Lasell's Master of Education program offers two programs leading to the initial licensure to teach.

Initial Licensure

• Elementary Education
• Moderate Disabilites

Lasell offers one Master of Education program that allows for advance study and individualized specialization in education for those not seeking initial licensure

 Advanced Program without Licensure

• Curriculum, Leadership and Inclusion

Practicum Requirement for Initial Licensure for the Master of Education

Practicum Requirement for Initial Licensure for the Master of Education
The practicum is a full Monday through Friday placement in a public school for a 14-week semester. The practicum provides a supervised field placement in which student teachers plan, implement, and evaluate learning experiences for children in all areas of curriculum. The practicum also includes a weekly seminar to discuss issues such as planning, teaching, collaboration, and moral and ethical aspects of teaching. Students engaging in their practicum experience must meet the following prerequisites:

·       Pass all required MTEL exams

·       Hold a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0

·       Have completed at least 27 credits in the graduate education program

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary And Secondary Education defines practicum as a field-based experience within an approved program in the role and at the level of the license sought, during which a candidate’s performance is supervised jointly by the sponsoring organization and the supervising practitioner and evaluated in a CAP performance assessment for Initial License, as set forth in 603 CMR 7.00.

In addition, the specific requirements for the Practicum for Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities and Elementary Education are as follows:

Moderate Disabilities
Moderate Disabilities candidates must complete, at minimum, 300 hours in any grade pre-K through eight. For a minimum of 100 hours the Lasell student must assume full classroom responsibilities in their placement.  Lasell requires that all candidates for Moderatne Disabilities licensure complete their practicum in a public school setting that is inclusive, meaning that students with special needs are taught with students without special needs and all students are given access to the general education curriculum.

Elementary Education
Elementary candidates must complete, at minimum, 300 hours in any grade one through six. For a minimum of 100 hours the Lasell student must assume full classroom responsibilities in his/her placement. Lasell requires that all candidates for Elementary licensure complete their practicum in a public school setting that is inclusive, meaning that the school provides all students (i.e., students with special needs and without special needs) access to the general education curriculum.

Graduate and Professional Studies, in collaboration with the Education Department, has established the following Goals and Outcomes for the Master's in Education degree.  The program is structured to support students to achieve these goals and outcomes by the time they complete the program. 

Goal 1: Effective Teaching that Supports All Learners
Upon completion of the major program of study in Education, students will be able to

1.    Write an effective lesson plan that supports learner variability and learners' diverse needs (e.g., hearing or vision needs, learning styles, persons from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds)

2.    Deliver effective instruction

3.    Develop a series (three or more) of connected lessons that provide opportunities for all students to demonstrate academic ability

Goal 2: Critical Reflection
Upon completion of the major program of study in Education, students will be able to

1.    Use skills of critical reflection to evaluate and modify their own teaching

2.    Critique the teaching of others, both peers and experienced teachers

3.    Plan and implement their own professional development based on their critical reflections

Goal 3: Practice-Focused Research
Upon completion of the major program of study in Education, students will be able to  

1.    Identify questions and issues in teaching and learning

2.    Investigate questions through analyzing current research and designing and conducting original research

3.    Communicate outcomes of original research and apply findings to improve teaching and learning

Goal 4: Leadership
Upon completion of the major program of study in Education, students will be able to

1.    Collaborate with other school-based professionals (e.g., teaching peers and staff in special education, bilingual, and ELL programs) and assume leadership roles in supporting teaching and learning

2.    Collaborate with parents/ care-givers and community-based groups, including service agencies, advocacy groups, and governing bodies (e.g., school committee)

3.    Develop, facilitate, and participate in professional development