Explore Featured Degree Options in Education
| University Name | Type of Program | Learn More | Program Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Master of Arts in Teaching | Learn more about USC Rossier | The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating. |
| Fordham University | Master of Science in Teaching | Learn more from Fordham University | Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares aspiring teachers (grades 1-6) for initial teaching certification or dual certification in teaching and special education. |
| Vanderbilt University | Master of Education in School Counseling | Learn more about Vanderbilt Peabody | Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings. |
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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Tennessee
Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/21/2019)
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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 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 Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
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 an Apprentice Teaching Practitioner 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.
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