2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee
Everything you need to know to earn a Tennessee teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Tennessee
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Tennessee requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your licensure area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Tennessee Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Apprentice License (valid 3 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Professional License (8 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Tennessee
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- 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
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Tennessee participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Tennessee license; content exams may be required.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Tennessee Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Tennessee?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Tennessee teachers start around $38,000 and average $55,453 per year statewide.
Tennessee Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Tennessee — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Tennessee Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Tennessee Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Tennessee
- How do I become a teacher in Tennessee?
- Tennessee certification is administered by Tennessee Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; TNALP allows immediate classroom entry with completion over 3 years.
- What exams are required to teach in Tennessee?
- Tennessee requires the following exams: 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 are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Tennessee teaching license valid?
- The initial Apprentice License is valid for 3 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Professional License which is valid for 8 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Tennessee with a license from another state?
- Tennessee participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Tennessee license; content exams may be required.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Tennessee?
- 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