Bessie Lyman

Educator

Bessie Lyman brings to her role at CAST years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and scholar. Dr. Lyman has been a program developer and director for the Newton (MA) public schools, and an adjunct professor at Wheelock College, Massachusetts Bay Community College, and the University of Massaschusetts-Boston.

Dr. Lyman has served on many nonprofit boards, including the Massachusetts Council of Churches, the Boston Museum of Science, and CAST. She holds a bachelor of science degree from North Carolina Central University as well as a master's degree and a doctorate in education from Harvard University.

Universal Design for Learning calls for ...
  • Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,
  • Multiple means of expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know,
  • Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.

Did You Know...?
The 'universal' in Universal Design for Learning does not imply a single optimal solution for everyone. Instead, it underscores the need for multiple approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners.