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 licensure application in the Volunteer State.
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 has different paths to teacher licensure, depending on your educational background and experience:
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.
- Submit fingerprints and pass 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 can start teaching with a Practitioner License while you complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Benefits of Earning Your Tennessee Teaching License
Comprehensive Perks
Tennessee provides competitive benefits for teachers, including health insurance options. Educators are also part of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), which is recognized as one of the top 5 strongest pension funds in the United States.
Diverse Student Body
Tennessee’s K–12 student population reflects a rich cultural diversity. This diversity provides educators with opportunities to engage with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments.
Strong Demand for Teachers
Tennessee is projecting 15% growth for elementary school teacher jobs and 16% growth for secondary school teacher jobs by 2032, compared to 2022. There is a high need for qualified teachers, particularly in special education, middle grades, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Supportive Community
Tennessee’s education community is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to student achievement. Teachers benefit from supportive professional networks and a culture that values both tradition and progress in education.
Types of Tennessee Teacher Licenses
Tennessee has three primary types of teacher licenses, as outlined below:
Temporary Teaching Permit
The Temporary Teaching Permit is a one-year, renewable license issued to individuals who do not yet meet all licensure requirements but are needed to fill teaching positions in high-demand subject areas.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Offer of employment from a Tennessee public or approved private school
- Submission of fingerprints for state and federal background checks
- Agreement to meet full licensure requirements within the given timeframe
- Application submission through the TNCompass portal
Practitioner License
The Practitioner License is a three-year, once-renewable 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 Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all required professional assessments
- Submission of fingerprints for state and federal background checks
- Application submission through the TNCompass portal
Professional License
The Professional License is a six-year, renewable license for educators who meet the necessary teaching experience and performance evaluation requirements. This is the next step for educators after a Practitioner License.
Requirements:
- Three years of successful teaching experience under a Practitioner License
- Satisfactory evaluation scores through Tennessee’s educator effectiveness system
- Completion of a state-approved Induction or Mentorship Program (if required)
- Application submission through the TNCompass portal
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
Aspiring educators are required to submit qualifying scores on either the edTPA or Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), both of which evaluate teaching skills and knowledge.
Content Area Assessments
Candidates must pass the relevant content-specific exams for their particular endorsement area, such as the Praxis Subject Assessments or National Evaluation Series (NES).
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
Tennessee requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If you have a bachelor’s in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator Preparation Program (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 essential documents, including official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, completion of background checks, and payment of the application fee. 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:
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
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, through approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), and Alternative Licensure Programs for those transitioning from other careers.
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?
The specific requirements for teacher licensure in Tennessee 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 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.
How do I maintain my Tennessee teaching license?
Specific renewal requirements in Tennessee vary depending on the license type.
- A Practitioner License is issued to educators who have completed or are enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). If the requirements for advancing to a Professional License are not met within this period, the Practitioner License can be renewed once for an additional three years. To renew, educators must earn 30 professional development points (PDPs) during the license’s validity and, if applicable, meet the Tennessee Literacy Success Act requirements.
- A Professional License is valid for six years and is renewable. To renew, educators must accumulate 60 PDPs or complete two years of qualifying teaching experience within the validity period. Educators must also meet the Tennessee Literacy Success Act requirements, if applicable. If renewal requirements are not met, the license may become inactive.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Tennessee?
The timeline to become a licensed teacher in Tennessee can vary depending on your educational background and the specific pathway you choose.
- Traditional Pathway: Typically four years (bachelor’s degree with an EPP).
- Alternative Licensure Programs: Timeframes vary based on program structure, and candidates often teach under a Practitioner License while completing licensure requirements. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW 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 $55,369.
- The average starting salary is $42,164, varying by district and experience.
Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.
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).