    Registration Fees
    $200
    MAP ePorfolio Fee
    $150
    Materials Fees
    $120
    Activity Fees
    $120
    Degree Completion Fee
    $75
    Practicum Fee
    $35
  • Total
Estimated Cost

The per-credit tuition rate listed is for students who have matriculated on or after May 14, 2018.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

  • Tuition
    $650/credit x 41
    $26,650
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $650
    Assessment Fees
    $200
    Registration Fees
    $260
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $150
    Materials Fees
    $120
    Degree Completion Fee
    $75
    Practicum Fee
    $35
  • Total
Estimated Cost

Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Teacher Residency

Teacher Residency pricing varies from school to school. Contact Graduate Admissions for pricing information at 888.LESLEY.U / 617.349.8300 or luadmissions@lesley.edu.

The Office of Veterans Affairs has determined that Teacher Residency programs are not eligible for Veteran’s Benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

 

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts, at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.