TCS
Teaching, Curriculum, and Society
Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS)
Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS)
The Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS) department is a vibrant community that is changing lives and elevating the human condition. Students focus on educational experiences where they thrive, grow, and contribute to schools and society now and in the future. With exposure to excellent teaching, innovative research, and service initiatives, all TCS students engage in a collaborative culture that is committed to equity and justice.
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.
Programs
Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- All students complete a field experience as part of the certificate.
- Develop expertise in a range of evidence-based strategies for educating students with ASD.
- Engage with critiques of ASD research and service provision levied by members of the autism community.
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.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Certificate
Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students develop a personalized program of study with their advisor to fit their professional goals.
- Examine approaches to multicultural education, anti-racist education, and inclusion that aim to transform the curriculum.
Enhance your knowledge of curriculum, policy, and pedagogy thorough an exploration of educational philosophy and the political, social, and philosophical underpinnings of teaching and learning.
School Leader (Principal, Assistant Principal, etc.)
Teacher Leader (Dean of Faculty, Academic Coordinator, etc.)
ELL Coordinator
Teacher
Program Coordinator
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Curriculum & Instruction, Ph.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Actively addresses social inequities and contributes to creating a more just society.
- Multiple opportunities to engage in hands-on curriculum and praxis-focused research.
- Choice of specialization:
- Educational Leadership, Policy & Educational Change
- Language, Literacy, & Culture
- Methods and Modes of Inquiry in Curriculum & Instruction
- Science, Mathematics, and Technology
- Teaching, Curriculum, and the Politics of Schooling
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.
Researcher
School Principal
Teacher Leadership
Professor
Director of Curriculum
Superintendent
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Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars, M.Ed.
Programs
- Donovan Scholars select the desired program from the list below which correlates with a state license. You may choose any state to become licensed in and will complete the appropriate assessment(s).
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Moderate Special Needs
- 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.
As part of an intensive one-year (18-month) M.Ed. program that leads to licensure, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars learn how to flourish as K–12 teachers in urban schools through a curriculum that prioritizes critical inquiry, social justice education, and community building.
Cohort-based
Substantial Financial Aid
Tailored Seminars and Experiential Learning
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/urban-teaching
Early Childhood Education, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Curriculum includes courses such as Science Play and Learning, and Arts and Music.
- Benefit from the close relationship with Boston College Children's Center and Saint Columbkille Partnership School.
- Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.
Nurture a diverse range of pre-K–2 students with authentic and meaningful teaching in this licensure program.
Pre-K Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
First Grade Teacher
Second Grade Teacher
Assistant Principal of Academics
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Early-Childhood-Education
Early Childhood Policy and Leadership Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Complete a three-course certificate in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership, including courses in the science of early childhood development; program and policy development and evaluation; and leadership, advocacy, and partnerships.
- Participate in monthly seminars, targeting key issues related to early childhood research, practice, policy, advocacy, and leadership over the course of three semesters.
- Complete a three-month, paid summer internship in a local, national, or international setting to solidify skills in policy development and analysis, leadership, advocacy, or research translation in the early childhood field.
- Translate learning from the internship and certificate courses by completing a capstone project, such as a policy brief, academic paper, or policy analysis.
Develop a deep understanding of the science of early childhood development and the policies and systems that intersect with young children and their families.
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Elementary Education, B.A.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Features coursework in child development, learning theories, instructional strategies and models, curriculum and school organizational practices, educational technology, and assessment procedures and instruments.
- Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.
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.
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.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students develop skills to work with diverse range of children, while utilizing knowledge of instructional practices and perspectives on children, schools, and society.
- Graduates are eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.
Prepare to teach the elementary grades in an ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative way.
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 in Curriculum and Instruction Certificate
This certificate prepares students how to become effective teachers in an increasingly globalized world and what constitutes a valued and engaging curriculum for the community. You'll learn how to adopt a global lens to identify and address barriers to equity, inclusion, and global citizenship in educational settings.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Bilingual-Education-Certificate-TDLL
Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students explore educational viewpoints across a wide range of cultures and countries.
- Conduct action research to address problems encountered in your educational setting.
- Opportunities to hear worldwide guest speakers provide insights on global education trends.
Learn to apply global perspectives to benefit students in a variety of educational settings, including international schools.
Teachers
Principals
Program Directors
Action Researchers
School Administrators
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Inclusive Instructional Design Certificate
This certificate will study the rapidly changing landscape in various learning environments and apply learner variability to offer options for engagement and learner choice. Students will be able to transform one size fits all classrooms into vibrant learning communities where all learners can belong and succeed.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/inclusive-instructional-design-certificate
Jesuit Education in a Global World, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Apply Jesuit teaching and curricular practices that improve life opportunities for students in diverse global contexts.
- Engage in action research to solve a problem of practice.
- This program is affiliated with Boston College's Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies.
Utilize an Ignatian and international lens to best meet the needs of global and diverse students.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/jesuit-education-med
Law, J.D. & Education, M.A. or M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Access to field experiences that incorporates educational advocacy.
- Option to pursue one of three education master's programs: Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction.
Use legal and educational expertise to become an advocate for social justice and promote quality education for all.
Education Law and Civil Litigation
State and Federal Court Clerks
Researchers
Policy Analyst
Board of Directors (ie. local school districts, community colleges etc.)
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Dual-in-Law-and-Education
Secondary Education, B.A.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students acquire a second major, preparing them to teach in that subject area.
- 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.
- Graduates become eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.
Prepare to teach grades 8-12 (with and without mild disabilities) in a variety of school settings.
Humanities and Social Science Teacher (English & History)
ELA Teacher
Science Teacher (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Earth/Environmental Science)
Language Teacher (Spanish, Latin, or French)
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Bachelor-of-Arts-BA-in-Secondary-Education
Secondary Education, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Content area electives allow students to create a personalized program in their content area.
- Students learn how to teach for social justice and reflect on their practice as a means to enrich their teaching and lesson planning skills.
- Graduates are eligible for initial licensure in Massachusetts.
Prepare to teach grades 8-12 in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, or Physics.
High School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Lead Teacher
Assistant Principal
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Secondary-Education
Special Education Licensure Programs
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including a fully inclusive classroom.
- Benefits of the dual degree/dual licensure programs: practicum experience meeting both licensure requirements, accelerated program of study.
As schools become more inclusive, the Lynch School offers a variety of single and dual degree/dual licensure master's programs in mild/moderate and extensive support needs.
Moderate Support Needs
Extensive Support Needs
Moderate and Extensive Support Needs
Elementary Education and Moderate Support Needs
Elementary Education and Extensive Support Needs
Secondary Education and Extensive Support Needs
bc:schools/LSOE/degree/special-education-licensure
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Prepares students to apply the principles of TESOL using instructional technology
- Online Certificate program meets the current needs for TESOL across the globe
The TESOL certificate program will also prepare students to teach English in diverse instructional settings where English is a second, foreign, or international language.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Certificate-in-Teaching-English-Language-Learners-TELL
Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, M.Ed.
Programs
- Urban Catholic Teaching Corps (UCTC) trains students who want to intentionally and actively participate in formation as Catholic school teachers in urban settings. UCTC offers participants the opportunity for weekly faith sharing, three retreats a year, spiritual direction, pilgrimages, and full engagement in community living.
- UCTC members complete a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction and commit to a two-year teaching practicum in Boston’s Catholic schools serving urban students.
- Students who have completed a year in the Urban Catholic Teacher Corps are able to apply for dual degree programs throughout their educational journey
- M.A. in Theology & Ministry
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy
Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC) actively engages in the ministry of teaching in the schools of the Archdiocese of Boston. UCTC provides an academically rigorous and experientially rich urban Catholic teacher preparation based on the 500-year-old Jesuit tradition of formative education.
Cohort-based
Substantial Financial Aid
Tailored Seminars and Experiential Learning
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/urban-teaching
The Boston College teacher preparation programs are characterized by a strong commitment to excellence and equity, including:
All undergraduate students at the Lynch School are admitted through the central undergraduate admission office of Boston College, which evaluates applicants based on a number of factors including academic record, non-academic achievements, and writing skills. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 was 19 percent, the lowest in recent school history.
The Lynch School admits students to its graduate programs based on a number of factors, including outstanding academic performance in an undergraduate major related to their content area. All graduate applicants are carefully reviewed by the core graduate faculty in teacher education.
Our undergraduate and graduate students emerge from our programs well-rounded and career-ready. Under the direction of highly-qualified faculty, our students enroll in methods courses related to specific content areas and undergo extensive clinical preparation and evaluation in public and private schools.
Over the course of their studies, undergraduate students complete three pre-practica and a full practicum in varied school settings, for a total of 675 hours. Graduate students complete 525 hours.
In addition to rigorous preparation in the liberal arts and academic content areas related to teaching, all undergraduate candidates complete the full Boston College Core Curriculum. Secondary education majors also complete a second Arts and Sciences major in the content area of their certification, and elementary education majors complete a second major of their choosing.
Our dedicated teachers enter the field with a passion for social justice and the skill-set to address systemic inequities in the classroom. Our graduates emerge prepared to work effectively with a range of student populations—including ethnically and racially diverse students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs—and they remain in the field of teaching at a rate higher than the national average.
Research
Accreditation
We are an approved teacher preparation program by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
News
Donovan Scholar Program
An intensive one-year program where students earn an M.Ed. and learn to flourish as K–12 teachers in urban schools.