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.
See 209 elementary teaching jobs open in Tennessee →Certification path in Tennessee
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 →
- Job-search in Tennessee.Browse current elementary teaching openings across Tennessee districts. Apply directly to each district's careers page — no platform fees.
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.
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