How to Get Your Tennessee
Teacher Certification
Your Tennessee teaching license is your gateway to a rewarding and impactful career in education. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student achievement, Tennessee provides a supportive and innovative environment for educators.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your Tennessee teaching license — from selecting an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required assessments and submitting your application.
Tennessee Department of Education
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) oversees teacher licensure and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. TDOE offers comprehensive information on licensure requirements, pathways to obtaining a license, and employment opportunities throughout the Volunteer State.
How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Tennessee
Tennessee offers different paths to teacher licensure, depending on your experience and educational background:
The Traditional Pathway
If you’re a high school graduate aiming to become a teacher, the standard route involves earning a bachelor’s degree in education from a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
You’ll then need to:
- Pass the Praxis exams required for your licensure area.
- Complete a student teaching experience as part of your EPP.
- Clear a background check.
- Apply for licensure through the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE).
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The Alternative Pathway
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you could start teaching with a Temporary or Practitioner License while you complete your EPP. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Benefits of Earning Your Tennessee Teaching License
Strong Teacher Workforce
Tennessee has more than 60,000 public school teachers, 148 districts, and 1,904 schools, according to the state department of education. The average student-teacher ratio is 16:1.
Growing Job Market
Jobs for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in Tennessee are projected to grow more than 15% by 2032, compared to 2022.
High Teacher Retention
Tennessee’s teacher-retention rate — teachers who remain teaching in the state from one year to the next — is 89%, according to the state report card.
Low Cost of Living
Tennessee is No. 20 on the U.S. News & World Report’s cost-of-living list. The state also ranks seventh in fiscal stability.
License Types in Tennessee
Tennessee has two primary types of teacher licenses along with a temporary permit:
Temporary Teaching Permit
The Temporary Teaching Permit is a one-year permit issued to individuals who do not yet meet all licensure requirements but are needed to fill teaching positions in high-demand subject areas. A Temporary Permit may be reactivated up to two times.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Offer of employment from a Tennessee public or approved private school
- Clear background check
- Agreement to meet full licensure requirements within the given timeframe
Practitioner License
The Practitioner License is a three-year license for educators who have completed or are enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and meet licensure expectations at the practitioner level. This is the initial license for new teachers in Tennessee.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Enrollment in or completion of an EPP
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams
- Clear background check
Professional License
The Professional License is a 10-year, renewable license for more experienced educators in Tennessee. This is the next step after a Practitioner License.
Requirements:
- Three years of successful teaching experience under a Practitioner License
- Completion of the required professional development
- Successful completion of the TN Literacy Success Act requirements
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s Educator Licensure page.
Tennessee Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Tennessee teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, be at least 18 years old, and:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a student teaching practicum.
- Pass all required assessments.
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Tennessee Department of Education’s TNCompass system.
Testing Requirements
Educators in Tennessee must pass a series of assessments based on their grade level and subject area. The primary assessments include:
Pedagogical Assessment
This is a test of a candidate’s general teaching skills and knowledge. It could include the edTPA or the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT).
Content Area Assessments
Candidates must pass the relevant content-specific exams for their particular endorsement area. These could include the Praxis Subject Assessments or National Evaluation Series (NES) tests.
A comprehensive list of required assessments, specific timelines, and qualifying scores is detailed on the Tennessee Department of Education’s Candidate Assessment page.
Education & Degree Requirements
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you could earn your Tennessee teaching license through an alternative or graduate-level EPP, such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Tennessee Licensing Application Process
Once you’ve fulfilled the necessary requirements for teacher licensure in Tennessee, you can apply online through the Tennessee Department of Education’s TNCompass system. This process involves submitting official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and more. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the TDOE’s Educator Licensure page.
Tennessee Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The Tennessee Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Tennessee. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you simply need to use the Out-of-State Educator Preparation Verification Form.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- 9 months total
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Tennessee provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Volunteer State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Tennessee. We have answers.
How do I become a Tennessee teacher?
Tennessee offers multiple pathways to teacher licensure, including the traditional pathway, for those who still need to earn a bachelor’s degree, and alternative routes for those transitioning from other careers. In general, teachers need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the required licensure exams, and clear a background check.
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s Educator Licensure page.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Tennessee?
Yes, a valid Tennessee teaching license is required to teach in public schools. The state offers a structured licensure system with two main types: Practitioner Licenses and Professional Licenses.
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s Educator Licensure page.
What are the requirements for Tennessee teacher licensure?
Specific requirements vary depending on the license type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
Tennessee teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, be at least 18 years old, and:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a student teaching practicum.
- Pass the required assessments.
- Clear state and federal background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Tennessee Department of Education’s TNCompass system.
How do I maintain my Tennessee teaching license?
Specific renewal requirements in Tennessee vary depending on the license type. A Practitioner License can be renewed once, at which point you’ll need to advance to a Professional License. A Professional License is valid for 10 years, with renewal dependent on meeting the required professional development and TN Literacy Success Act requirements.
For more detailed information, visit the TN Department of Education website.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Tennessee?
The timeline to becoming a licensed teacher in Tennessee varies depending on your educational background and the specific pathway you choose.
If you still need to earn your bachelor’s degree, you are probably about 4 years away from earning your license.
If you already have a bachelor’s, even in another field, you could earn your license faster through an alternative or graduate-level Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
How much do Tennessee teachers make?
Tennessee teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association:
- The average annual salary for a Tennessee teacher is $61,222.
- The average starting salary is $47,230.
How much can I make starting out as a Tennessee teacher?
The average starting teacher salary in Tennessee is $47,230, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 26 in the nation.
How can I learn more about becoming a licensed teacher in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) is the best resource to learn more about teacher licensure, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher licensure or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).