Pathways to Becoming a Teacher

As the demand for skilled educators continues to grow, understanding the various pathways to becoming a teacher is essential for addressing workforce needs, particularly in high-demand fields like Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Tennessee offers multiple pathways for individuals to enter the teaching profession, each designed to meet the diverse needs of aspiring educators. Whether through traditional programs, job-embedded opportunities, or apprenticeships, these routes provide flexibility and support for those seeking to make an impact in the classroom. Below are the key pathways to becoming a teacher in Tennessee, including details on licensure types and endorsement areas.

Teacher (Academic) Licenses

For individuals looking to teach in academic subjects (e.g., math, marketing).

Occupational Licenses

For individuals teaching CTE subjects that require industry experience and/or certification.

School Services Personnel Licenses

For educators who provide support services to students other than direct instruction.

Postsecondary Educator (PSE) Licenses

Issued to applicants who have been college professors or instructors in a qualifying subject area.

Endorsements

Specify the subjects and grade levels an educator is eligible to teach.

Traditional Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

  • Typically, candidates apply for entrance into an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) during their second year of college.
  • Admission often requires qualifying Praxis Core, Praxis PLT or ACT scores, along with letters of recommendation and meeting GPA requirements.
  • EPPs include multiple practicum experiences during the first two years of the program.
  • In the final semester (or year), students complete full-time student teaching or a residency in a mentor teacher’s classroom.

Job-Embedded Program

  • Available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree
  • Participants work as the teacher of record while completing licensure requirements
  • Earn a salary while teaching full-time in a Tennessee classroom
  • Complete an Educator Preparation Program during the school year

Apprenticeship

  • Available to individuals pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or licensure-only options
  • Employed by the school district, typically as paraprofessionals or educational assistants
  • Paired with a mentor teacher for guidance and support
  • Learn through on-the-job experiences, but do not serve as the teacher of record
This report presents recommendations from the Education Report Committee to enhance the Academies of Nashville and CTE programs. Based on school visits and stakeholder input, these strategies align education with workforce needs, ensuring MNPS students’ long-term success.

Recommendation #1

The State of Tennessee should expand the number of CTE teachers by implementing state-level flexibility and providing targeted support to overcome licensure and certification challenges.

See Why Expanding Educator Pathways Is Key
Introduction
Recommendations
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2024 Chamber Education Report

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