Sindhu Anantha Completes Relay Teacher Credentialing Program

SESI’s partnership with the Relay Graduate School of Education gives eligible educators an opportunity to earn a master’s degree and teaching credentials while continuing to work with students. Through the 1.5-year Relay Teacher Credentialing Program, participants can build their skills, receive mentorship from SESI leaders, and take the next step in their careers without stepping away from the classroom.

We’re highlighting Sindhu Anantha, a high school math teacher at NewHope Academy who earned her Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) credential in 2026.

About the Relay Teacher Credentialing Program

• Earn While Teaching: Earn a credential/degree over 1.5 years while remaining in the classroom.
• Provisional Licensing: Begin teaching immediately with provisional licensure.
• Mentorship & Support: Receive coaching and guidance from experienced educational leaders.
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Long-Term Impact: Participants remain with SESI for at least two years post-completion, building lasting careers and serving high-need students.

An Experience That Inspired a New Path

An experience volunteering at her son’s school helped set Anantha on a new professional path. She recalled watching a special education staff member patiently support a student with autism during picture day.

“That dedication stayed with me,” Anantha said. “Earning my LBS1 endorsement represents personal growth and my commitment to becoming the knowledgeable, compassionate educator my students deserve.”

Applying New Strategies in the Classroom

Through Relay, Anantha also gained strategies she could apply directly in her classroom.

“Through Relay, I deepened my understanding of differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and culturally responsive teaching – which is especially meaningful to me as an immigrant,” she said. “In our therapeutic school setting, where many students face academic gaps, anxiety, or school avoidance, I am now better equipped to recognize individual strengths, identify learning barriers, and advocate effectively for my students.”

Support From the NewHope Academy Community

Anantha credits several NewHope Academy colleagues with supporting her as she balanced the program with her full-time role.

“Teaching at NewHope Academy gave me the confidence to pursue my degree while working full-time,” she said. “School founder Brandy Larrance and current director Bethany Arteaga believed in me from the start. My assigned mentor, Meaghan Torrence, played an invaluable role in my growth, taking me under her wing with energy and compassion. I also want to recognize Esther M., who supported me since my very first day, consistently encouraging me and leading by example.”

Advice for Educators Considering Relay

For colleagues considering Relay, Anantha acknowledged the work involved while emphasizing what she gained from the experience.

“Relay is rigorous, but it is practical, deeply rewarding, and focused on student agency and higher-order thinking,” she said. “My advice is to manage your time carefully, remain open to feedback, and lean on your support systems. It is more than a pathway to certification; it is an opportunity to become a more reflective, capable, and purposeful educator.”

Learn More About the Program

SESI educators interested in learning more about earning a master’s degree or teaching credential through the Relay Teacher Credentialing Program can contact their school director for additional information.