45 hour Augmented Provisional SEI Course Testimonials

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Want to attend an SEI class that exceeds your expectations? Read our testimonials, then sign up for the Augmented Provisional Course.

“OMG!!! This was amazing. I feel like I just had the best use of professional development money I’ve spent in years. Only one other course has rivaled this course content. Anne and her team have created the most amazing activities and handouts ever! I can’t recommend it enough!” Karen Richmond, Kingman HS

“This course is helpful and the activities are easy to adapt for all ages and abilities. Jen rocked, too! Lots of energy and personal experiences.” Purvi Shah, Teleos Preparatory Academy

“The concepts learned in class are easy to incorporate into your lessons. They work great even in the upper grades!” Lisa Smith, Ganado Middle School

“If you have to do it, this is the way to go. My facilitator, Jennifer, really knew the material and found many ways to share her knowledge and experience.” James Welch, Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center, Scottsdale Schools

“This class is great for the person who needs to move and truly experience the activities they are learning about. As a teacher going through re-certification after being home for 7 years, this was a great way to get my feet wet again.” Amanda Amiel

“Melissa was very knowledgeable and a good presenter. She kept the pace moving quickly and maintained a positive learning environment.” Susan Rogers, Desert Sky Middle School

“These strategies are applicable to all specialized learners – ELL, special needs, and GEM kids. This course reinforces best practices ALL teachers should be using.” Sarah Robison, Thornydale Elementary

“Interaction of teachers has been lost the last 15 years. Teachers were, at one time, family. This is the closest to achieving this issue. Most teachers are treated like mushrooms and ‘kept in the dark’.” J. Day, retired

“All the great kinesthetic activities made the class enjoyable and helped me to see how to put the theories into practice.” Thomas J. Fech, Southern Arizona Community Academy, Tucson

“This training was well worth my time. I learned a lot. The biggest plus for me was the amount of time it actually took. Thank you.” Anna Donaldson, Dorothy Stinson Elementary

“I loved the way that Anne went through all of the information. She was very organized and made the class worthwhile! Thanks.” Erika Vidaurrazaga, Phoenix Advantage

“The SEI training was fast paced, fun, and engaging. I am already implementing the strategies in my room. Melissa is a fantastic instructor.” Jennifer Richter, Phoenix Advantage Charter School

“I lead a mission trip every summer to work with Arab immigrants. These SEI trainings have been so helpful to my training packet!” Annie Liss, Phoenix Advantage Charter School

“I found that my SEI knowledge really came together for the second session.” William Clay, Riverbend Prep

“Great class! I’ve spoken to people who have taken the course through other venues, and they told some real horror stories! This class was interesting and provided valuable techniques – Even if I never have ELL students, they can be used with all students.” Roseann Chenthal, Coronado Elementary

“Thank you for your positive, organized approach. We covered a lot of materials effectively.” Sandra Hill, Fort Thomas High School

“This class is very informative. In only a few days, I learned several teaching strategies I can apply in my room, the laws and basics for teaching ELL students, and an interesting and hands-on way.” Eva Linderman, Lela Alston Elementary School

“When I signed up for the course, I felt that it was going to be drudgery. However, the fast-paced nature of the activities, the enthusiasm of Melissa Fox, and the camaraderie of the participants made the four class meetings go fast. Besides the speed of the class time, the topics, ideas, real application, and the potential modifications for our use were all invaluable. Yes, you may quote me, as someone who came as hesitant, but who left as a supporter. I now look forward to the next class given by Melissa (one sly fox).” Bob Lilienthal, Legacy Traditional School, Maricopa, AZ

“It was so helpful to have feedback and interaction from peers. Moving around with activities really gives you a feel for how to use the techniques in class. I could not survive a dry, online presentation!” Marilyn Buettner, Fountain Hills Unified School District (high school)

“All the activities that we had were effective in a typical classroom environment. I’m actually using them right now!” Gazel E. Bolus, Second Mesa Day School

“This class was fun with many activities and ideas for the classroom.” Tobe G. Daum, Substitute

“Very engaging!” Erin Sisemore, Valley Academy Charter School

“Thank you for the training because it helped me a lot and opened my mind in understanding ELLs. Now I have a wide range of ideas on strategies that I could use not only with ELLs, but with all students as well.” ——-

“Simply incredible. Faced with the task of training educators in an area most are not familiar or comfortable with, this program opens your eyes and mind, while providing the resources to meet the needs of students. Our trainer was wonderful. Accepting, encouraging, and informative, she was able to lead us through the maze of rules and regulations with strategies and methodologies I could use in class. As we approach the date where many of us still have not fulfilled our SEI requirement, I steer them to this offering.” Duane Webb, North High School, Phoenix Unified High School District

“This is the way to take your SEI classes! Concise, well laid out, interactive, and good teaching practices are what this class is all about. Painless!” Rachel DeHaan, Chandler Christian School

“This course was a very good experience for the teachers of our school. Although we don’t have any ELL students at our school, the strategies learned at this class will benefit all students that we are blessed to educate at Grace. Thanks!” Matt Herbst, Grace Lutheran, Glendale

“I am walking out of here a better person and a better teacher for having been here. I will never look at lesson plans in the same way! I am excited at implementing what I have learned. Great class. Thank you!” Melinda Layton, Burke Basic

“Great option for SEI endorsement! Very interactive and practical! Our instructor was very prepared and informative. Well planned!” Crystal Miller, Edu-Prize, LLC

“I love the notebook/format of the course. It occurred to me, as a resource teacher, that I can create a notebook (which would serve as a lesson plan book) with the material I need for the year. All the graphic organizers and activities would be integrated into student activities and worksheets. Students could anticipate group activities or develop curiosity as to what a graph organizer means. The best course I’ve taken in years!” Susan Jeffay, Sky View, PUSD

“The SEI Augmented course provides a wealth of strategies and ideas that English learners can benefit from, as well as native English-speaking students. Thanks for an enriching, enlightening experience.” Kim Carter, Simonton Elementary, JO Combs USD

I really enjoyed the SEI training. I received several useful strategies and resources I will be able to use in my classroom. Our instructor, Jennifer, was incredibly helpful, funny, and sweet.” Megan Sherman, Ambassador Academy

“Jennifer was an awesome teacher! Class was very fun and interactive. Great class to get your SEI requirement!” Christa Hurlburt, Kyrene de las Lomas

“It was very engaging. It was nice to get it done in 4 days and way better than taking it online!” Angela Mergenthal, Country Gardens

“The thought of taking 2 weekends to get through a 45-hour class seemed overwhelming at first. Jen made our time so entertaining, engaging us in a variety of activities. There were dozens of activities that I will definitely incorporate into my classroom.” Adria Urick, Candeo Schools, Peoria

“This class models the activities and strategies it advocates which, in my opinion, makes it valuable. The movement and cooperative learning engages the class and fosters a happy, fun learning environment.” Brandy A Jones, Monte Vista

“This class has been a joy to attend. The time flew by with hands-on applications of fun, engaging strategies. I can’t wait to try out some of what I’ve learned in my classroom.” Marisa Fuhst, Avalon Elementary

“This was an enjoyable and engaging class! A lot more fun than a traditional class that might last weeks! I’m so glad I participated in this program!” Rebecca Johnson, Ocotillo Ridge Elementary

“This training is extremely informative, helpful and overall a pleasant experience. The instructor really knows how to effectively pace and keep people continually learning and engaged!” Adam Farris, Connolly Middle School

“Actually participating in the activities was helpful in learning the strategies. I really enjoyed learning about them and am excited to use them soon!” Jillian Blount, Liberty Traditional Charter School

“This class took SEI material and made it comprehensible and fun. The classes went by quickly and the instructor was highly knowledgeable and encouraging with a great sense of humor.” Robbie Klasky, Shadow Mountain HS

“Teresa is a great instructor. She keeps everyone involved and the class flowing well.” Heather Wallace, Desert Mosaic

“I did not want to take this course – I thought it would be review for me – which I did not think I needed. However I have to say I really enjoyed this course. I got a lot of creative ideas for mixing things up in the classroom and practiced and experienced each technique as it was presented. The instructor, Teresa, was great. The other teachers taking the class were intelligent, fun, and progressive. I am really glad I took this class. It will change the way I teach.” Judy Lucz, Toltecalli HIgh School, CPLC, Tucson

“The classes are set up in a learning environmnet, with lots of discussion and feedback. I have really gotten a lot out of these courses.” Lucy Dennis, Funful Bilingual School, Shenzhen, China

“Very fun, hands-on class. You learn a lot of great ideas to use in your classroom!” Keri Leithead, Franklin Phonetic

“I really love the class, lectures, the format and the pace! Melissa was awesome! Time flew so fast and we had a great time during the activities! Thanks a lot!” Sowmiya Thirumoorthy, Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School

“This was a highly engaging, fast-paced, fun, and very resourceful class! I looked at many agonizing classes with long hours to fulfill the expectations necessary for my SEI endorsement, and was excited to happen upon this training. I encourage anyone needing to fulfill the SEI endorsement to take these courses.” Veronica Scaff, Roadrunner School, PVUSD

“I really enjoyed the class and am excited to use these strategies this upcoming school year.” Megan Holcomb, Notre Dame Preparatory

“Great authentic and engaging class full of athentic and engaging activities! I highly recommend this class!” Ashley Moran, King’s Ridge Preparatory Academy

“I really feel that the strategies we learned in the SEI class are applicable to most students, not only the ones who are struggling with the English Language.” Tom Cook, Combs High School

“What an enjoyable way to learn! Learn by doing!” Nick Malise, Prescott Valley Charter School

“As a first-year teacher, I found this course offered a plethora of wonderful techniques to utilize in the classroom. I am looking forward to the second part of the SEI training!” Chris Fuller, Camp Verde High School

“Interacting with other educators throughout training provided additional strategies/methods useful for classroom instruction.” Jolene Lomayaktewa, Hope Day School

“Very detailed information… the classroom instructional strategies provided will only enrich my teaching skills. Thanks.” Kathy J. Fox, CDO – Tucson

“SEI training provides meaningful and effective strategies that are classroom ready!” Christina White, Burke Basic School

“Instructors are great! Very organized and clear instruction. Excellent teaching ideas and strategies.” Heather Jensen, Learning Foundation and Performing Arts

“Fabulous class! At no point was I uninterested or bored. The class was motivating, informational, and exciting. I would and will recommend Educational Training Specialists to everyone.” Stephanie Thompson

“Great class! Dozens of fun, usable, effective strategies that I can’t wait to use in my classroom.” Celeste Perrotta, Academy of Tucson Elementary School

“Thank you for helping me get my SEI certification in such joyful and practical way!” Ivan De la Vega, DSMS – Nogales

“The program is fun and interesting, and it gives great strategies for teachers to use in any age group or subject.” Stephanie Torres, Red Rock Kids

“This is a great class and I really learned a lot!” Robert H. Clow, Wade Carpenter Middle School

“My name is Adrienne, and I’m a newer teacher. This training has been an amazing experience for me. I teach Language Arts and was feeling discouraged because I didn’t have a lot of variety in my activity portfolio. I was getting bored in my class and so were my students. I have learned so much from this class, and I can’t express enough how wonderful it was to get a disc full of workable activities. The class was energetic, upbeat, positive, and engaging the entire time. I would recommend it to new and veteran teachers alike!” Adrienne M. Perry, Dos Rios Elementary

“This class is important to learn new teaching strategies and to practice strategies we may have forgotten about. You not only review the strategies but also practice the strategies in real situations.” Dr. Joen Painter, Ajo Unified School District

“You have been very patient with us. Thank you. I know we were chatting, but you know – our weekends are precious!” —–, ——

“As a student teacher, taking this course, it has given me many arrows for my quiver that I may use in a future classroom.” Leslie McGahic

“The course was highly organized and worth the time!” Tim Boykin, Happy Valley School

“45 hours is a long time, but the class keeps you moving much of the time and makes it a little more plausible!” Tracy Hoover, Happy Valley School

“I began teaching a pre-emergent and emergent ELL class of 15 students on November 30, 2009. I felt overwhelmed! Because of this class, I understand the language much better regarding English Language Learners. I feel much better prepared now with basic strategies to help my students! Thank you!” Charity L. May, Harvest Preparatory Academy, Yuma, AZ

“I enjoyed how hands-on and minds-on the SEI classes were each day! I loved learning new strategies to use in my classroom!” Cari Crevda, Imagine at West Gilbert

“An excellent resource… guided tools to reach students in a difficult situation. Well executed, very informative and fun!” Michael Pelofske, Imagine Schools — Coolidge

“Some would think that two weekends of training would be horrible. They would be wrong! We had a blast and learned so many relevant, effective, and motivating strategies.” Lori Blaine, Terramar School

“I found this class fun and engaging, with activities and ideas I can take into my class! Enjoyable and worth the time.” Christine Oldknow, Desert Mountain

“Trying out the strategies was a great way to get ideas to apply to the classroom.” Amanda Smith, Harvest Preparatory Academy

“The format of the SEI class is phenomenal! Not only do we learn about different cultures, but we learn many, many interactive teaching strategies and grouping methods to apply in the classroom.” Lupita Ingram, Buckeye Elementary SD

“This class and its open style made every day very rewarding. I have many new ideas and strategies to teach not only ELL students, but all of my future students. Thank you!” Sharon Sales, BPS

“My instructor kept us engaged and organized. She was well-informed and could always answer my questions. I appreciated how prepared she was and how she respected and listened to our feedback every day.” Katie DuMez, Imagine Charter Schools

“This was a quick class with life-applicable activities and not tedious extra work. I met a lot of great educators and enjoyed the lessons.” Melissa Chesney, Casa Grande Elementary District

“I loved your activities, strategies, and used them with my class. Projects all student-friendly!” Lucinda Gillis, Ti’is Naz Bas Community School

“Good way to get the augmented 45 hours completed. Very detailed, with fun activities to take back to the classroom.” Kristin Gaiornik, Jeddito Elementary

“This was a great class! Everyone was constantly up and moving around! Wonderful opportunity to meet many teachers of all grades. Happy to have all information on CD.” Michelle Kelly, Milestones Charter School

“The strategies and techniques that I’ve learned are very much applicable, not only for English learners, but for kids of exceptionalities and with general education students. Taking this course is not just taking the SEI hours required by the Department of Education, but more making a teacher competent, efficient, effective, and making learning fun for kids.” Marichou Tobias Beltran, Ajo Unified School

“I loved the SEI class. It was very fun and informative. It was great doing cooperative work and meeting new teachers!” Samantha Collins, ESC Charter School

“Learning new strategies, applying Bloom’s Taxonomy, and seeing examples of quality educators really motivated me to want to become a better instructor. The work starts now.” Brad Bebermeyer, Mingus Union High School

“Great learning strategies which are applicable to all grade levels and subjects.” Anastacia Decinal, Ajo Unified

“My time spent with Melissa was well worth my time and money. The class not only provided me with ideas and strategies, it made me think and see how SEI training is essential for all teachers. Thank you!” Elizabeth Rosebrugh, Kyrene del Cielo

“This course was engaging and interactive. Definitely worth it!” Kaitlin Kluvo, Desert Canyon Elementary School

“The 2 weekend class was a wonderful opportunity to learn about SEI teaching strategies. I met and networked with great teachers from various districts.” Rose Maria Martinez, Valley View School

“The SEI requirement on my Arizona was just one more thing to add to my list. My thoughts quickly changed after attending Educational Training Specialists’ SEI training. The class is organized, upbeat and best of all, arms you with ELL strategies that you can actually use! This was one of the best workshops I have attended.” Rebecca Rabinsky, Phoenix Day School for the Deaf

“The SEI course was very valuable to any classroom teacher. The strategies will help benefit learners at any level. I am looking forward to utilizing my new knowledge in my classroom.” Alicia Hernandez, Sundance Elementary

“Melissa was a great instructor who kept the course fun and interesting.” Rebekkah Stover, Buckeye Primary

“I found this course very helpful. It gave me a lot of ideas to use that will help all my students, not just my ELL students.” Julie Haggar, Buckeye Middle School