RETELL
LUDLOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 205 FULLER STREET | LUDLOW, MA 01056 | PHONE 413-583-8372 Ext 1206 | FAX 413-589-0773
LPS Offers Teacher Endorsement
The Ludlow Public Schools have partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer stand alone Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) courses for those seeking the SEI Endorsement but who are not enrolled in an initial licensure program!
LPS offers the course for FREE to 10 Ludlow teachers. We have also made available 15 non-LPS educator seats in the course. The cost for non-LPS educations is $485 ($503 via PayPal). Upon the completion of this course, the Ludlow Public Schools issues 45 PDPs and certifies each educator's endorsement with DESE. In addition, the Ludlow Public School District has partnered with Westfield State University allowing participants the ability to earn 3 graduate credits for an additional cost.
What is RETELL?
RETELL, or Rethinking Equity in the Teaching of English Language Learners, is a statewide initiative designed to address the persistent gap in academic proficiency experienced by ELL students. RETELL is a training and state licensure requirement for SEI teachers (core academic teachers who teach ELLs) and Administrators who supervise these educators. Please click here to read a letter from Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education for additional information regarding RETELL.
Who is an SEI Teacher or Administrator?
An SEI teacher is a core academic teacher who has one or more ELL students in his or her class. An administrator requires SEI endorsement if he or she evaluates SEI teachers.
Who are considered "core academic teachers"?
Core academic teachers are defined in the regulations as early childhood and elementary teachers, teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities, and teachers of the following academic subjects: English, Reading or Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Civics and Government, Economics, History, and Geography (603 CMR 7.02)
SEI Endorsement--Steps to determining whether or not you need to take RETELL--This MTA document will walk you through the steps of determining whether or not you will need to take RETELL to maintain your licensure.
Specific to SEI Educators
What are the requirements for SEI teachers and administrators?
SEI teachers (and administrators) are required to earn the Massachusetts SEI Teacher Endorsement.
The state has assigned the Ludlow Public Schools to Cohort 2. Cohort 2 districts began our training during the school year (SY) 2013-2014 and we must complete the training by the end of SY 2015-2016.
What does SEI Endorsement Training entail? Who provides the training?
SEI Endorsement Training is a 45-48 hour graduate level course provided by DESE approved trainers. The course will be provided during non-school hours (ie: after school or weekends). The course is offered at no cost. Participants in the course will receive 3 graduate level credits upon completion of the course (again, at no cost).
How are teachers assigned to the SEI Teacher Endorsement Training?
Using data submitted by districts, DESE provides the district with a list of core academic teachers who have most frequently had ELL students assigned to their classes in the past. DESE also assigns districts the number of teachers they are required to train.
The district is then responsible for identifying a cohort of teachers from this list to assign to the SEI Teacher Endorsement Training course. The teachers assigned must have ELLs in their classes at the time they take the training.
What about people who took the Category Training in the past?
If you completed at least two Category Trainings, you are eligible for a shorter version of RETELL. Those who completed Categories 1, 2, and 4 may register for the Short Bridge course. Those who took Categories 1 and 2 may take the Long Bridge course. Those who took no category training or just Category 1 must register for the full course.
Is there any other route to SEI endorsement other than the RETELL class?
SEI endorsement is also granted to teachers holding an ESL license or those who pass the SEI MTEL.
Information to educators who DO NOT teach ELLs
Core Academic Teachers with Preliminary or Temporary License
After July 1, 2014, core academic teachers with Preliminary or Temporary licensure will be required to obtain the SEI Endorsement in order to advance to Initial License.
Core Academic Teachers with Professional License
After July 1, 2016, all educators with an academic license (not just SEI educators) must earn 15 PDPs related to SEI or ESL, and 15 PDPs related to teaching students with disabilities or student with diverse learning styles (603 CMR 44.06) in order to renew their licenses.
District support in obtaining the necessary 15 PDPs for SEI and/or teaching students with disabilities
Starting in SY 2014-2015, the district will design and offer on-site professional development in SEI and/or teaching students with disabilities. We are offering two sections of an Introduction to WIDA class in the summer of 2014 that will also satisfy this requirement.
For more information click here for the MA DOE Retell website.