FAQs: Deadline to obtain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) credits

This story was originally published on Jan. 15, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect additional changes and consultation between the HSTA and HIDOE regarding the required TESOL credits.

On June 3, 2020, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education issued this memo regarding the three-year deadline to obtain necessary credits in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Sheltered Instruction Qualification (SIQ).

The HIDOE has since extended the requirement so that teachers must obtain the SIQ by the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year. There are now eight options to obtain the six TESOL credits or equivalency.

For approximately 20 years, the HIDOE has had a requirement that all teachers need to work toward obtaining six credits in TESOL or equivalency and report their credits. Beginning in spring 2019, the HIDOE began to place more emphasis on the requirement by sending a memo reminding teachers of this requirement, and refocusing efforts to track and confirm teachers who obtained the credits.

Since then, the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association has engaged in ongoing consultation with the HIDOE regarding the SIQ requirement. The following FAQs may help you understand the new requirements.

What if I already have my six TESOL credits?

Teachers should check their record in eHQ to confirm their credits on file. Should a teacher need to submit credits for their record, they can use this form.

What kind of credits will meet the requirements for meeting the Sheltered Instruction Qualification, and/or why were my credits denied?

See this reference sheet for more information. In addition, some teachers have reported their credits were denied as not meeting the requirements. HSTA has inquired about denials, and the HIDOE reports that teachers are submitting credits that are actually related to special education and do not meet the standards for sheltered instruction. Other issues include teachers who were improperly told years ago, likely by their school’s EL coordinator, that the credits they earned met the standards when they didn’t.

What options do teachers have to meet the six TESOL credit requirement?

See this reference sheet for the eight options to meet the credit requirements.

Can my principal force me to take a TESOL PD course outside of paid work time?

No. While the HIDOE has the right to require teachers to obtain TESOL training, teachers have the right to ask that the PD be taken during paid work time, including if necessary having a substitute teacher provided to facilitate the teacher’s TESOL coursework. See Option 3 on this reference sheet.

How do I get access to the National Education Association (NEA) English Language Learner micro-credentials stack (Option 6)?

More information can be found here. Note these micro-credentials are only available for NEA-HSTA members.

I submitted a hard copy form to our TESOL coordinator (recently/a long time ago). Do I still have to submit to the EQ Section?

Yes. Regardless of any previous submission at the school level, teachers need to check their eHQ record and submit credits if they are not reflected in their record.

What are the consequences for any teachers not able to secure their six TESOL credits by the start of school year 2026-2027?

We asked the HIDOE this question and this was their response: “The Department’s expectation is that all teachers are able to address the needs of ELs and provide an environment conducive to learning for ELs. Multiple pathways are being provided to support teachers to meet the ongoing language development needs of ELs.” HSTA recognizes that the HIDOE didn’t really answer the question. We expect that the department will provide the necessary supports including if needed paid work time to complete the credits.

I am a non-classroom teacher and have no instructional responsibilities. Do I have to secure the six TESOL credits within three years?

While previously the answer was no, an HIDOE memo issued Sept. 11, 2023 announced that all Bargaining Unit 05 employees, inclusive of classroom and non-classroom teachers, must obtain the SIQ.

What if I have questions about how to submit or obtain my credits?

For additional information, clarifications, or questions, please contact the following offices.