New program gives Belmont paraprofessionals a paid pathway to pursue professional teaching licenses

BELMONT, Mass. - Belmont Public Schools (BPS) is proud to announce its designation as a “Scholar Partner” of Lesley University. The partnership provides Belmont educators with a supported pathway to earn a master’s degree and teaching license alongside a cohort of Belmont colleagues, while maintaining a paid position in the district.

“We are excited to create meaningful opportunities for our educators to advance their careers and gain advanced teaching licenses,” said Belmont Superintendent Dr. Jill Geiser. “By investing in the people who already support our students every day, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting professional growth, and building pathways that benefit both our educators and the Belmont community.”

Eligible Belmont paraprofessionals and other Unit D employees can pursue a teaching license and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) through Lesley University while remaining in their current paid positions. Current teachers who already hold a professional teaching license also have the opportunity to earn a second license. Additionally, Lesley undergraduate and graduate students will also have access to internship opportunities in the Belmont school district.

“Belmont Public Schools and Lesley share a commitment to great teaching and strong teachers and this partnership allows us more room to act on this,” said Debbie Mosher, Vice President of Partnerships at Lesley University. “This collaboration will strengthen Belmont’s pipeline of talented educators, support employees in advancing their careers, and offer Lesley students internships from the moment they’re accepted. Everyone of us benefits from this collaboration.”

The Scholar Partner Program supports the district’s stated commitment to developing and retaining a strong, diverse, and talented educator workforce. It also advances the goals of the district’s recently negotiated Unit D contract, which includes formally creating a pathway for educational support personnel to become certified educators.

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About Belmont Public Schools
Belmont Public Schools serves more than 4,200 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 across seven schools. The district is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities and fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. belmont.k12.ma.us

About Lesley University
Lesley is more than a university. It is an education and resource hub that educates and supports the world’s best practitioners in Education, Mental Health & Well-Being, Art & Design, Liberal Arts & Business. Lesley also educates neurodiverse learners through its innovative Threshold Programs. lesley.edu/about-lesley/scholar-partner-program