Overview

In 2003, Citizen Schools and Lesley University launched a partnership which enables Citizen Schools staff to graduate with a Master's of Education specializing in Out of School Time Education, the first degree of its kind. Students enroll in a two-year, ten-course sequence designed to develop their skills as teachers, community builders, and after-school leaders. The coursework integrates pedagogical theory with hands-on learning through the Fellows' teaching and team-leading experiences at after school programs and in their morning partnerships. We hope to make this unique combination of course work and real-world experience in a supportive learning community available to the staff of other after-school programs in the future.

The Degree

Citizen Schools believes that front-line educators and leaders in the field of out-of-school time need an academic program that guides them in their work. Citizen Schools and Lesley created a program that parallels the education a classroom teacher receives, but focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of out-of-school time. The program provides an intellectual framework to guide teaching, curriculum development, leadership development and community building. Teaching Fellows enrolled in this fully accredited program will receive a Master's Degree from the Lesley University Graduate School of Education. The specialization in out-of-school time means that practicum hours are accrued after school, rather than in a traditional classroom setting. This degree does not certify you to teach in a classroom, but serves as an initial certification and a step toward licensure in many states.

Program Structure

The Master's program's course pathway includes core education classes and courses specifically designed to prepare students for working in the out-of-school time field and fulfill leadership roles in their communities. Assignments deepen students' capacity as reflective practitioners, contribute to Citizen Schools' programmatic impact on children and communities, and create innovation in the out-of-school-time field as a whole, culminating in an action research project.

Students form a "cohort," a group that learns, researches and grows together. By studying and working with people wrestling with the same questions, students form deep friendships rooted in academic inquiry. The cohort model provides peer-to-peer support, as students work together to solve the problems presented by Lesley professors and by professional educational situations.

The course sequence and schedule are balanced with the Citizen Schools program schedule by utilizing hybrid instruction consisting of limited in-person instruction with a majority of online instruction to complete the program. Courses are conducted during month-long summer intensives held at Lesley University, with up to an additional week of class in January. Between in-person residency courses, students work on readings, projects, presentations and papers at their sites, and correspond and collaborate with professors and other students online.

Courses

The courses are co-developed and taught by experienced Citizen Schools' staff and Lesley faculty. Courses span three categories:

• Out of School Time Leadership
• Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
• Community Building

Year One:

Education Reform and the Rise of Out of School 

Dimensions of Teaching and Learning An introductory course exposing young educators to the practice of teaching, including multiple intelligences, classroom management, and philosophies of education

Dimensions of Equity An examination of equity issues, particularly race in the context of education, using cultural autobiographies and research

Curriculum Assessment and Instruction and a Practicum

Adolescent Psychology 

Facilitative Leadership and Community Building Out-of-school-time educators have unique opportunities to engage not only students but also community members, teachers, parents, administrators, policy makers, and corporate leaders. This course focuses on developing into a collaborative, participatory, and transformational leader who can harness the wisdom and resources of multiple constituencies.

Classroom and School Inquiry In preparation for their action research project, students complete and present a  proposal to resolve a pedagogical or programmatic challenge facing out-of-school time

Strategies for Inclusive Learning 

Action Research and Thesis Students work in groups of three to five to apply theories and methods learned toward a capstone educational project that has direct impact on the culture or practices of Citizen Schools or the out-of-school-time movement.

What to Expect

The workload for Teaching Fellows enrolled in the Master's program is very heavy at times. Master's students work full time – and go to school. The program is intensive and students should expect to devote weekend and evening time to their studies. However, the cohort is a source of support during this work, and students find camaraderie working in teams, both in and out of class.

During their first month at Lesley, students stay in university housing, which alleviates "where to stay" concerns for the both out-of-state fellows and new Boston transplants. The month powerfully kicks off the Fellowship with a period of academic immersion. After the first month at Lesley, Fellows return to their home campuses, where they begin to put their academic learning into contextual practice. Classes will meet during the Citizen Schools semester,  online.

Tuition

Lesley University has provided a significant discount to Citizen Schools' students. Students pay about $312 per credit, or approximately $10,300 for the two-year program, and are eligible to apply for financial aid for tuition and other costs, such as books, travel, and housing.  Teaching Fellows selected to be members will receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, granted after each year of service, with the Award covering the majority of the cost of the program and able to be applied toward educational loan repayment. 

You are allowed to earn a total of two Education Awards from AmeriCorps. Those who have already received one or two AmeriCorps Education Awards through participation in another national service program may use the Education Awards already earned to pay tuition directly, or may receive loans for tuition to be repaid with their own funds. 

To Apply

Candidates are invited to apply to Lesley University after being accepted into the National Teaching Fellowship Program. Teaching Fellows from all Citizen Schools campuses are eligible to apply for the Master's Program, though there are limited numbers of spots available in the Master's Programs. Candidates desiring to participate in the Master's Program are advised to apply to the Fellowship early in the process to maximize opportunities for availibility.   

In addition to the Master's question on the National Teaching Fellow application, the Master's application process includes a completed application for admission and financial aid, writing a personal statement, three written recommendations and official college transcripts. Students who enroll in the Master's Program must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.  More information is provided on acceptance into the Fellowship.

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