SEI Info

Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement vs. 

15 PDPs in SEI/ESL for Recertification

Every licensed educator in Massachusetts has an obligation to engage in professional development related to English Language Learners (ELL). Based upon an educator's individual situation, however, there may be a separation between whether the educator is required to obtain the full SEI Endorsement (earned through a RETELL course or by passing the SEI MTEL exam) or a lesser requirement of earning 15 PDPs related to SEI/ESL instruction. The following information will help each educator understand exactly what steps you need to take to ensure you are compliant with the requirements and regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  

15 PDPs in SEI/ELL Required for Professional Re-Certification

All educators seeking to renew a professional license must earn 15 PDPs in SEI/ESL instruction as part of the 150 PDPs required for re-certification of a professional license every 5 years. If you earned the SEI Endorsement by taking a RETELL course during the 5-year period for which you are renewing your professional license, the course may be used to fulfill this requirement.  

TEC has partnered with WPS to offer free online workshops for both SEI/ESL and Special Education PDPs. To register click here, being sure to use your Westwood email address. DESE also has PDP offerings as well.

The SEI Endorsement 

The SEI Endorsement is required for teachers seeking to obtain an initial license, and for all "core academic teachers" who have an ELL student placed into their class. DESE defines "core academic teachers" as teachers of moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, English, reading or language arts, math, science, civics and government, economics, history, geography, early childhood and elementary teachers who teach such subjects; and administrators who supervise one of these teachers. Core academic teachers must obtain the SEI Endorsement within one year of having an ELL student placed into their class. 

The Endorsement can be earned either through a RETELL course (online 2022 options also listed below) or by passing the SEI MTEL exam. Teachers who hold an ESL/ELL professional license do not need to take a RETELL course and are automatically eligible for the SEI Endorsement. 

Click here for helpful resources for preparing for the SEI MTEL exam, prepared by our SEI Study Group team.

For more information, please visit the DESE RETELL webpage.

Fall 2023 RETELL Courses for the SEI Endorsement

TEC (The Education Cooperative)