Enhancing Grade-Level English Language Arts and Social Studies Instruction for All Through a Multilingual Lens

Train-the-Trainer Workshop (PILOT) 

The DESE Office of Language Acquisition has engaged MATSOL to develop a two day in-person train-the-trainer workshop for content teachers and ESL teachers to plan collaboratively to implement the WIDA 2020 Standards Framework  into ELA and Social Studies lessons based on the MA content frameworks. This will expand a similar project by the DESE STEM team focusing on math and science.

Participants will explore both the WIDA Framework and the relevant MA content frameworks and have time to collaboratively develop lesson plans incorporating both. Attention will be focused on critical areas such as language objectives. Participants can earn 15 PDPs in SEI or ESL required for licensure renewal.

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 SY25-26.  

The audience for this workshop includes ESL teachers, ELA and History/Social Studies teachers, as well as instructional leaders and coaches. To participate, districts must send a team of at least one content teacher (ELA and/or History/SS) and one ESL teacher.  A general foundation in lesson planning, Massachusetts content area standards, and WIDA 2020 Standards Framework is recommended. 

The workshop is 2.5 day training with two days in person and a half day online. The pilot training will take place August 13-14, 2025 in Fitchburg MA. 

Date

In person workshop on Wednesday & Thursday, August 13-14, 2025 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
plus 3 hour online facilitator training (date TBD)

Location

Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg MA

Application Requirements

  • Districts must apply as a team with a minimum of 2 participants: at least one content teacher (ELA and/or History/SS) and one ESL teacher. 

  • Space is limited. Applicants will be notified if they are selected for the pilot.

  • 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 for committing that the team will provide the training to their district/school staff at least once in SY25-26. 

Cost

This no-cost training is sponsored by MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Attendance Commitment

When distinct registration is confirmed for the pilot training, the district is making a commitment to send the registered team to the training. Any cancellations and personnel changes must be made 3 weeks before the beginning of the course (by Wed July 22, 2025). 

APPLICATION LINK for August 2025 Training: https://forms.gle/FgaSrJwvjWxNt7NZ7

If you have questions, please write to [email protected]

SY2025-26 Trainings

Additional ToT workshops will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year for both ELA/SS and STEM content areas. Click here to receive notifications about upcoming trainings.