Policy GC: SEI Endorsement Requirement

As part of the state initiative Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners (RETELL), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement for licensure or relicensure of core academic teachers, principals/assistant principals and supervisors/directors who teach, or supervise those who teach, English Language Learners (ELLs).  As part of the Districts’ commitment to equity, all core academic and special education teachers will be expected to complete the required training for the SEI endorsement regardless of whether they currently have an ELL student enrolled in their classes or supervise a teacher with such enrollment.  Staff required to have SEI endorsement as a condition of employment includes: 

  • Core academic teachers
  • Special educators
  • Principals
  • Assistant principals
  • Program coordinators
  • Directors
  • Instructional coaches
  • Department heads

All staff already employed by the district in the above positions will be required to obtain SEI endorsement by August 1, 2017.   Staff hired for the above positions on or after July 1, 2016 will be required to hold, or obtain within the first 12 months of employment, SEI endorsement as a condition of employment.

Legal Ref:       GL C. 71, §§ 38g AND 38q

                        603 CMR 7.15(9)

                        603 CMR § 14.07 (3) and (4)

Approved:

Region 6/14/16