Tennessee · Career guide
How to become a Substitute Teacher in Tennessee
Substitute teachers fill in for absent classroom teachers on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. The role has the lowest barrier to entry of any teaching position in most states — many require only a high-school diploma + background check + state-issued substitute permit. Pay is typically per-diem ($110-$200/day depending on the state and district), making it a flexible path into the profession.
No substitute 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
- 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
Substitute permits are state-issued and have minimal educational requirements. Long-term substitutes (30+ days in one assignment) sometimes need additional approval.
- 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. We'll track substitute 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.