Public school teachers will be learning some new techniques this upcoming school year.

Teachers taking part in the English Language Learners training program will learn how to better communicate with students not strong in the English language.

Supt. Pia Durkin says this training will be valuable to all 450 New Bedford Public School teachers currently enrolled...

The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education but school districts must hire their own instructors. An additional 150 spots were given to New Bedford teachers after the original allotment was filled within hours of registration.

The state funded training program must be completed by all public school teachers by July 1, 2016 to be eligible for their license renewal.

Nearly 8% of New Bedford Public School students are identified as English Language Learners.

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