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Prerequisite Coursework in Tennessee
Teacher education programs typically consist of two elements: curricula and fieldwork. Curricula generally includes instruction on fundamental skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparation for researching, designing and implementing learning experiences in a particular field of study. Fieldwork often includes field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three.
To teach in the United States, certified teachers must generally possess a bachelor’s degree, at the least. Some states require that specific credit hours be earned for instruction in various specialty areas. Tennessee does not list specific course or credit hour requirements, but every college or university teacher preparation program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher preparation program or the Tennessee Department of Education for more information.
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Tennessee Teacher Certification Programs
To earn your teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. A list of accredited teacher preparation programs in Tennessee can be found on the state Department of Education’s website.
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Required Tests for Tennessee
To become a certified teacher in Tennessee, you must successfully complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests, in addition to any relevant Praxis tests for Specific Licensure Areas. You also need to complete the Principles of Learning and Teaching test. You can find a full list of tests that Tennessee teachers need to take on the Praxis website.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.com’s
To earn your Tennessee teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program.
To learn more about earning your Tennessee teaching credential, visit the state Department of Education. Read more about getting your teaching credential in general on the Teach and Certification Map websites.
Tennessee teachers start out with a Practitioner Teacher License, which is valid for the first three years and may be renewed once. After at least three years of teaching experience, teachers can apply for their Professional Teacher License, which is valid for six years and may be renewed an indefinite number of times. If you already hold a valid teaching credential from another state, you may be eligible to earn your Tennessee credential through the interstate reciprocity.
