SEI Endorsement Frequently Asked Questions

Course Selection

Which SEI Endorsement Course should I take?

Per DESE regulations, there are three SEI Endorsement Courses. You must register the correct course to receive an SEI Endorsement. See http://www.doe.mass.edu/retell/ for details.

The SEI Teacher Endorsement Course is a state-approved pathway to obtain the required endorsement for 

  • Core Academic Teachers (CAT) who are assigned or are likely to be assigned one or more English Learners. 
  • CAT educators include preschool and elementary teachers,  special education teachers at all levels and secondary level teachers of English, science, mathematics and social studies. 
  • Other non-CAT educators, including those in private schools or who teach special courses such as art, music, health, etc., who wish to obtain the SEI endorsement may enroll in the course.

The SEI CVTE Teacher Endorsement Course is state-approved pathway to obtain the required endorsement for: 

  • Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Teachers

The SEI Administrator Endorsement Course is state-approved pathway to obtain the required endorsement for: 

  • Any administrator who evaluates core content educators working with English learners.
  • Administrators who failed their endorsement course the first time around.
  • Administrators who, for personal reasons, did not avail themselves of no-cost administrator courses when they were available.

Attendance Requirement

I cannot attend all class meetings. Can I still take the course?

In order to successfully complete the course and qualify for the endorsement, attendance is require for all in-person or synchronous online class meetings. Choose a course with a schedule that allows you to attend all in-person/synchronous sessions.

Participants in the SEI Teachers and SEI CVTE Teacher course must attend all 12 synchronous online or face-to-face course sessions (including any make up dates) plus one capstone presentation session and must complete all 8 online independent learning modules. 

Participants in the SEI Administrator Course must attend all 5 synchronous online or face-to-face course sessions (including any make up dates) plus one capstone presentation session and must complete all online independent learning modules. 

Classroom Implementation Requirement

I do not currently work in a classroom with English Learners. How can I fulfill the classroom implementation requirement?

The SEI Teacher course teaches participants to use specific strategies to support English learners in the content areas. In order to successfully complete the course assignments, participants are required to implement these strategies with English learners in a classroom context.

If you are not currently in a classroom, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your options for fulfilling the requirement. 

In-Person and Online Formats

Is the course offered in in hybrid and online formats?

The course is offered in a hybrid format with in-person class meetings and (starting in Fall 2020) an online only format with live synchronous class meetings via ZOOM meeting. NOTE: MATSOL is currently planning to offer online only courses for 2020-21 due COVID-19.

Summer Courses

Can I take this course over the summer?

No, per DESE requirements the course is not offered during the summer.

Endorsement Status in ELAR

I applied for my endorsement though ELAR and successfully completed and passed an SEI Endorsement course through MATSOL. Why has my endorsement status not been updated in ELAR?

Please allow 2-4 weeks processing time from the last date of your course (usually the date the final assignment is due) for your status to be updated in ELAR. If your status is still not updated after this time, contact [email protected] to inquire about your endorsement.

NOTE: Make sure the course registration information you submitted to MATSOL matches your information in ELAR exactly. Please review requirements here.

Certificate of Attendance / Professional Development Points

How does MATSOL send me my PDPs for the SEI Endorsement course?

MATSOL sends participants who successfully complete and pass the SEI Endorsement course PDPs via email. In order to receive PDPs, you must complete the end-of-course survey and enter a valid email address. 

NOTE: Some district emails block incoming mail from MATSOL. You may prefer to submit a private email on the end-of-course survey, such as a Gmail address.

Please allow 2-4 weeks processing time from the last date of your course (usually the date the final assignment is due) to receive your PDPs. If you do not receive your PDPs by this time, be sure to check your spam folder (at the email address you entered on the end-of-course survey). If you still cannot locate your PDPs, contact [email protected].

Graduate Credit

How do I receive graduate credit for the SEI Endorsement course?

At the start of the course, MATSOL will provide detailed instructions on how to apply for graduate credit through Fitchburg State University.

You must register online with FSU for a course no later than either (1) up to the second class meeting or (2) fourteen [14] days following the first day of class whichever occurs sooner.

Upon successfully completing and passing the course, you can request a transcript from FSU for evidence of graduate credit. Learn more here.