Three Essential Strategies to Advance Your Teaching Career in Tennessee

Tennessee teachers enjoy strong job stability and a supportive education community. The state offers competitive benefits, flexible licensure paths, and — most important — the chance to make a meaningful difference in student lives.  

If you’re a teacher in the Volunteer State, whether you’re new to education or have years of experience, below are 3 strategies to help you increase your salary, advance your career, and expand your impact. 

1. Look for Leadership Opportunities 

Taking on leadership roles is a powerful way to advance your career while making a greater impact on your school community. Educators can grow professionally by mentoring new teachers, leading professional learning communities, or serving as department chairs or curriculum coordinators. Many Tennessee school districts offer stipends or salary increases for taking on these additional responsibilities. 

One powerful pathway to leadership in education is earning National Board Certification (NBC). This well-recognized certification strengthens instructional skills and is widely recognized as a mark of teaching excellence. In Tennessee, several school districts reward this achievement with additional compensation. For example, Hamilton County Schools offers a $4,000 annual salary supplement to teachers who hold NBC status. Beyond financial incentives, National Board Certified educators are often tapped for leadership opportunities such as mentorship roles, instructional coaching, and leading professional development initiatives. 

You can also look for opportunities outside the classroom and traditional school day. Perhaps you would enjoy coaching a sport or advising an after-school club. Think back to your own school days. You probably remember a favorite teacher, someone who encouraged and supported you. But you likely remember a favorite coach, director, or advisor as well. These types of leaders are well-positioned to have a positive, lasting impact on student lives.  

2. Earn an Advanced Degree 

Many districts offer significant pay raises for educators with advanced degrees. For example, according to the Arlington Community Schools 2024-2025 Salary Schedule, a new teacher with a bachelor’s degree earns $52,000, while a new teacher with a master’s earns $56,218 — an 8% increase. Over time, this difference continues to grow, making a graduate degree a valuable long-term investment. 

Beyond salary increases, a master’s degree can open doors to specialized teaching roles, instructional coaching, and curriculum development positions. If you’re interested in an administrative role, you could consider a master’s in educational leadership. If you’re passionate about the global education community, you could earn a master’s in globalization and education research.  

Moreland University offers three innovative master’s programs, including an M.Ed. with six high-demand specializations: early childhood, special education, teaching multilingual learners, globalization in education, educational technology, and educational research. Each program is fully online and designed to meet the needs of working educators, with the flexibility to be completed in as little as 12 months. Moreland’s programs provide an efficient path to deepen your expertise, expand your impact in the classroom, and increase your earning potential — all while balancing your professional and personal commitments.

3. Explore Referral and Incentive Programs for Educators 

Tennessee teachers looking for leadership opportunities should regularly check the Tennessee Department of Education website for updated incentive and referral programs. This platform often shares grants, bonuses, fellowships, and other educator support initiatives. Notable opportunities include the Tennessee Educators of Color Fellowship, which empowers teachers to shape education policy, and the Tennessee Grow Your Own initiative, which helps educators transition into leadership roles while remaining in the classroom. 

Additionally, Moreland University’s Referral Program allows educators to earn rewards by referring colleagues who are looking to advance their teaching careers. By helping others achieve their goals, you can earn $200 Visa gift cards for each successful enrollment made through your unique referral link.

Take the Next Step with Moreland University 

These high-impact strategies can help you expand your career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and make a greater impact in the classroom. Moreland University supports educators with flexible, innovative programs designed to fit your schedule and career goals. 

Ready to grow your teaching career in Tennessee? With Moreland, you could earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months or your master’s degree in 12 months. 

Our programs are fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions. Our application only takes about 15 minutes, and you typically hear back within 2 business days.