How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee

How to become a teacher in Tennessee is a question many aspiring educators ask as they consider this rewarding career path. Tennessee faces a growing demand for qualified teachers across all grade levels and subject areas, offering strong career stability and competitive benefits. 

The Tennessee teacher licensure process may seem complex, but with proper guidance and preparation, including exam prep through platforms like Prepsaret, you can navigate it successfully and launch a fulfilling teaching career.

Steps to Become a Teacher in Tennessee

The process follows a clear pathway that ensures all educators meet state standards before entering the classroom.

Here’s the basic framework for how to become a teacher in Tennessee:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Complete a teacher preparation program approved by the state
• Pass required Praxis exams and content-specific assessments
• Submit your application through the Tennessee Department of Education portal
• Receive your teaching license and begin your career

The Tennessee Department of Education teaching license serves as your official credential to teach in public schools. The Tennessee teacher application process requires careful attention to documentation, timelines, and specific requirements based on your chosen grade level and subject area. 

The Tennessee teacher certification requirements vary slightly depending on whether you pursue traditional or alternative routes, but all pathways maintain rigorous standards to ensure classroom readiness.

Most candidates spend 4-6 years completing traditional preparation programs, though alternative routes can accelerate this timeline for career changers with existing degrees.

Tennessee Teacher Preparation Programs

Teacher education programs in Tennessee provide the foundational knowledge and practical experience necessary for effective teaching. These Tennessee teacher preparation programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on student teaching experiences that prepare you for real-world classroom management and instruction.

Accredited colleges and universities across Tennessee offer Educator Preparation program TN options that include:

• Pedagogical coursework covering educational psychology, curriculum development, and assessment strategies
• Content-area specialization in your chosen subject or grade level
• Student teaching placements providing supervised classroom experience under mentor teachers
• Methods courses focusing on instructional strategies and differentiation techniques

Major institutions that maintain strong teacher preparation programs include: 

• University of Tennessee, 
• Tennessee State University, 
• Middle Tennessee State University, and 
• Vanderbilt University 

These programs must meet standards set by both state and national accreditation bodies.

Your student teaching semester represents the capstone experience where you apply theoretical knowledge in actual classroom settings. This supervised practicum typically lasts one full semester and requires you to gradually assume full teaching responsibilities under the guidance of an experienced cooperating teacher.

When selecting a program, verify its accreditation status through the Tennessee Department of Education to ensure your coursework will satisfy licensure requirements.

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Tennessee

Not everyone follows the traditional four-year education degree path, which is why alternative routes to teacher certification in Tennessee provide valuable options for career changers and professionals with non-education degrees.

How to Become a Teacher in TN Without a Teaching Degree

Tennessee recognizes that talented professionals from other fields can bring valuable expertise to classrooms. The alternative teacher certification Tennessee pathways allow individuals with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields to transition into teaching careers.

Several alternative teaching certification Tennessee programs include:

• Teach for America – Places graduates in high-need schools with intensive summer training and ongoing support
• Transition to Teaching – Designed for career changers with bachelor’s degrees who complete preparation while teaching
• Practitioner License pathway – For professionals with specialized expertise in fields like computer science or engineering

Requirements to Teach in Tennessee Without a Degree in Education

If you’re wondering how to become a teacher in Tennessee without a traditional education degree, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (minimum 2.75 GPA typically required)
• Completion of alternative preparation program coursework
• Passing scores on all required Praxis examinations
• Background check clearance
• Supervised teaching experience or internship placement

These alternative programs typically take 1-2 years to complete while you’re employed in a teaching position under a transitional license. You’ll complete coursework in the evenings, online, or during summers while gaining practical classroom experience.

The key advantage of how to become a teacher in Tennessee through alternative certification is the accelerated timeline and ability to earn a salary while completing your preparation.

Testing and Exam Requirements for TN Teacher Certification

Demonstrating subject matter competency and pedagogical knowledge through standardized assessments represents a critical component of how to become a teacher in Tennessee. The Tennessee Praxis requirements vary based on your intended grade level and subject area.

What Tests Do You Need to Become a Teacher in Tennessee?

All teacher candidates must pass:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or ACT/SAT exemption)
  • Reading (156 minimum score)
  • Writing (162 minimum score)
  • Mathematics (150 minimum score)
• Praxis Subject Assessments – Content-specific exams for your teaching area
  • Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) for grades K-5
  • Secondary Education: Subject-specific tests (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, etc.)
  • Special Education: Appropriate specialty area exam
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) – Pedagogical knowledge exam
  • PLT K-6, 5-9, or 7-12 depending on grade-level endorsement

Tennessee sets specific cut scores that vary by exam, and you must meet or exceed these scores to qualify for licensure. Many candidates take these exams multiple times to achieve passing scores.

Prepsaret provides comprehensive Praxis preparation materials with practice questions that mirror actual exam content, helping you identify knowledge gaps and build confidence before test day. 

Our platform offers exact question formats and detailed answer explanations that maximize your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Tennessee Teacher Certification Process

Once you’ve completed your preparation program and passed required exams, the teacher certification Tennessee process moves to the application and credentialing phase. Obtaining your Tennessee teaching credentials requires careful documentation and attention to procedural details.

How to Apply for a Tennessee Teaching License Online

The Tennessee Department of Education maintains an online licensing system where you’ll:

• Step 1: Create an account on the TDOE educator licensing portal
• Step 2: Complete the online application providing educational history and program completion verification
• Step 3: Upload required documents including transcripts, test scores, and program recommendations
• Step 4: Submit fingerprints for background check processing
• Step 5: Pay application fees (detailed below)

Tennessee Teacher Certification Cost and Fees

Budget for these expenses when planning how to become a teacher in Tennessee:

• Initial license application: $50
• Background check and fingerprinting: $50-60
• Praxis Core exam: $150 (or $40-50 per subject)
• Praxis Subject Assessment: $120-150 per exam
• Praxis PLT exam: $150

Total costs typically range from $500-800 depending on how many exams you need and whether you require retakes.

Can Out-of-State Teachers Teach in Tennessee?

Tennessee offers reciprocity for educators with valid teaching licenses from other states. If you’re an experienced teacher relocating to Tennessee, you can apply for licensure based on your out-of-state credentials if:

• Your current license is in good standing
• You meet Tennessee’s testing requirements (may need additional Praxis exams)
• Your preparation program was regionally accredited

The teacher certification program Tennessee evaluates out-of-state transcripts and credentials on a case-by-case basis to determine which requirements you’ve already satisfied.

Tennessee Teacher License Renewal and Professional Development

After obtaining your initial license, understanding teaching license renewal Tennessee requirements ensures you maintain your credential throughout your career. Tennessee issues renewable licenses that require ongoing professional development to keep your skills current.

Initial Practitioner Licenses are valid for three years and can be renewed once while you complete additional requirements. After meeting all conditions, you’ll receive a Professional License valid for five years.

TN Teacher License Renewal Requirements 

• Completing state-mandated professional development hours
• Maintaining employment in a Tennessee school or completing approved teaching activities
• Submitting renewal application and fees before expiration

TN Teacher License Waiver

Tennessee occasionally offers licensing waivers to address critical teacher shortages in specific subject areas or geographic regions. The TN teacher license waiver may allow schools to employ teachers who haven’t completed all traditional requirements, typically in:

• Math and science positions
• Special education roles
• Rural or high-need districts
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields

These waivers are temporary and require you to work toward full licensure while teaching. Check the Tennessee Department of Education website for current waiver availability and eligibility requirements.

Teaching Careers and Salaries in Tennessee

Understanding career prospects and compensation helps you make informed decisions about how to become a teacher in Tennessee. The state’s education sector offers stable employment with benefits that extend beyond base salary.

Tennessee Teacher Salary Overview

The average teacher salary in Tennessee varies significantly based on experience, education level, and district location:

• Starting teachers: $41,000-46,000 annually
• Mid-career teachers (5-10 years): $48,000-55,000
• Experienced teachers (15+ years): $55,000-65,000+

Teachers with master’s degrees typically earn $5,000-8,000 more annually than those with bachelor’s degrees. National Board Certification adds another $5,000 annual supplement.

Metro Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville districts generally offer higher salaries than rural counties, though cost of living differences offset some of this advantage. Tennessee also provides health insurance benefits, retirement contributions through the state pension system, and summer break compensation options.

Teaching Jobs in Tennessee

The job market for qualified educators remains strong across Tennessee. Teaching jobs in Tennessee are particularly abundant in:

• STEM subjects (mathematics, science, technology)
• Special education across all grade levels
• English Language Learner (ELL) positions
• Elementary education in growing suburban districts

Tennessee’s population growth in metropolitan areas creates ongoing demand for teachers, while rural districts often offer hiring incentives and loan forgiveness programs to attract candidates.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in Tennessee?

The timeline for completing how to become a teacher in Tennessee depends on your chosen pathway and starting point:

Traditional 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree Route

• 4 years of undergraduate education including student teaching
• Testing completed during senior year
• Application processing: 4-8 weeks
• Total: 4-4.5 years from high school graduation to licensure

Alternative Certification for Career Changers

• 1-2 years of evening/online coursework while teaching
• Testing completed concurrently
• Application processing: 4-8 weeks
• Total: 1-2 years from bachelor’s degree to full licensure

Post-Baccalaureate Programs:

• 1-1.5 years of intensive graduate-level preparation
• Student teaching semester included
• Testing and application: concurrent
• Total: 1.5-2 years from bachelor’s degree to licensure

Processing times for license applications typically take 6-8 weeks once you submit complete documentation. Planning ahead and staying organized throughout the process helps you avoid delays.

Testing schedules also impact your timeline. Praxis exams are offered year-round at testing centers, but you should allow time for score reporting (2-3 weeks) and potential retakes if needed. 

Prepsaret helps you pass Praxis exams on your first attempt with targeted practice questions and comprehensive study materials, potentially saving months in your licensure timeline.

How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee: FAQs

How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee: Conclusion

How to become a teacher in Tennessee involves dedication, preparation, and meeting rigorous state standards, but the reward of shaping young minds makes every step worthwhile. Tennessee offers multiple pathways to licensure, competitive salaries, and strong job security for qualified educators. 

As you prepare for required Praxis exams, trust Prepsaret for the most accurate practice questions and comprehensive study materials that give you the confidence to succeed on test day.