How to Become a High School Teacher in Tennessee

High school is an important time for teenagers’ development, and teachers play a major role in helping them prepare for college, the workforce, and the rest of their lives. If you want to know how to become a high school teacher in Tennessee, you will need to navigate the Volunteer State’s specific requirements, exams, and licensing steps. This article explains the process for earning your teaching license so you can step into the classroom with confidence.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee

The path to earning a teaching license in Tennessee is straightforward, with high school teachers needing to demonstrate their expertise in the specific content area they wish to teach as well as their understanding of pedagogical practices, ensuring they know how to effectively instruct and manage classrooms.

For a breakdown of state rules, timelines, and testing requirements, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee Guide, which outlines the certification details you’ll want to know to make a smooth transition into teaching.

What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Tennessee?

To become a licensed high school teacher in Tennessee, you’ll need to meet these requirements:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and student teaching (clinical learning) practicum, either as part of an undergraduate degree program or separately after graduation.
• Pass Tennessee’s educator exams, including general pedagogy assessments and content-specific tests related to the subject you wish to teach.
• Pass state and federal background checks and fingerprinting.

Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Tennessee

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. Every licensed teacher in Tennessee must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. If you pursue a traditional route, this degree will likely be in education. If you choose an alternative route, your degree can be in any field.
2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). EPPs like TEACH-NOW provide the pedagogical foundation you need to manage a classroom, such as instructional and lesson planning strategies.
3. Pass the required Praxis exams. Tennessee requires high school teachers to pass specific assessments. According to the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), candidates must pass a pedagogical assessment like the edTPA or Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) along with the Praxis Subject Assessment for their specific subject area.
4. Complete clinical learning (student teaching). During your EPP, you will complete a student teaching (clinical learning) practicum. This involves working directly in a classroom under the guidance of a licensed teacher and gives you the chance to earn hands-on experience while applying the strategies you’re learning in real-time.
5. Pass background checks. To ensure a safe environment for all students, Tennessee requires that all prospective teachers submit fingerprints for a thorough criminal history background check through both the state and the FBI.

Can You Become a High School Teacher in Tennessee Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can become a high school teacher in Tennessee without a teaching degree. The Volunteer State offers and encourages alternative pathways to certification for career changers and other individuals who don’t have a traditional teaching degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, there’s no need to start over; you can enroll in a program like TEACH-NOW and work as a teacher while completing your certification requirements.

You can learn more about alternative certification options and becoming a Tennessee teacher on our website.

Moreland University Supports Tennessee Teachers

Whether you’re at the beginning of your education career as a new teacher or transitioning into teaching from another profession, Tennessee offers multiple paths to becoming a licensed educator — and even more opportunities to grow your career once you’re licensed!

You can earn your Tennessee teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s fully accredited, 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. With rolling admissions and monthly start dates, you can apply and enroll anytime and then choose the start date that works best for your schedule. Plus, you’ll have the option to add on a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) with just 3 additional months of coursework.

Complete your free application to Moreland University now. Or, request more information to explore how Moreland can support you throughout your teaching journey.