Jen's Lesley U Experience

Hi,
My name in Jen, and I’m currently in my third semester in the online program at Lesley. I am a fifth grade math specialist and just finished my third year of teaching. The online format of this program has made it manageable for me to get my Master’s Degree while teaching fulltime. The classes are set up so that assignments for the week are posted on Fridays, which gives you the weekend to do investigations and complete assignments. You share many of these in an online discussion board where you work together to see different approaches to solving, and help each other understand the concepts.
Everything that I have learned so far, I have been able to apply to my own classrooms. The activities are very process-based, which has really deepened my own understanding of the concepts. Being able to use these same activities in my classroom has been wonderful. I have been exposed to so many new ways to approach problem solving that will also help my own students. I’ve also learned how to improve how I assess and specific ways to intervene with students to close the learning gap.
The other students in the classes are also teachers, and you get to know one another quite well, even with the online format. It’s so valuable to have other people to share ideas with, ask questions of and get support from. We respond to each other’s posts and the feedback is so positive. Many of us get stuck along the way and posting our misunderstandings and getting multiple answers and explanations back has been great. The instructors are also helpful. They guide the discussions, provide feedback and are very personable. You do come to know them, and they are extremely accessible and supportive.
I hope the information I’ve shared has been helpful, and please feel free to ask questions, as I’d be happy to answer them. Jen