HIDOE sponsors free professional learning aligned to TESOL-related competencies

In recent weeks, many Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association members have reached out to us about the availability of Sheltered Instruction Qualification (SIQ) approved professional development (PD) courses.

Current educators have until the first day of the 2026–2027 school year to obtain a minimum of six Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) SIQ credits, as mandated by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education. Educators hired for the 2023–2024 school year or later will have three years to obtain their SIQ requirement.

Below, you’ll find information obtained by HSTA’s Instruction and Professional Development Department on courses approved by the HIDOE and additional guidance to access SIQ credit and non-credit courses.

What’s the difference between credit and non-credit courses?

Credit courses provide three or more credits that can be used for reclassification and SIQ credit. Non-credit offerings provide the required number of seat hours (72 total) that are needed to earn the SIQ requirement only.

How do I register for SIQ courses?

To register for any professional development sponsored by the HIDOE Office of Student Support Services (OSSS) English Learner program, complete the SIQ Professional Learning Program Google Form.

You can also use this QR code:

PDE3 credit courses (not available for SIQ “seat hours”)

These courses can be used for SIQ and reclassification. Complete the SIQ Professional Learning Program Google Form, OSSS EL will confirm your eligibility and tell you the next steps to register in PDE3. Please note, you will be automatically waitlisted and OSSS EL will roster those who are eligible.

First preference will be given to those teachers seeking SIQ but, pending availability, teachers who have met the requirements and wish to expand their learning will also be welcomed.

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in the Pacific Region

Facilitated by McREL International online

In this course, which includes both synchronous and asynchronous components, participants will describe and reflect on how better understanding a student’s primary language and culture is used to improve student engagement. Learn more >

• Section 1: Synchronous sessions on June 22, July 13, Aug. 3, 31 (portfolio due Oct. 6)
• Section 2: Synchronous sessions on June 27, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 12 (portfolio due Oct. 6)

Carrying Culture: Micronesia

Facilitated by East-West Center in person in Honolulu

Explore Micronesian culture and learn how to integrate the arts with the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and take away concrete projects and resources that you can use with your students. Learn more >

• Section 1: June 29, 30, July 1 (portfolio due Sept. 30)
• Section 2: July 5, 6, 7 (portfolio due Sept. 30)

Culturally Responsive Sheltered Instruction II: Culturally Responsive Practices and Language Use in the Classroom

Facilitated by Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) in person in Honolulu

Learn about and practice culturally responsive instruction and language strategies to increase student engagement. Participants will be able to assist multilingual students to engage in content and make meaningful social and academic contributions in the classrooms. Learn more >

• June 22, 29, 30 (portfolio due Sept. 30)

Non-credit PD workshops for SIQ “seat hours” only

For all non-credit courses, do not register directly with the vendors. Fill out the SIQ Professional Learning Program Google Form, and OSSS EL will tell you how to register in PDE3 for seat hours and notify the vendor of your registration.

English Learner Portal

The following opportunities are provided by English Learner Portal and can be used to meet SIQ seat hours, not for reclassification. Start and finish at your own pace with the guidance of a dedicated course facilitator. These courses are asynchronous. Please note, you must register via HIDOE’s SIQ Professional Learning Program Google Form to take advantage of the free HIDOE-sponsored opportunity.

• A Content Teacher’s Guide to English Learner Success (45 SIQ hours)
• Writing Across Disciplines (45 SIQ hours)
• Whole to Part-Early Literacy for English Learners (45 SIQ hours)
• Teaching Writing to Intermediate and Advanced English Learners (45 SIQ hours)
• The Understanding Muslim Students Program (45 SIQ hours)
• Differentiating Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students (30 SIQ hours)

TESOL International Association

The following opportunities are provided by TESOL International Association and can be used to meet SIQ seat hours, not for reclassification. These are self-paced, asynchronous online courses. Please note, while the following opportunities link to TESOL International Association’s website for more information, you must register via HIDOE’s SIQ Professional Learning Program Google Form to take advantage of the free HIDOE-sponsored opportunity.

• 6 Principles (45 SIQ hours)
• Fundamentals of TESOL (60 SIQ hours)
• Teaching & Assessing Young Learners (60 SIQ hours)
• Modular Education: High Leverage Teaching Practices (48 SIQ hours)

For more information about currently available PD, visit the HIDOE EL Professional Learning Internal Google Site. You must be logged into your HIDOE account to view this site. Public charter school educators will be granted access upon request.

For questions on credit and non-credit courses currently available, please contact your complex area EL leads or the HIDOE OSSS, EL State Office, jennifer.martensson@k12.hi.us, (808) 305-9787.

For questions regarding reclassification, contact the HIDOE Educator Quality Section, Office of Talent Management, hqt@k12.hi.us, (808) 441-8499.