Why Every Teacher and School District Needs Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) Training—Now More Than Ever

In today’s classrooms, linguistic and cultural diversity are the norm, not the exception. Across New Jersey—and the country—more students than ever are entering our schools speaking languages other than English. These multilingual learners (MLs) bring a wealth of cultural knowledge and unique perspectives, but they also require specific supports to ensure they thrive academically. Enter Sheltered English Instruction (SEI).

If you're a district leader navigating the NJDOE’s Bilingual Waiver requirements or a teacher looking to better support MLs (and let’s be honest—boost your résumé while you're at it), SEI training isn't just helpful—it’s essential.

So, What Exactly Is Sheltered English Instruction?

Sheltered English Instruction is a research-based teaching approach that helps MLs access grade-level content while simultaneously building English language proficiency. The goal of SEI is never to “water down” instruction, but rather to make academic content comprehensible through intentional strategies that promote language development across all subject areas while maintaining high expectations for all students.

Think:  

• Scaffolding  

• Visual supports  

• Sentence frames  

• Modified questioning techniques  

• Interactive, student-centered learning  

This isn’t a “program”—it’s a powerful set of strategies every teacher can use to create inclusive, accessible classrooms.

Why Do Districts Need SEI Training?

Let’s talk compliance first. In New Jersey, under the Bilingual Education Waiver, districts have multiple options for serving their multilingual populations. SEI training is one of the approved pathways to ensure these educators are prepared to meet the needs of their multilingual learners, and it provides more wiggle room to the ESL-certified teachers’ schedules. This pathway allows ESL teachers to focus more time on the students who need their attention the most and differentiate their instruction to more appropriately challenge students at their WIDA proficiency levels. In order for classroom or content (read: not ESL or bilingual cerified) teachers to teach MLs under this Bilingual Waiver Pathway, they must be certified through a 15-hour course in compliance with the NJDOE requirements.

It’s incredibly beneficial to your MLs because they will have numerous teachers who can confidently adjust instruction to ensure content knowledge is accessible to all students across the entire school day and in all subjects—not just when they are with their ESL teachers. This means:

• Language will be less of a barrier to attaining content knowledge with the necessary scaffolds in place

• Students’ growth and proficiency will be determined based on their knowledge of content rather than their ability to express their understanding in English

Everyone benefits—it’s a win-win.

Why Should Teachers Prioritize SEI Training?

If you're a teacher, SEI training gives you real, practical tools to better support your MLs—tools that often help all students, not just those learning English. Plus, having SEI certification on your résumé makes you more marketable to school districts who are urgently looking to meet the needs of a growing ML population.

Let’s be real: if you’re a teacher in New Jersey, there’s a good chance you either already have MLs in your class or will soon. SEI training helps you teach confidently, supportively, and effectively—without burning yourself out trying to “figure it out” on your own.

Why In-Person SEI Training Makes a Real Difference

While there are plenty of online, asynchronous SEI options floating around, the most effective SEI training happens in a collaborative, in-person environment—and here’s why:

Collaboration Deepens Understanding

Language acquisition strategies are best understood through modeling and peer interaction. Teachers get to see, practice, and reflect on real techniques in real time—with colleagues who may share their context and student populations.

Immediate Application

In-person training allows educators to apply strategies directly to their content areas and receive instant feedback. Whether you teach math, science, or music, SEI looks a little different—and tailored support helps it stick.

Real Conversations Build Real Confidence

Asynchronous courses often leave teachers with more questions than answers. Live discussions help educators unpack complex concepts, troubleshoot challenges, and build confidence in their ability to implement what they’ve learned.

Better Retention = Better Instruction

Let’s be honest: we’ve all completed online PD that we forgot two hours later. In-person training is more engaging and memorable, which means better outcomes for students.

SEI is about interaction and connection—just like language itself. Teachers deserve the opportunity to learn this work in a way that reflects its core purpose: building meaningful, supportive communication.

What’s Included in SEI Training?

Our SEI training includes:

• The foundations of second language acquisition  

• Cultural competence and creating inclusive environments  

• SEI strategies for lesson planning and content delivery, including writing clear and actionable language objectives  

• A clear explanation of the WIDA proficiency levels and standards to make the most effective use of assessment data

• Language-rich assessment practices  

• Tools for engaging families of multilingual learners

It’s not about “adding more” to your plate—it’s about teaching smarter and more intentionally.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're a district administrator trying to stay compliant or a teacher passionate about equity (and employability), SEI training is a smart move. It’s good for teachers. It’s great for students. And it’s one more step toward building classrooms where all learners feel seen, supported, and successful.

Need SEI Training for Your District or School?

At Lella Education Consulting, we offer customized SEI workshops for teachers at every level—whether you're brand new to multilingual education or looking to deepen your practice. Let’s chat about how we can support your staff and your students!