How to Become an English Teacher in Tennessee

Teaching English in Tennessee offers a rewarding career path where you can inspire students, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a lifelong love of literature and language.

Whether you’re planning to teach middle school or high school English, understanding Tennessee’s certification process—and preparing effectively for the required Praxis exams—is essential for success.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to become an English teacher in Tennessee, from degree requirements and licensure steps to detailed Praxis exam preparation strategies. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about testing, you’re not alone. With the right plan and focused practice, you can pass on your first attempt and move confidently toward the classroom.

Teaching English in Tennessee

To teach English in Tennessee public schools, educators must hold a valid Tennessee educator license issued by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). To teach English in public schools, you'll need to meet specific educational requirements, complete preparation programs, and demonstrate subject mastery through standardized assessments.

The state offers two primary endorsement areas for English teachers:

• English Language Arts 6-12: This endorsement qualifies you to teach English at the middle and high school levels in Tennessee public schools. It covers literature, composition, grammar, and communication skills across grades 6 through 12.

• English as a Second Language (ESL): A separate endorsement for teachers working specifically with English language learners, though this guide focuses primarily on the English Language Arts pathway.

Most aspiring English teachers pursue the English 6–12 teaching endorsement, which authorizes instruction at the middle and high school levels.

While requirements may vary slightly depending on your background, the standard path includes:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree

• Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program

• Passing the required Praxis exams

• Completing student teaching

• Applying for licensure through the state

Private schools may set their own hiring standards, but public schools follow state certification rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an English Teacher in Tennessee

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in English education or a closely related field such as English, literature, or secondary education with an English concentration. The program should be aligned with Tennessee teacher preparation programs to ensure eligibility for licensure.

2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

Approved programs include coursework in:

• Teaching methods for English Language Arts

• Classroom management

• Literacy development

• Assessment and instructional design

These programs also include student teaching in Tennessee, providing supervised, hands-on classroom experience.

3. Pass Required Praxis Exams

Praxis exams are a core component of English teacher certification in Tennessee. They assess both foundational skills and subject-specific knowledge. Depending on your education level and chosen pathway, you will typically need to complete the following:

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core)

• Tests reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

• Often taken during your teacher prep program or upon entry.

Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039)

• Required for the English 6–12 teaching endorsement.

• Measures your understanding of reading, language, writing, and pedagogy.

Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)

After completing your preparation program but before receiving your license, you'll take the Praxis PLT exam aligned with your grade level endorsement:

• PLT: Grades 5-9 (5623) or PLT: Grades 7-12 (5624) for English 6-12 teachers

Together, these exams confirm that you have the skills to teach English effectively to middle and high school students.

4. Apply for a Tennessee Teaching License

Once all requirements are met, you can apply for a Tennessee teaching license for English through the state’s licensure system, TDOE's online portal, TNCompass.

Steps include:

1. Submit transcripts and exam scores.

2. Complete a background check and fingerprinting.

3. Provide recommendations from your preparation program.

4. Pay application fees (around $100).

Initial licenses are Practitioner Licenses (valid 3 years), advancing to Professional Licenses with experience and evaluations. Renewal involves professional development points—easy to earn through workshops or advanced coursework.

5. Find Your First English Teaching Position

With your license in hand, you're ready to begin your job search.

Where English Teachers Are Needed

Tennessee schools across all regions need qualified English teachers. High-demand areas include:

• Urban districts (Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga)

• Rural school systems

• Schools serving high-poverty communities

• Alternative and charter schools

Praxis Exams Required for English Teachers in Tennessee

Tennessee requires all English teacher candidates to pass specific Praxis exams to demonstrate basic skills competency and subject-area expertise. Here's what you'll need:

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Required)

Before admission to most educator preparation programs, you must pass the Praxis Core, which assesses fundamental skills in:

• Reading (5713): 56 selected-response questions, 85 minutes

• Writing (5723): 40 selected-response questions and 2 essays, 100 minutes

• Mathematics (5733): 56 selected-response questions, 85 minutes

Tennessee passing scores:

• Reading: 156

• Writing: 162

• Mathematics: 150

Alternative: You may substitute qualifying ACT (22 composite) or SAT (1100 combined) scores taken within the last five years.

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)

This is the primary subject assessment for English teacher certification in Tennessee. The exam measures your understanding of literature, language, writing, and reading instruction.

Exam Format:

• 130 selected-response questions

• 150 minutes (2.5 hours)

• Computer-delivered at Praxis testing centers

Content Categories:

Reading and Literature (45%)

• Literary elements, genres, and structures

• Literary periods and major movements (American, British, world)

• Critical analysis and interpretation

• Reading comprehension strategies

• Diverse and multicultural literature

• Young adult and adolescent literature

Language Use and Vocabulary (25%)

• Grammar, syntax, and sentence structure

• Usage, mechanics, and conventions

• Vocabulary development and etymology

• Linguistics and language acquisition

• Rhetorical devices and figurative language

Writing, Speaking, and Listening (30%)

• Writing process and composition strategies

• Modes of writing (narrative, expository, argumentative, descriptive)

• Research skills and citation methods

• Speaking and listening standards

• Media literacy and digital communication

• Assessment of student writing

Tennessee passing score: 167 (on a scale of 100-200)

Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)

After completing your preparation program but before receiving your license, you'll take the Praxis PLT exam aligned with your grade level endorsement:

• PLT: Grades 5-9 (5623) or PLT: Grades 7-12 (5624) for English 6-12 teachers

Exam Format:

• 70 selected-response questions

• 4 constructed-response questions

• 2 hours

Content Areas:

• Students as learners (development, diversity, learning processes)

• Instructional process (planning, methods, questioning, assessment)

• Professional development and ethics

• Legal and ethical issues in education

Tennessee passing score: 157

Praxis English Exam Content Areas Covered

Understanding the tested domains helps you study more efficiently:

Reading and Literary Analysis

• American, British, and world literature

• Literary theory and criticism

• Poetry, drama, and prose analysis

Language, Linguistics, and Grammar

• Syntax, semantics, and morphology

• Standard English grammar and usage

• Language acquisition and development

Writing, Rhetoric, and Composition

• Writing processes and strategies

• Rhetorical modes and audience awareness

• Research and citation principles

Pedagogy and Instruction

• Teaching reading and writing

• Differentiation for diverse learners

• Assessment Strategies in English Language Arts

Scoring and Passing Requirements

Praxis exams are scored on a scaled score system. Tennessee sets its own passing standards for each exam.

• Scores are typically available online after testing

• Passing scores are determined by the Tennessee Department of Education

• Always confirm current requirements before registering

Avoid focusing on raw percentages—focus instead on mastering each content category.

How to Study for the Praxis English Exam (First-Attempt Success)

Effective preparation reduces anxiety and improves outcomes. Here’s how to study smarter:

Create a Focused Study Plan

• Break content into weekly study blocks

• Prioritize weaker areas first

• Schedule regular review sessions

Use Quality Study Materials

• Official ETS Resources:

  • Praxis English Language Arts Study Companion (free PDF from ETS)

  • Official practice tests from ETS

  • Content category descriptions and sample questions

• Prepsaret practice tests and study guides specifically designed for Praxis exams

• English literature handbooks and anthologies

• Grammar and composition reference books

• Tennessee English Language Arts curriculum standards

Use Full-Length Practice Tests

• Simulate real testing conditions

• Practice pacing and stamina

• Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers

You can reinforce your prep by using internal resources like Praxis English practice tests and Praxis study guides on prepsaret.com.

Master Test-Taking Skills

• Learn how to eliminate distractors

• Practice passage-based questions

• Avoid overthinking—often the best answer is the most direct one

Test-Day Strategies to Stay Calm and Focused

• Get adequate rest the night before

• Arrive early with valid identification

• Read questions carefully, especially qualifiers like best or most appropriate

• Manage time—don’t linger too long on one question

• Trust your preparation

A calm mindset can make a measurable difference in performance.

Career Outlook: English Teacher Jobs and Salary in Tennessee

Once certified, explore opportunities in public, charter, or private schools. Tennessee's teacher shortage areas often include English, offering loan forgiveness or bonuses.

• Salary Insights: Entry-level English teachers earn around $45,000-$50,000 annually, with averages at $55,000 (varying by district). Experienced teachers with master's degrees can reach $70,000+. For more, see our guide on English teacher salary Tennessee.

• Public vs. Private: Public schools mandate certification and offer union benefits; private schools may pay less but provide smaller classes.

• Job Search: Check TDOE job boards, district websites, or platforms like Indeed for openings in areas like Knoxville or Chattanooga.

Public vs. Private School Teaching in Tennessee

• Public schools: Require state licensure and Praxis exams

• Private schools: May not require licensure, but often prefer certified teachers

If you’re pursuing long-term career growth, public school certification provides broader opportunities.

Alternative Pathways to Teach English in Tennessee

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree but not in education, alternative teacher certification in Tennessee may be an option. These programs allow you to teach while completing pedagogical training.

Transition to Teaching Program

Tennessee's Transition to Teaching program allows individuals with bachelor's degrees in English or related fields to become certified teachers while working in classrooms.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum 2.75 GPA

• Passing scores on Praxis Core (or ACT/SAT substitute)

• Passing score on the Praxis English Language Arts content test

• Employment with a Tennessee school district

Process: You'll receive a Practitioner License that allows you to teach while completing the remaining preparation requirements, including coursework and mentorship.

Teach For America and Other Programs

Teach For America (TFA) recruits high-achieving graduates to teach in under-resourced Tennessee schools. TFA provides intensive summer training, ongoing support, and helps participants earn Tennessee certification.

Tennessee Teaching Fellows and similar programs partner with universities to offer accelerated preparation routes, often including financial support or loan forgiveness.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Programs

Many Tennessee universities offer post-baccalaureate programs designed for individuals who hold bachelor's degrees in English but didn't complete teacher preparation. These programs typically take 1-2 years and include education coursework, student teaching, and Praxis exam preparation.

FAQs: Becoming an English Teacher in Tennessee

How long does it take to become an English teacher in Tennessee?

Typically 4–5 years, including a bachelor’s degree, teacher preparation program, and required exams.

What exams are required to become an English teacher in Tennessee?

Most candidates must pass the Praxis English Language Arts exam and, if applicable, Praxis Core.

Can you become an English teacher in Tennessee without a teaching degree?

Yes, through approved alternative certification programs, provided you meet exam and training requirements.

Do you need a master’s degree to teach English in Tennessee?

No. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for initial licensure, though a master’s can increase pay and advancement opportunities.

How much do English teachers make in Tennessee?

Salaries vary by district and experience level, with steady increases over time and additional pay for advanced credentials.

Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think

Learning how to become an English teacher in Tennessee is the first step toward a meaningful and impactful career. While Praxis exams can feel intimidating, structured preparation and consistent practice make success achievable.

With the right mindset, clear study plan, and targeted practice, you can pass your exams on the first attempt and step confidently into the classroom—ready to inspire the next generation of readers and writers.