Enhancing Grade-Level Instruction for All Through a Multilingual Lens

~ English Language Arts and Social Studies ~
~ Math and Science ~

Registration open! English Language Arts and Social Studies ToT: December 4-5, 2025 in Springfield MA.

Additional ELA/Social Studies and Math/Science workshops will take place in winter/spring 2026. 

Description

The DESE Office of Language Acquisition has engaged MATSOL to deliver two day in-person train-the-trainer workshops for content teachers and ESL teachers to plan collaboratively to implement the WIDA 2020 Standards Framework MA content frameworks. 

This workshop is designed to support the DESE Educational Vision that all students learn through curriculum and instruction that aligns with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks at or above their grade level, connects to their identities, and utilizes evidence-based practices. 

Participants will have the opportunity to: 

  • Identify points of interconnectedness between different state educational initiatives, WIDA ELD standards, and MA Content Standards.
  • Make connections between the components of the WIDA ELD standards and MA Content and practice standards.
  • Integrate MA Content Standards with a lens on scaffolding instruction for equitable access.
  • Collaboratively engage in lesson planning incorporating content and language standards.

The ELA and Social Studies workshop is a new workshop developed by MATSOL. The Math and Science workshop has been offered in the past by DESE. Both ToT workshops are being offered by MATSOL in the 2025-26 school year. 

Districts must apply as a team with a minimum of two participants: at least one content teacher (ELA/History/Social Studies OR Math/Science) and one ESL teacher. As this is a train-the-trainer model, participants must commit to providing the training to their district/school staff or partnering with other districts to provide the training locally, at least once in the current or upcoming school year. Upon successful completion of the ToT, participants will receive the slides and materials to facilitate the workshop. 

ToT Audience

The audience for this Train-the-Trainer workshop includes content area and classroom teachers, ESL teachers, and instructional leaders and coaches who can deliver the training in their district. To participate, districts must send a team of at least one content teacher and one ESL teacher.

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended that participants possess knowledge and experience to successfully engage in the training and then deliver the content to educators in their district, including a general foundation in lesson planning, Massachusetts content area standards, and WIDA 2020 Standards Framework.

PDPs

Participants can earn 15 PDPs in SEI or ESL required for licensure renewal.

Format

Two day in-person workshop plus an online follow-up session. 

Application Requirements

  • Districts must apply as a team with a minimum of two participants: at least one content teacher (ELA/History/Social Studies OR Math/Science) and one ESL teacher. 

  • The application must be completed by a district coordinator and include the name, position, and contact information for each member of the team. The coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all team members can attend the entire training and that their team will provide the training to their district/school staff (or partner with other districts to provide the training locally) at least once in the current or upcoming school year.

Cost

This no-cost training is sponsored by MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (Meals are not provided.)

Attendance Commitment

When distinct registration is confirmed for the pilot training, the district is committing to send the registered team to the training. Any cancellations and personnel changes must be made two weeks before the beginning of the course.

Application Open!

English Language Arts and Social Studies ToT: December 4-5, 2025 at 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in Springfield MA. Online follow-up Wed December 10 at 4:00-5:30 pm. Application Link: https://forms.gle/ht3gd2fcyf3jv6HGA

Additional Winter/Spring 2026 Trainings

Additional workshops for ELA/Social Studies and Math/Science will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year. Dates and locations will be confirmed soon! Please complete this form to be notified when registration opens.

  • Section 2 - ELA/History/Social Studies: Date & location TBA
  • Section 3 - ELA/History/Social Studies: Date & location TBA
  • Section 4 - Math/Science: Date & location TBA
  • Section 5 - Math/Science: Date & location TBA

Contact

For assistance with registration or other questions, please write to [email protected]