Massachusetts Credential Guide
Sheltered English Immersion Teacher Endorsement Requirements in Massachusetts
Issued by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Massachusetts SEI Teacher Endorsement has several qualifying routes. Check whether your existing license, study or assessment already fits one before selecting a course.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Massachusetts SEI Teacher
Check Your Existing License Before Taking Another SEI Course
Massachusetts recognizes several paths to the Sheltered English Immersion Teacher Endorsement, including approved coursework, an approved assessment, qualifying degree study, an ESL or ELL license, and an accepted equivalent out-of-state credential. Core academic teachers assigned to sheltered instruction generally need the endorsement or must earn it within one year.
- Check whether your current ESL or ELL license or out-of-state credential already meets an accepted route.
- If it does not, compare approved course, assessment and degree-study options against 603 CMR 7.00.
- In ELAR, select the Sheltered English Immersion - Teacher application, complete the affidavit and submit the academic application.
If an employer gave you a one-year deadline, confirm both the assignment date and which route DESE will accept before choosing a program.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, checked September 29, 2026: 603 CMR 7.00 licensure rules, ELAR SEI application steps and English learner assignment rule.
Massachusetts Requirements
Check Existing Qualifications Before New Study
An ESL or ELL license, qualifying degree study and an accepted out-of-state credential appear among the published routes.
Eligibility options
Massachusetts publishes several ways to earn the SEI Teacher Endorsement rather than one universal prerequisite. Routes include approved coursework or assessment, qualifying degree study, an ESL or ELL license, or an accepted equivalent out-of-state credential.
Published routes
Published routes include an approved course, an approved assessment, qualifying bachelor's or graduate study, an ESL or ELL license, or an accepted equivalent credential from another state.
Massachusetts Requirements
An Approved Assessment Is One Route
The assessment route is an option in the regulation. It is not a requirement for every applicant.
Assessment option
A Department-approved assessment is one published route to the endorsement. It is not the only route described in the state regulation.