Tennessee · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in Tennessee

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

No elementary teaching positions are open in Tennessee right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Tennessee

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Tennessee typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
    • Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your licensure area
    • edTPA — Performance assessment during student teaching

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Tennessee Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Tennessee Department of Education →
  4. Job-search in Tennessee. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Tennessee

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Tennessee offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Tennessee Alternative Licensure Programs (TNALP): Earn a license while teaching, sponsored by a district
  • Teach For America (active in Memphis, Nashville, and rural Tennessee)
  • Career and Technical Education licenses
  • Urban Teacher Residency programs in Memphis and Nashville

Tennessee salary context

Average teacher salary in Tennessee: $55,453/year (rank #31 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $38,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Tennessee salary guide for the breakdown.

Full Tennessee certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Tennessee salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Tennessee teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.