Table of Contents
Requirements For Becoming a Tennessee Teacher
Below are all the requirements necessary to start your career as a Tennessee teacher.
- Bachelor’s degree or greater
- Completing a teacher education program
- Completion of the three necessary tests from Praxis
- Filing your application, including completing your background check
Tests to Complete
- Praxis I basic skills exam
- Praxis PLT pedagogical test; you must complete yours surrounding the grade level you will manage.
- Praxis II content area test
Rules For Upgrading Your Tennessee Teacher License
- Complete at least three years of teaching in the state
- Receive positive evaluations each year
Renewal Requirements
- Sixty professional development points; you will need these every five or ten years based on the license you hold
Education Requirements For Becoming a Tennessee Teacher
You can become a teacher in Tennessee by completing your bachelor’s degree. The Tennessee Department of Education’s Licensure and Preparation department will assist you with the process.
The state does not have any undergraduate credit hour requirements for when you complete your bachelor’s degree.
You must also complete an educator preparation program focusing on how well you can manage your educational efforts. The program will be taught at a college or university in the state. Your studies in this field will focus on identifying unique points for studying and teaching. You can also complete in-class teaching work and observe a professional teacher see how you can lead a classroom environment in the general learning process.
All your work in the teacher education program will be evaluated. You will receive grades surrounding everything you complete, including how you interact with students and prepare lesson plans. The reviews will confirm everything you are doing surrounding whatever works in your field.
Tests To Complete
All prospective teachers in Tennessee must complete the necessary exams for completion. The state uses the Praxis system for reviewing your ability to support teaching activities.
The state requires you to complete the Praxis I Core test. The test entails points for reading, math, and writing. You will require a score of 173 or greater on all three parts of the test.
The PLT test is the principles of learning and teaching exam that focus on four grade levels. You will complete this pedagogy test surrounding whatever grade level you plan on teaching.
The content area or Praxis II test is the next one to review. The Praxis II exam entails a review of your skills in whatever field you wish to teach. There are separate exams for elementary, middle grade, and early childhood education. There are also separate certifications available for various secondary education programs. There are separate special education tests available for people who will support those with unique learning needs or disabilities.
The total score you will require surrounding the test will vary over whatever test you complete. The Praxis website provides details on the scores you should attain when trying to pass certain exams.
Completing Your Tennessee Teacher Application
You can complete the application process for your license in Tennessee by providing transcripts from all your educational activities. You will require a background check with the state to confirm your identity and anything else of value. While a background check is not completely necessary for the certificate you receive, it is mandatory when you’re trying to become a teacher in the state. Completing the background check during the application process ensures you’ll be eligible to teach in Tennessee.
You can send your application to the Office of Teacher Licensing in Nashville when it is complete. It will take a few weeks for you to get a response to your application. The timing will vary surrounding the content you have in your application and how well the data is working.
The state will get back to you if you are missing anything in your application. The state recommends you review your application packet well and that you acquire enough confirmation of all your educational activities before you can complete your application.
Updating Your License
You will need to update your license with the state to become eligible for some of the state’s more higher-paying positions. Your first license will be a five-year one that you can renew. But you can earn a Professional Teacher License if you have at least three years of teaching experience in the state. You must also receive positive annual evaluations surrounding your work and how you’re managing your data.
Renewing Your License
You can renew your license every five or ten years, depending on the one you hold. You will require sixty professional development points or PDPs before you can renew your credential.
One PDP is equal to a clock hour of professional learning. One semester hour of study will be good for ten PDPs. You can complete your PDP requirements at one of the state’s accredited colleges or universities, although you can also find some certified online programs that will support your work.
You can complete various courses to build your experience. Your PDPs can entail either managing content knowledge or pedagogical studies. You can also complete courses on becoming a more effective educator, including by completing courses in teaching students who speak English as a second language.
The Tennessee Department of Education will support your work needs. You can apply for your renewal a few weeks before the expiration date for your license. The renewal process does not take long and should provide enough support for helping you continue to educate children in the state of Texas.
Any studies not relating to becoming more effective in the classroom will not be included here. These include studies on students’ mental students and first aid considerations or anything else you wish to take for your improvement or development needs.
Resources
https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing.html – Details on managing your license in the state
https://www.ets.org/praxis/tn – Praxis tests for Tennessee teaches
https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing/educator-preparation.html – State education preparation standards
https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing/educator-licensure/licensed-educators.html – Tennessee license renewal