How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Tennessee

Special education teachers support students with a wide range of disabilities and diverse learning needs. They help students build academic and social skills, confidence, and independence. It’s a challenging position, but it’s also some of the most meaningful work in a school building.

If your goal is to become a special education teacher in Tennessee, this post will walk you through what it takes. You’ll learn about the requirements for teachers in Tennessee along with the steps you could take to earn your license.

Bonus: If you’re a career changer who already has a bachelor’s degree, even if it’s not in education, you could earn your Tennessee teaching license in as little as 9 months.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee

Special education teachers need to meet a few specific requirements in Tennessee. This could include, for example, specific licensure exams or specific coursework related to the groups of students they want to teach.

From a high level, however, all teachers in Tennessee need to fulfill the same basic requirements to earn a license. For an overview of the process, including info on choosing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and passing your licensure exams, check out our guide on how to become a teacher in Tennessee.

What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Tennessee?

Here’s a basic checklist for earning your license to teach special education in Tennessee:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including student teaching
• Passing scores on the required Praxis exams (these will vary by endorsement type)
• A clear background check

Tennessee offers multiple special education endorsements. Some may require specific coursework as part of your EPP, so make sure you look into those particular requirements before choosing your program.

As far as timeline, it depends on your starting point. If you’re a high-school graduate and you still need to earn your bachelor’s degree, it will probably take you about 4 years to earn your degree and your teaching license.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, even in a non-education field, you could earn your license much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, for example, can be completed in just 9 months, 100% online.

Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Tennessee

Here’s a more detailed look at the step-by-step process:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Every teacher in Tennessee needs at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’re still working on yours, you can study special education as part of your major. If you already have a degree in a different field, you could earn your license through an alternative or graduate-level EPP without having to start over on a new bachelor’s degree.

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

If you’re earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree in education, your EPP will be part of that degree program. If not, you can choose an alternative EPP. This program will give you the training and classroom experience you need to teach effectively. For special education, part of your coursework will focus on supporting students with disabilities, adapting instruction, and managing individualized education programs (IEPs).

Most EPPs, including TEACH-NOW, include a student teaching component so you can apply what you’re learning in a real classroom.

3. Pass the Required Praxis Exams

These will vary depending on the specific endorsement you want to earn (again, Tennessee offers multiple special education endorsements).

You may need to take, for example, the Special Education: Foundational Knowledge test along with a Praxis test on teaching reading. You can find more info and research specific exams on the Praxis website.

4. Complete a Background Check

This is part of the licensing process for every Tennessee teacher. This step helps protect student safety across the state.

5. Apply for Your License

Once you’ve met the requirements above, you can apply for your license online. You’ll submit your transcripts, Praxis scores, and proof of your EPP completion, along with an application fee.

It’s important to note this is just one example of a potential path to teacher licensure in Tennessee. For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Education website.

Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Tennessee Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, you don’t have to start the process over. An alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP) lets you earn your Tennessee teaching license while building real classroom skills.

Moreland University’s Tennessee teacher certification program online is a fully accredited pathway to help career changers become licensed teachers in as little as 9 months. You can complete your free application today. It only takes about 15 minutes to apply, and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.

---