Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, which means there’s an urgent demand for high-quality teachers. Moreland University — fully accredited and 100% online — can help you get your professional Tennessee teaching license in as little as 9 months.
Established in 2011, Moreland University is a fully accredited, teacher-focused university dedicated to empowering educators and shaping the future of education.
Explore this page:
Pathway to
Certification
How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee
Info Sessions
Tennessee District Partners
Testimonials
Accreditations & Approvals
Tennessee Resources
Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program gives you practical coursework, test preparation, clinical learning (student teaching), and dedicated mentorship — everything you need to succeed in a Tennessee classroom.
Why choose Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program:
Another pathway to certification in Tennessee is our online M.Ed. with teaching credential. This is a 12-month program to help you level up your teaching career.
Why choose Moreland’s online M.Ed. program:
Need help deciding? Our admissions representatives are happy to chat 1:1 about your specific goals, interests, and needs — including financing options via Sallie Mae.
Curious about what it takes to become a certified teacher in Tennessee?
General Requirements
Tennessee requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. That degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
Testing Requirements
Tennessee teachers take Praxis tests. Specific exams will vary based on the subject and grades you want to teach.
Teacher Education Requirements
If your bachelor’s degree is in something other than education, you can earn your certification through an alternative Educator Preparation Program, such as Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online, with small, diverse classes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Strong Teacher Workforce
Tennessee has more than 71,000 K-12 teachers, 147 districts, and 1,900 schools. The average student-teacher ratio is 14:1.1
Growing Job Market
Jobs for elementary and secondary school teachers in Tennessee are projected to grow more than 15% by 2032, compared to 2022.2
High Teacher Retention
Tennessee’s teacher-retention rate — teachers who remain teaching in the state from one year to the next — is 91.5%.1
Low Cost of Living
Tennessee is No. 17 on the U.S. News & World Report’s cost-of-living list. The state also ranks 12th for its economy and fifth in fiscal stability.3
Strong Graduation Rate
Tennessee’s overall graduation rate is 90%, three percentage points higher than the national average.4
Growing State Population
Tennessee is the sixth-fastest-growing state in the nation.5 Nashville saw 16.8 million visitors in 2023, a 4% increase compared to 2022.6
Sources: 1 Tennessee Department of Education, 2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 U.S. News & World Report, 4 National Center for Education Statistics, 5 U.S. Census Bureau, 6 Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
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For TEACH-NOW graduates (or soon-to-be grads) learn how you can earn your M.Ed. in just 3 months with Moreland University. Discover: – Program timeline and structure – M.Ed. specialization options – Benefits of earning your M.Ed. – Why educators choose Moreland’s add-on program |
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of teacher certification in Florida along with tips and strategies for passing your certification exams. You’ll learn about Moreland's certification programs for Florida teachers, including the 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Certification pathways and Moreland’s programs […] |
1 event,
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
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1 event,
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For TEACH-NOW graduates (or soon-to-be grads) learn how you can earn your M.Ed. in just 3 months with Moreland University. Discover: – Program timeline and structure – M.Ed. specialization options […] |
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of teacher certification in Georgia along with tips and strategies for passing your certification exams. You’ll learn about Moreland's certification programs for Georgia teachers, including the 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Certification pathways and Moreland’s […]
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
1 event,
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our master's degree programs, including Moreland’s 12-month Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), Master's in Educational Leadership, and Master's in Globalization and Education Research. Discover: – Each program’s structure and content – Which program is best for your professional goals and career advancement – Why educators choose Moreland […] |
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1 event,
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
1 event,
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Join the Moreland University team for an overview of teacher certification in Maryland along with tips and strategies for passing your certification exams. You’ll learn about Moreland's certification programs for Maryland teachers, including the 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Certification pathways and Moreland’s programs […] |
2 events,
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The middle of the school year is a great time to take stock: What’s going well and what needs a reboot? Are you on track with your professional development and career goals? This webinar will help you learn from the first half of your year and prepare for an even stronger second. It’s a great […]
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The middle of the school year is a great time to take stock: What’s going well and what needs a reboot? Are you on track with your professional development and career goals? This webinar will help you learn from the first half of your year and prepare for an even stronger second. It’s a great […] |
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1 event,
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For TEACH-NOW graduates (or soon-to-be grads) learn how you can earn your M.Ed. in just 3 months with Moreland University. Discover: – Program timeline and structure – M.Ed. specialization options – Benefits of earning your M.Ed. – Why educators choose Moreland’s add-on program |
1 event,
-
Join the Moreland University team for an overview of our certification pathways, including Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and 12-month Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential. Discover: – Each certification pathway’s structure and content – Which program is best for your goals and professional growth – Why educators choose Moreland – Answers to […] |
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Live Info Sessions
Join one of our live information sessions to discover how Moreland University can help you become a successful and certified teacher in Tennessee.
On-Demand Info Session
Can’t wait? Watch our 10-minute on-demand info
session now to learn how Moreland can support your
U.S. certification journey. At the end, submit any
lingering questions and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Moreland University partners with school districts across the United States to support teachers
through certification and continuing education programs.
Don’t see your district above? Not currently working in a school district?
No worries! We can still help you achieve teaching certification and success in Tennessee. Keep scrolling to discover the Moreland University difference for Tennessee teachers.
“With a lot of universities, it’s not the kind of relationship where they’re going to come and actually sit in front of you and have a conversation: ‘Where do you need me? What can I do? How can I make this work?’ With Moreland, I never felt like we were a number.”
Catherine Hale Henry
Recruitment & Retention Manager | Clayton County Public Schools (GA)
“I have seen tremendous growth in my staff as a direct result of the TEACH-NOW program. Completers are standing out as leaders inside and outside the classroom. The increase in student achievement has been outstanding. Sponsoring teachers for the TEACH-NOW program is a wise investment in growing the capacity of your staff.”
Corinne Baez
Principal | Keys Gate Charter Schools (FL)
“I have found Moreland’s program to be rigorous and the curriculum holds a high standard for our teachers to be effectively prepared to enter the classroom. All the staff at Moreland have been collaborative and very easy to work with. We have regular meetings to assess progress and provide information sessions to our educators. The Moreland staff is timely in their communications and very responsive to our needs.”
Brittany Mackel
Instructional Specialist |Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)
“Casa Grande ESD’s collaboration with Moreland University has been immensely beneficial in supporting our teachers’ professional development. The TEACH-NOW program offers a structured yet flexible pathway to certification that meets the diverse needs of our educators. The program’s focus on practical application, combined with the expert guidance from Moreland’s team, enables our teachers to achieve their certification goals efficiently.”
Stacy Howell
Director Talent Acquisition & Employee Services
Casa Grande Elementary School District #4 (AZ)
“Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program has had a tremendously positive effect on its participants. Completers of the program are well-equipped to be highly effective teachers, with the skills and confidence needed to excel in diverse classroom environments and positively impact student learning outcomes.”
Nicolas Bardoni
Principal | Downtown Miami Charter School (FL)
“I can confidently say I have grown into a better educator thanks to my time here. Initially, I believed I had a solid understanding of the teaching profession, but this program has taught me countless invaluable lessons. I wholeheartedly recommend (Moreland) to anyone pursuing their teaching certification.”
Christopher Bishop
Florida teacher
“You’ll learn information that’s vital in the classroom. Especially learning about AI and new technologies to help you with your kids. I would highly, highly recommend Moreland University because they gave me what I needed to be (rated) highly effective.”
Kahala Adams
Florida teacher
“I felt like I was being supported at the same time I was learning. At no point during the process did I feel like I was alone or had to just figure everything out on my own… I would wholeheartedly recommend Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program. Not only is it flexible, not only is it engaging, but it really does prepare you to enter the classroom successfully.”
Jazzmyne Townsend
D.C. teacher
“Moreland University’s programs, the instructors, and staff, will work with a student when ‘life happens’ as they understand that we are all balancing demanding careers, certification and/or master’s work, and family needs as we complete our studies. I changed careers after retiring early, and I am very happy with the education that I have received, particularly as it relates to technology in the classroom.”
Beth Gambrell
U.S. educator
“(Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program) is very accessible yet teaches hands-on practical things to future teachers. I also made wonderful friends around the world in my cohort.”
Duo Chen
Maryland educator
“What I like most about Moreland University is the ease of being able to connect online and having knowledgeable professors that constantly support you. Especially when English is your second language, and it is not easy for you to express yourself widely.”
Brenda Guerrero de Deniz
Maryland educator
We take great pride in being pioneers of online global teacher education and helping our candidates and alumni thrive.
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You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Tennessee. We have answers.
You could earn your professional Tennessee teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and 100% online, with small class sizes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Tuition for Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is $7,200. There is no cost to apply, and there are no additional costs or fees with Moreland.
We offer monthly payment plans or financing via Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae has loan choices with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. You can even take advantage of deferred payments while you’re still in school and grace periods after you graduate.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online.
The clinical learning portion (student teaching) can be done in your current classroom.
Moreland is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Moreland was the first online program to be accredited by CAEP.
Have a different question? Let us know, and we’ll be in touch. We’re happy to chat through your specific goals and needs.