Research/Areas of Interest

Linda's research interests include developing effective partnerships between higher education and public schools, training teachers to teach in urban settings, and integrating technology into classroom teaching. Her articles and book reviews have been published in Childhood Education, International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, The Newslink, Helping Young Children Learn, and Massachusetts Department of Education publications.

Education

  • M Ed, Tufts University, Medford, United States, 1982
  • BA, Secondary Education, Simmons College, Boston, United States, 1969

Biography

Linda Beardsley's career in education has been marked by her commitment to inclusion and ensuring that all students have access to challenging and meaningful curriculum. Her work has included experience teaching at all levels, from early childhood classrooms through middle school, high school, and university programs. Her teaching experiences have convinced her that all issues in education can be resolved if the student is placed at the center of the discussions.

She played a key role in implementing the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993, and the inclusive vision of that legislation. She became Administrator of Instruction and Curriculum Services and State Bilingual Director in 1994. Linda undertook the considerable task of coordinating the development of the first seven Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. In September 1997, she joined Tufts University as Director of Teacher Education and School Partnerships. In this role, she continues her commitment to inclusion by ensuring that future teachers are trained to be effective in a variety of classroom contexts and to become leaders in improving schools.

Linda is currently on the Board of the Maranyundo Initiative and works closely with this girls school in Nyamata, Rwanda.