Donovan Scholars
As part of the intensive one-year M.Ed. program, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars learn to flourish as K–12 teachers in urban schools. The curriculum prioritizes critical inquiry, social justice education, and community building.
Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS)
Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS)
The Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Society offers multiple teacher licensure and non-licensure programs, which are consistent with the mission of the Lynch School to enhance the human condition, expand the human imagination, and make the world more just.
To improve the human condition, education must meet the needs of every learner—especially those who are underserved. Our Teacher Education, Special Education, and Curriculum and Instruction programs employ this equitable approach to prepare leaders who combat marginalization in a range of scholastic environments.
Lynch School faculty are active researchers, recognized for their influential work in urban education, special education, STEM, and dual language learning. Courses focus on evidence-based practices and issues increasingly relevant to today’s schools, including early childhood, educational reform, and emerging technologies.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development is a leader in teacher preparation nationally and our Initial License Teacher Education programs have been granted full accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Teacher Education Program Themes
All of our teacher education programs are grounded in four unifying themes that represent our shared values. Each theme describes our conceptualization of a key aspect of teaching, learning, and schooling. Although no single course or fieldwork experience takes up all of the themes fully, taken together, the elements of our programs are designed to provide multiple opportunities for teacher candidates to explore these themes in theory and practice.
We conceptualize teaching as an activity with political dimensions. We acknowledge that there are significant historical and ongoing disparities in the educational and social opportunities, resources, achievements, and outcomes between historically marginalized students and their more privileged counterparts. We see the purpose of teaching as enhancing the learning and life chances of the diverse student population by working with others to challenge the inequities of school and society. Our programs require teacher candidates to recognize and challenge inequities in educational opportunities and work with others to advance equity and a more just society. A major challenge for us as teacher educators is to understand both the potential and the limitations of our programs even as we acknowledge that teachers alone cannot eradicate societal and school inequities but they can work with others in larger social movements to do so.
We believe that teachers and learners are active agents in their own learning who draw on prior knowledge and their cultural, linguistic and experiential resources to co-construct knowledge as they interact with texts, media, materials, technologies, and others. Our programs foster the capacity of teacher candidates to create learning environments that promote knowledge co-construction.
We conceptualize teaching as a reflective and recursive process of inquiry that occurs within socially, culturally, and historically situated learning environments with the purpose of providing all students with deep and authentic learning. Our programs advance an inquiry stance that positions practitioners in the center of educational transformation.
Teaching is a reciprocal and relational activity that is grounded in respect for the dignity of all individuals. We are committed to cultivating a humanizing vision of teaching that recognizes the whole person, is inspired by an ethic of care and is committed to collective well-being. Our programs promote approaches that encourage all learners to build lives of meaning and purpose.
Explore Our Programs
Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>All students complete a field experience as part of the certificate.</li>
<li>Develop expertise in a range of evidence-based strategies for educating students with ASD.</li>
<li>Engage with critiques of ASD research and service provision levied by members of the autism community. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Learn how to better serve students with ASD by understanding the nature of autism and the educational techniques that best meet these students’ unique needs.</p>
Bilingual Education Certificate
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Courses advance a view of equity and justice that recognizes intersections between race and language. </li>
<li>Earn an endorsement for bilingual education from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This certificate is designed for teachers who want to enhance their instruction and serve billingual students. </p>
Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Students develop a personalized program of study with their advisor to fit their professional goals. </li>
<li>Examine approaches to multicultural education, anti-racist education, and inclusion that aim to transform the curriculum.</li>
</ul>
<p>Enhance your knowledge of curriculum, policy, and pedagogy thorough an exploration of educational philosophy and political, social, and philosophical underpinnings of teaching and learning.</p>
School Leaders (ie. Principal, Assistant Principal etc.)
Teacher Leaders (ie. Dean of Faculty, Academic Coordinator etc.)
ELL Coordinator
Teachers
Program Coordinator
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Curriculum-and-Instruction-MEd
Curriculum & Instruction, Ph.D.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Actively addresses social inequities and contributes to creating a more just society.</li>
<li>Multiple opportunities to engage in hands-on curriculum and praxis-focused research.</li>
<li>Choice of specialization: Language, Literacy & Culture; Critical Perspectives on Schooling: Race, Class, Gender, Disabilities; Leadership, Policy, & Educational Change; or Math, Science & Technology.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Designed to develop professionals who have the knowledge, intellectual disposition, professional skills, ethical sensibilities, and leadership potential to make a difference in the lives of all schoolchildren.</p>
Researcher
School Principal
Teacher Leadership
Professor
Director of Curriculum
Superintendent
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Curriculum-and-Instruction-PhD
Deafblindness Certificate
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Boston College is the oldest and most established teacher preparation program in deafblindness in the United States.</li>
<li>Learn to develop and implement unique literacy lessons with evidence-based practices for learners who are deafblind.</li>
</ul>
<p>Learn how to support communication development and engagement of learners who are deafblind.</p>
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Certificate-in-Deafblindness
Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars provides interactive urban education seminars, critical inquiry research, social justice education, and community building that is responsive to the academic and socio-cultural needs of urban youth and their families. </li>
<li>Donovan Scholars participate in cohort centered courses and professional development courses. </li>
<li>Driven by the philosophy that educator diversity within urban schools should reflect the diverse population of students they serve, the program commits to recruiting aspiring educators of color.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Charles F. Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars program is an intensive one-year Masters in Education, M.Ed., program leading to teacher licensure, that seeks to prepare K-12 teachers to work effectively with students and families in urban schools throughout the country.</p>
Cohort-based
Substantial Financial Aid
Tailored Seminars and Experiential Learning
Strong Alumni Mentoring
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/urban-teaching
Early Childhood Education, M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Curriculum includes courses such as Science Play and Learning, and Arts and Music.</li>
<li>Benefit from the close relationship with Boston College Children's Center and Saint Columbkille Partnership School.</li>
<li>Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.</li>
</ul>
<p>Nurture a diverse range of pre-K–2 students with authentic and meaningful teaching in this licensure program. </p>
Pre-K Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
First Grade Teacher
Second Grade Teacher
Assistant Principal of Academics
Elementary Education & Moderate Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to plan an individually-appropriate curriculum through the IEP as well as in inclusive classroom settings.</li>
<li>Practicum experience in both general elementary and special needs settings.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for Massachusetts initial teaching licenses in elementary education and in mild/moderate disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Promote student development, teach for social justice, and reflect on practice to improve instruction for students with mild/moderate disabilities in this dual licensure program.</p>
Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Special Education Teacher (preK-8)
Assistant Principal
Inclusion Facilitator
Special Education Coordinator
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Elementary-Education-and-Moderate-Special-Needs-Dual-Licensure
Elementary Education & Severe Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Practicum in general elementary and special needs settings.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for Massachusetts initial teaching licenses in elementary education and in severe disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Develop lessons that are developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging for students in the elementary grades and who have severe and multiple disabilities in this dual licensure program.<br>
</p>
Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Special Education Teacher
Assistant Principal
Inclusion Facilitator
Educational Advocate
Resource Specialist
Elementary Education, B.A.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Features coursework in child development, learning theories, instructional strategies and models, curriculum and school organizational practices, educational technology, and assessment procedures and instruments.</li>
<li>Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Prepare to teach diverse learners in grades 1-6 (with and without mild disabilities) in a variety of school settings including public, private, parochial, and independent.</p>
Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Integrated Pre-School Teacher
Kindergarten Intern
Teachers in Informal Educational Environments
Teacher Assistants
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Bachelor-of-Arts-BA-in-Elementary-Education
Elementary Education, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Students develop skills to work with diverse range of children, while utilizing knowledge of instructional practices and perspectives on children, schools, and society.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Prepare to teach the elementary grades in an ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative way.</p>
Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Assistant Principal
Research Assistant
Educational Advocate
Educator at Non-Profit Organizations
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Elementary-Education
Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Students explore educational viewpoints across a wide range of cultures and countries.</li>
<li>Conduct action research to address problems encountered in your educational setting.</li>
<li>Opportunities to hear worldwide guest speakers provide insights on global education trends.</li>
</ul>
<p>Learn to apply global perspectives to benefit students in a variety of educational settings, including international schools.</p>
Teachers
Principals
Program Directors
Action Researchers
School Administrators
Jesuit Education in a Global World, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply Jesuit teaching and curricular practices that improve life opportunities for students in diverse global contexts. </li>
<li>Engage in action research to solve a problem of practice. </li>
<li>This program is affiliated with Boston College's Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Utilize an Ignatian and international lens to best meet the needs of global and diverse students.</p>
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/jesuit-education-med
Law, J.D. & Education, M.A. or M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><ul>
<li>Access to field experiences that incorporates educational advocacy.</li>
<li>Option to pursue one of three education master's programs: Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction.</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>Use legal and educational expertise to become an advocate for social justice and promote quality education for all.</p>
Education Law and Civil Litigation
State and Federal Court Clerks
Researchers
Policy Analyst
Board of Directors (ie. local school districts, community colleges etc.)
Moderate & Severe Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Assessment and instructional practices are taught at either elementary or secondary schooling level.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for Massachusetts initial teaching licenses in mild/moderate disabilities and in severe disabilities. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Serve children with disabilities in a variety of settings including fully inclusive classrooms in this dual licensure program.</p>
Special Education Teacher
Lead Teacher
Learning Specialist
Resource Specialist
Inclusion Facilitator
Moderate Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Program options are available for both students who do and do not have a general teaching licensure.</li>
<li>Additional specializations in deaf-blindness or autism are available.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for the Massachusetts teaching license in Moderate Disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Develop learning goals and experiences responsive to the developmental and learning needs of students with special needs; including in ways that are responsive to language, cultural, and family backgrounds.</p>
Special Education Teacher
Learning Specialist
Reading Specialist
Secondary Education & Moderate Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Students work closely with faculty advisors to create an individualized course of study.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for Massachusetts initial teaching licenses in secondary education and in mild/moderate disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Promote the growth of all students as your prepare to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities as well as general secondary education students in this dual licensure program. </p>
High School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Assistant Principal
Inclusion Facilitator
Secondary Education, B.A.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Students acquire a second major, preparing them to teach in that subject area.</li>
<li>Students learn to think critically about education as a result of the Lynch School's innovative theoretical approaches to teaching and firsthand experience working with high school students.</li>
<li>Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Prepare to teach grades 8-12 (with and without mild disabilities) in a variety of school settings.</p>
Humanities and Social Science Teacher (English & History)
ELA Teacher
Science Teacher (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Earth/Environmental Science)
Language Teacher (Spanish, Latin, or French)
Secondary Education, M.Ed.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Content area electives allow students to create a personalized program in their content area.</li>
<li>Students learn how to teach for social justice and reflect on their practice as a means to enrich their teaching and lesson planning skills.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.</li>
</ul>
<p>Prepare to teach grades 8-12 in one of the following disciplines: English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, Spanish, French and Mathematics.</p>
High School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Lead Teacher
Assistant Principal
Serving Exceptional Learners Certificate
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Acquire practical strategies for managing classrooms with students with special needs.</li>
<li>A unique focus on Catholic formation for teachers and students. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sharpen your teaching skills to serve students with diverse learning needs in Catholic Schools.</p>
Severe Special Needs, M.Ed.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Program of study includes two routes, one for those who already have a teaching license (in any area) and one for those who do not.</li>
<li>Additional specializations in deaf-blindness or autism are available.</li>
<li>Graduates are eligible for the Massachusetts teaching license in Severe Disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Learn how to teach to the strengths and needs of students with severe disabilities, including those with additional sensory disabilities.</p>
Special Education Teacher
Resource Specialist
Inclusion Facilitator
IEP Coordinator
Assistant Special Education Teacher
Special Education Certificate
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Designed for practicing educators who teach in a range of inclusive schooling contexts, but who feel underprepared to meet their students’ needs. </li>
<li>Flexible curriculum allows students to customize their certificate.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Enhance your skills for teaching students with disabilities and learn to better meet their needs in this program designed for general education professionals.</p>
Special Education Licensure Programs
<h3>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</h3>
<ul>
<li>Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including a fully inclusive classroom.</li>
<li>Benefits of the dual licensure programs: practicum experience meeting both licensure requirements, accelerated program of study.</li>
</ul>
<h3> </h3>
<h3> </h3>
<p> </p>
<p>As schools become more inclusive, the Lynch School offers a variety of single and dual licensure master's programs in mild/moderate disabilities and in severe and multiple disabilities.</p>
Moderate Special Needs
Severe Special Needs
Moderate and Severe Special Needs
Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs
Elementary Education and Severe Special Needs
Secondary Education and Moderate Special Needs
bc:schools/LSOE/degree/special-education-licensure
Teaching ELL Certificate
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Opportunities to participate in field experience in a classroom that includes bilingual learners.</li>
<li>Certificate program exceeds current state licensure requirements in Massachusetts reflecting the social justice mission of the Lynch School.</li>
</ul>
<p>Prepares mainstream teachers and international educators to work with bilingual learners/English Language Learners in their mainstream classroom settings.</p>
Transformative Educational Studies, B.A.
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Coursework covers leading theories and strategies in curriculum; diversity, equity, inclusion; and formative education.</li>
<li>Students are pushed to consider what it means to be an educator and how education should respond to contemporary social, environmental, and health crises.</li>
<li>Program prepares students for 5th year master's programs at the Lynch School.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Study fundamental educational questions arising during this moment of social and educational transformation.</p>
English Teacher
Science Teacher
History Teacher
ELA Teacher
Associate General Counsel
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/transformative-educational-ba
Urban Catholic Teacher Corps
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Actively engages in the ministry of teaching in the schools of the Archdiocese of Boston. </li>
<li>UCTC offers participants the opportunity for weekly faith sharing, three retreats a year, spiritual direction, pilgrimages, and full engagement in community living.</li>
</ul>
<p>Urban Catholic Teaching Corps (UCTC) trains students who want to intentionally and actively participate in formation as a Catholic school teacher in an urban setting while completing a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. </p>
Cohort-based
Substantial Financial Aid
Teacher Preparation
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/urban-teaching
