SEI Endorsement Massachusetts

Who Needs the SEI Endorsement

Massachusetts requires the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement for core academic teachers of English learners in public schools. Core academic fields include English language arts, math, science, civics and government, economics, history, geography, early childhood, elementary, and teachers of students with moderate or severe disabilities.

Teachers of students with moderate or severe disabilities and vocational educators working with English learners fall within the SEI requirement, while specialists in non-core fields generally do not.

Three Ways to Earn It

DESE recognizes three paths to the SEI endorsement:

Option 1: Pass the SEI MTEL (Test Code 56). This is the fastest route. Register through Pearson's MTEL portal, take the exam, and apply for the endorsement through ELAR after passing. The test covers second-language acquisition theory, sheltered content instruction techniques, and assessment strategies for English learners. If you fail, the 30-day retake rule applies — you must wait a full month before attempting it again.

Option 2: Complete an approved vendor course. Approved SEI endorsement courses must include at least 45 hours of direct instruction; duration and cost vary by provider. These courses satisfy the requirement without a high-stakes test. After completing the course, apply for the endorsement through ELAR and submit the required documentation. Check the DESE website for the current list of approved vendors — programs that aren't on the approved list won't count.

Option 3: Hold a Massachusetts ESL or ELL license. If you already have a license in English as a Second Language, you qualify for the SEI endorsement. DESE recognizes this credential as evidence of the same instructional competencies; apply for the endorsement through ELAR.

How It Works in ELAR

The SEI endorsement isn't a separate license — it's an add-on to your existing teaching credential. Once you've earned it through any of the three paths above, it appears on your ELAR profile as an endorsement attached to your license.

For new applicants pursuing an Initial License, the endorsement is part of the standard application package. You'll need to show evidence of SEI qualification alongside your MTEL scores and program completion. For current teachers adding the endorsement to an existing license, submit the documentation through ELAR — there's no additional fee beyond any testing or course costs.

Why It Matters for Hiring

Districts must ensure that English learners are assigned to core academic teachers who hold the SEI endorsement, or require an unendorsed core academic teacher to earn it within one year of the assignment. A missing endorsement can therefore affect placement even if your license is otherwise approved. Some districts have made SEI endorsement a condition of their job offers for all teaching positions, not just core academic ones, as a practical hedge against scheduling changes.

If you're transferring from out of state, your prior ELL training may or may not satisfy the Massachusetts SEI requirement. DESE evaluates out-of-state ELL credentials individually — some transfer directly, others require supplemental coursework or the MTEL.

Getting Started

The SEI endorsement is one piece of the Massachusetts licensing puzzle. The Massachusetts Teacher Certification Guide covers the full process — from choosing the right license type to clearing background checks — with step-by-step checklists for every pathway.

See more Massachusetts guides →