Testimonials

“I’ve heard grueling testimonies about the online SEI courses. I signed up for Anne’s course thinking it would be more bearable sitting in a classroom. Our instructor, Melissa, did a splendid job acting as the teacher as she taught 30 adults. This course is worth the money! I learned so much, made many friends, and would take this again in a heartbeat!” Lynn Wojcik, Orange Grove Middle School

“So many practical ways to motivate, enrich, and teach with the focus on language acquisition and cultural understanding! Thank you! Johanna was a delight!” Wendy Ingham, Desert Christian High School

“I would highly recommend this program. The teachers were really engaging and knowledgeable. I’m so glad I took it. I traveled 4 hours each way to attend! Worth every penny!” Mariam Barth, Arizona Virtual Academy

“Teresa and Peggy share fabulous ideas for use with ELL children as well as children in any classroom. As a gifted teacher, I have been able to use, or will eventually use, so many of the ideas. The class is fast-paced and the variety of grouping strategies and cooperative group activities made the hours fly by.” Betty Munzinger, Manitas

“S.E.I.? More like F.U.N.!” Matthew, Kyrene Middle School

“This was the most enjoyable class that I have ever taken. The activities really helped in the understanding of the concepts. Working in different groups (grade levels) really gave a different insight into the different levels of a student’s education. Thanks, Peggy and Theresa. You are terrific. Your enthusiasm really kept everyone going! Belinda Stallings, Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

“Of all the workshops and classes I’ve ever taken, this class gave me more materials and activities I can really use. The Classroom Connections was invaluable and helped me see how I can really apply the strategies for my students.” Jodi Chesaro, Bales Elementary

“The class was fast-paced and very interactive. We learned multiple strategies to add to our educational toolbox.” Annette Nicdao, Connolly Middle School

“The class was excellent for bringing the faculties of our 4 buildings together. This was an exceptional morale builder!” Cindy Couture, Fountain Hills HS

“This was a great and useful seminar. All of the activities were high-energy and made the time fly by!” Sharon Bicey, Kyrene Middle School

“Much valuable information was provided. The pacing and content were very well-designed. Effective instructional delivery was utilized throughout.” Donna Male, Four Peaks Elementary School

“This is a fun and engaging way to complete the endorsement obligation while having a lot of fun and learning a LOT, LOT, LOT of activities you can immediately implement into your classroom regardless of the grade level or content for all kids, not just ELLs. Polly and Johanna ROCK! Terrie Phillips, Alhambra High School

“Our class was as advertised… bring a smile and a pencil. I recommend this class to every administrator and teacher in Arizona and beyond.” Gary Smart, Tortolita Middle School

“The SEI class is interactive. Best of all, the activities are applicable to any classroom teacher, regardless of the number of ELL students. The curriculum is interesting and reproducibles are given for easy use for the teacher. For a state-required class, this is as good as it gets. ” Holly Leman, Desert Christian School

“Great way to obtain the 45 hours! Excellent instructors, great pace of activities!” Lara Aellen, Highland High

“This was such a beneficial course to take for teaching in general! Having such a wonderful instructor made the experience so much more enjoyable. Thank you!” Amy O’Neill, Desert Christian

“This was the best professional training I have had in 8 years of teaching. The facilitators were exuberant and very knowledgeable, and all the activities and concepts can come back to the general education classroom as well.” Rachel Stengall, Ponderosa High School

“The strategies I have learned in this class have been extremely useful in my classroom. They have helped me keep students of all learning levels and backgrounds engaged in the learning process.” Scott McPeak, Arizona Charter Academy

“The most beneficial mandatory program I’ve ever had. There were so many strategies that we learned which would equip us to teach ANY student. Thank you so much for making this valuable.” Ray Phillips, Desert Christian High School

“This class has been so helpful to me as I teach Kindergarten with a ‘healthy mix of ELLs. I love the hands-on techniques… Thank you for making ALL the information exciting and interesting. I’d attend again just to catch everything I did not retain. Thank you again.” Millicent Biernier, Burke Basic School

“I enjoyed all of the stories – it brought the material alive! Both of you are very energetic, and so knowledgeable! Thank you for everything!” Stacy Barrett, ACA

“I believe I walked away with a lot of concrete ideas I could use in my classroom right away.” Naomi Gottlieb, Waggoner

“I can’t believe I got the same credit for these 45 hours as my coworkers. They spent hours on lessons and papers. I played games for three weekends and had a blast!” M. Gromley, DeGrazia Elementary

“This training was very informative. But more importantly, it was hands-on, interactive, and applicable to everyday teaching. We had GREAT trainers.” Heather Henderson, Arizona Charter Academy

“It is my opinion that it would be difficult to teach a class that is mandatory to take and not by choice. Johanna has handled this difficult task wonderfully. She is a very positive person and always values opinions. This class has been a god sent to meet the requirement. I truly enjoyed the class.” Tracey Stephens, Buckeye Elementary

“Thank you for allowing us to be professionals. The format of the class allowed us to think about what we already know and utilize new ELL strategies and activities. Johanna is the BEST!” Lisa Norwood, Shaw Elementary School

“The 45 SEI training was fast paced and a valuable source of hands-on material to use in our classroom tomorrow!” Katherine Davis, King Davis

“I would highly recommend taking Ed. Training Specialist’s 45-Hour SEI class. Johanna Calaway was as wonderful instructor and kept us highly motivated throughout the six-day class. The hands-on activities and cooperative learning format were fun and 2will easily transition to my own classroom.” Charlotte Abbott

“I recommend that if you need to take the 45 hours of SEI training, that you take this hands-on course compared to an online course. This class was a lot of fun. Meeting new people, and relating the information with each other, was a good way to learn how to teach ELL students.” Kelly Abbott, Midtown Primary

“I love this course! It prepares us to teach ELLs. It helps for teaching… period. The interactive format is, in itself, part of the learning.” Dr. Fawzia Mai Tung, Aim High Institute

“I believe that this course will help me be a better teacher for second language learner students. Also, it also makes learning fun and creative.” Julia Miller, Maxine D. Bush Elementary School, Roosevelt School District

“How refreshing to undergo educational training that is absolutely relevant! Johanna offered activities that were interesting, feasible, and goal-oriented. I will definitely use 85% of these activities in my classroom.” Jan Marshall, Deer Valley Middle School

“I had to repeat my 45 hours through this course, and I honestly enjoyed it far more than the last one. Everyone was able to practice the lessons being introduced in a friendly environment. The staff was extremely friendly and on task. She kept things at a good pace and provided great feedback. I am excited to get back to work and put these lessons in practice.” Erin Weir, Crockett

“Background material, content subject matter, and learning strategies are interwoven to present the required topics in an engaging format.” Leeann Jones Wieser, Garden Lakes School

“I appreciate all of your hard work in designing the information in a user-friendly way. This class was refreshing, and I am excited to use the new strategies I learned in the fall. Thank you.” Heather Roberts, Sunset Ridge School

“I appreciate that we got to try all of the activities in a hands-on approach.” Clorinda Graziano, Washington Elementary

“Johanna did a great job on teaching this class. She knows her material very well. She’s very nurturing and supportive. I got lots of great ideas to use in my classroom.” Tricia Ryan, St. Matthew’s

“I learned so many great activities that I can use in my class for all students and gained valuable knowledge about ELL learning. I would highly recommend this class.” Sarah Dañales, Zuni Hills

“Our instructor made it really fun! Thank you!” Chitra Pierce, Kyrene de la Mariposa

“This course does a great job of building community so we were comfortable working with everyone. Our ‘tool chest’ is greatly enlarged. We moved around the room and the interest was maintained.” Iva L. Garrison, Paradise Valley (retired)

“The instructors for both courses were wonderful. It’s great that they are or were teachers.” Ecaterina Avelar, Eagle College Prep

“This was a wonderful class/training. I learned such valuable information and strategies that will benefit all my students. I can’t wait to use the strategies. It was worth giving up my three weekends.” Amanda Segura, Arizona Virtual Academy

“This class is everything that the testimonials given online say it is. I got much more out of this than taking an online course. Carolina was/is magnificent.” Joseph W. Snyder, xxxx

“My opinion changed from having to take these classes to wanting to learn more! The information received in these classes opened my ignorance door. My awareness has changed, my teaching techniques have improved, and I enjoy knowing more because of these classes! Thanks to your program and awesome instructors.” Maureen Herdon, EVIT, Mesa, AZ

“The six days went fast. I highly enjoyed the class!” Christy Reller, Sierra Vista

“This class has been one of the most fun, useful, and practical classes I have taken. It is not only useful for ELLs, but all children. Love it! Love it! Love it!” Tiffany Leon, Cornerstone Christian Academy

“45 hours seems pretty overwhelming, but it seemed to fly by relatively painlessly.” Yvonne A Segawa-Gonzales, Marana High School

“I know some have complained about the experience of a private program like this. When I factor in my time, sanity, and low tolerance of boredom and irritation, this program is the best bang for the buck! I am so glad I chose this route for my 45 hours!” Karen Ahrens, Immaculate Heart High School [formerly]

“Great program! We thoroughly enjoyed our instructor. The “train the trainer” program is a gift, allowing us to structure our training needs around our schedule and needs. Thank you.” Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy

“This was an awesome and truly worthwhile course. Education Training specialists and the instructor made this a wonderful experience. Cindy is a master teacher and cares deeply about what she does. The materials were so well organized, that it made it very easy to follow and learn. I would recommend this to any teacher.” Mark Witt, Creighton School

“This was a meaningful class with lots of good ideas to use in any classroom.” Nancy Bleasdale, Foothills Academy
“I was hopeful that this would be more helpful than an online class. I was not disappointed. Marvelous and engaging. Visiting with others in the trenches is empowering. My comfort level has risen to its highest level.” Steven Keough, Wood Elementary

“Six days went fast! Thanks for the variety, the pace, and the instructor.” Denis Gray, AAFC

“This class was taught by an energetic instructor who made the content fun and enjoyable. I would recommend this class to all my colleagues.” Walter Temme, Mountain View High School, Mesa

“Fabulous training. The days went by quickly, and the content was relevant. Cindy was an excellent instructor.” Michelle Cox

“This class was truly amazing and an eye opener to all educators. I have learned countless activities and strategies that I can and will take back to my classroom and implement. It was a very worthwhile and fun way to spend six days out of a teacher’s much needed summer vacation. This is the SEI class for all!” Dianne Sorive, Legacy Charter Schools

“Best class to take to meet your state requirement.” Jennifer Wolf, Monte Vista

“SEI is about building a community and culture within your classroom in which everyone is valued and feels accepted. Teresa did an awesome job of demonstrating this throughout the training while teaching us. Great job!” Jason Stewart, Coronado High School

“I have to admit, this class was very exciting. It was presented in a way that makes the information lock in to your long-term memory. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose this course.” Brian Graham, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

“Educational Training Specialist has made the 6 days of mandatory AZ SEI learning enjoyable. Thank you Teresa!” Holly Munro, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

“Booyah! This class is great. I am a P.E. teacher and thought the information wouldn’t pertain to me; however, I now have a lot of great things to take to the classroom.” Michael Ahern

“Excellent class; so many useful activities for any grade, any content area! Instruction was paced to allow time for feedback, practice, and collaboration. The only SEI class to take!” Mary Cay Funk, Thornydale Elementary

“Outstanding course with an instructor who models excellent teaching practices! I was thoroughly engaged, much to my delight, and am taking with me a binder loaded with super activities I can (and will) use in my classroom!” Ginger Sewell, Cornerstone Christian Academy

“Thank you for providing a delightful answer to the SEI training quandary. This was applicable, engaging, and entertaining. What else can you teach me?” Lori Abrams, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

“We actually did every strategy we learned – that way I know how it works and I am much more likely to remember and use the technique. Every idea can be used by teachers who might not even have ELLs.” Julie Myers, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

“This was an excellent class with meaningful and easily applicable curriculum. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.” Julia Higgins, Esperero Canyon Middle School=

“Two thumbs up! This course certainly is worth the time and effort. Never again will I view an ELL student in the same manner. Our teacher, Jennifer, was quite a dynamo. I looked forward to class every day. Kudos!” Bonnie Hoffert, Arizona Virtual Academy

“This course was actually very helpful in providing lots of information on English-language learners. We reviewed a variety of adaptable techniques and strategies to use in all areas of our classroom.” Katie Fitzgerald, Copper Trails Elementary

“I learned many new activities that I can use in my classroom that will help me to make my instruction more effective for the ELL. I was also refreshed on many other activities that I now feel more confident in using, and I made some more friends/colleagues that I can rely on for resources in the future.” Shaun Stevenson, Tuscano Elementary (Grade 5)

“This has been a wonderful and insightful course! I have learned many new items to implement in my classroom.” Kirk Kaiser, Fountain Hills Charter School

“I recommend the class. The pedagogy that was taught was the pedagogy that was used. The experience was as painless as a required class could be.” D. Kendall, Camelback PUHSD

“These are great classes. Professional knowledgeable staff. Great ideas to use with all students. I am so glad I took my SEI requirements here!” Vicki Laskowski, Bagdad Unified

“I found the class to be entertaining, informative, and helpful.” Bobby Kelley, Loma Linda

“Let us truly and sincerely always remember the meaning of our country’s motto: E Pluribus Unum.” Kathleen Miller, Liberty District #25

“The ideas and activities in this course are good for all students and have given me great new ideas to use in my classroom.” Maggie Kennedy, Cordova Middle School

“Polly was an excellent instructor. This was the best education seminar I have ever attended.” Jeffery D. Perry, Terramar Elementary

“Educational Training Specialists made a 45-hour training that I was dreading, a positive, rewarding experience! I was able to learn many new teaching methods to add to my expanding repertoire of useful tools. I truly enjoyed the interaction used to model strategies I can use in my own class. Thank you.” Sarah Hoagland, Candeo Peoria School

“It’s like candy!” John Bruggner, Sandra Day O’Connor High School

“This was the best class I was ever forced to take.” Brandon Hopson, Glendale High

“I enjoyed the class tremendously. I found that I could use several of the strategies in my theatre class. I also have activities to share with others. The CD is an added bonus, as well as the reference notebook. Although I do not get that many ELL students, the content is very beneficial. The learning atmosphere was fun and the instructor was extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend this class to anyone. The university credit is a huge plus.” Don Fuller, Valley Vista High School

“I really hope the ideas and activities set in place here today are used and built upon in the classrooms of tomorrow!” Chisla Globakeer, Cave Creek Unified School District #93.