Lasell University students studying education recently received professional badges from the Harvard Agile Teacher Lab for their success in using equitable academic discussions in virtual classrooms. Participation in the program was part of an effort to provide Lasell’s education students with the opportunity to continue practicum-style teaching practice via coached, simulated environments during the pandemic.

Through the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Lasell undergraduate and graduate students studying education were able to access and become certified via the Agile Teacher Badge System. According to Professor Claudia Rinaldi, this achievement brings those students one step closer to being effective classroom teachers after they graduate. 

“The future of teacher preparation is taking a look at how institutions can collaborate to address equity and inclusion in our schools,” said Rinaldi, the Joan Weiler Arnow ’49 Professor and program chair of education at Lasell. “It was impressive to see our students reach the expected state standards so early in their program through the direct support of our faculty and the Harvard Agile Teacher Lab faculty.” 

Approximately 80 Lasell undergraduate and graduate students received a total of 190 badges awarded by the Agile Teacher system, including the Teacher Shared Relevance Badge, Agile Learn Equity Badge, and Agile Shared Equity Badge.