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Maria Estela Brisk, ProfessorThis department prepares educational leaders for instructional and administrative roles in public and private schools, in institutions of higher education, and in related organizations. The intent is to provide a blend of scholarship, disciplined inquiry, and professional experiences that will develop the sound understanding, practical skills, ethical values, and social responsibilities that are required of competent educators.
Student programs are individualized under the guidance of a faculty advisor, with special consideration given to each student's career goals and certification requirements.
Undergraduate programs
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Master's programs
There are several options for candidates who want to pursue a master’s degree. The choice is related to the area of interest and eligibility to the program. Eligibility depends on previous experience or teaching license.
- Initial License
Recommended for candidates who do not have a license.
- General License Required
Early Childhood Teaching
Elementary Teaching
Secondary Teaching
Severe Special Needs
Recommended for candidates interested in moderate special education or reading/literacy. Candidates for reading/literacy teaching need one year of teaching experience.
- Professional License *three years of teaching experience in Massachusetts required.
Reading/Literacy Education *one year of teaching experience required
Moderate Special Needs Education
Recommended for those with teaching experience in Massachusetts
- Non-licensure
Curriculum & Instruction (non-licensure program)
Recommended for candidates who do not need a license such as international students or U.S. students who are not pursuing a license. U.S. candidates with a license who want to pursue studies in the same area of their licensure should enroll in this program. This program is flexible and allows concentration in one or more areas and does not require a practicum.
Law and Education (dual program)
The Law and Education Program was designed to prepare future legal practitioners and leaders to face the reality of this enduring relationship between the legal and education systems. It combines the study and practice of education and law in an effort to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to better serve one's clients and constituencies. This is a 3-year program that requires acceptance in both the Law School and the Lynch School of Education.
Masters candidates can include the Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) Certificate in their program of studies. This program prepares mainstream educators to be “highly qualified” to teach English language learners in their classrooms. Those interested in this program should let their advisors know when planning the program of studies.
Doctoral program
Curriculum &
Instruction
Teacher Education Themes
Programs in Teacher Education at the Lynch School have five underlying themes. Although no single course addresses all five themes in depth and every course has goals and objectives beyond these, each course is in keeping with the themes and addresses some of the five.
Promoting Social Justice
We see teaching as an activity with political dimensions, and we see all educators as responsible for challenging inequities in the social order and working with others to establish a more just society.
Constructing Knowledge
We regard all teachers and students as active agents in their own learning, who draw on prior knowledge and experience to construct new knowledge in interaction with texts, materials, and other learners.
Inquiring into Practice
The curriculum is intended to bridge the gap between research and practice by fostering critical reflection and by treating classrooms and schools as sites for teacher research and other forms of practitioner inquiry.
Accommodating Diversity
We believe that one of the central challenges of teaching is meeting the needs of all learners, especially as the school population becomes more diverse in race, culture, ethnicity, language background, and ability/disability.
Collaborating with Others
Prospective teachers are encouraged to collaborate with each of the stakeholders in the educational process (other teachers, administrators, human services professionals, parents, community members) and with fellow students and professors.