How To Become a Teacher Online in Tennessee

Those wanting to become teachers in Tennessee must take several steps to obtain a license. This includes earning a bachelor's degree and completing a teacher preparation program; however, some programs are available online.

Other steps for licensure include passing teaching exams and a background check. Keep reading to discover how to become a teacher online in Tennessee.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Tennessee

To teach in a public school in Tennessee, you'll need to meet the Tennessee teaching license requirements. This requires you to earn a bachelor's degree and complete a teacher preparation program, as well as pass a background check and required exams.

Some of these steps can be done online. Below, we've broken down how to become a teacher online in Tennessee.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

The first step to becoming a teacher is to choose your area of focus. This will affect what program you choose, what teaching exams you take, and what certification you obtain. Your area of focus will include the grade level and subject area you want to teach.

For early childhood education and elementary education, you can choose a general certification or a subject area. Subject areas for these grade levels include art, music, and physical education.

Middle school and high school teachers generally have to choose a subject area. Options for these grade levels include English, math, science, social studies, and world languages.

In Tennessee, special education endorsements are broken up by age as well. You can earn a K-12 endorsement, or focus on a specific grade level.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

The Tennessee Department of Education requires teachers to hold a bachelor's degree. These undergraduate degrees take about four years of full-time study.

There are very few online teaching degree programs offered by institutions in Tennessee. However, Tennessee students can earn their degree through an out-of-state program and as long as it holds accreditation, can transfer their licensure over to Tennessee.

3. Participate in a Teacher Preparation Program

In addition to a bachelor's degree, teachers are required to complete a teacher preparation program, sometimes referred to as an educator preparation program. Several bachelor's degrees, and some master's degrees, double as teacher preparation programs.

These programs ensure you've met the educational requirements for a Tennessee teacher certification. They include core coursework in your content area and student teaching experience.

You can find a list of state-approved educator preparation programs through the Tennessee Department of Education.

4. Complete Required Teaching Hours

During your student teaching, you'll lead a classroom under the supervision of an experienced, licensed teacher. You'll do things like develop lesson plans, teach classes, and support students. This field experience is usually toward the end of your program.

Even if your degree program offers online coursework, you'll still need to do your student teaching in person. Many online programs allow students to do their student teaching in a school district near them.

5. Pass Tennessee Required Teaching Tests

All Tennessee teachers are required to take two exams: the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment and the Praxis content knowledge exams for their endorsement areas.

These tests are meant to assess your knowledge and teaching skills. Always double-check with a faculty advisor to ensure you register for the right exams.

Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)

The Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) aims to test the educator's pedagogical knowledge and performance in the classroom. These exams replaced the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam a few years ago.

You'll take the exam that most closely aligns with your area of endorsement. You can learn more about the types of exams available at edTPA.com.

Praxis Content Knowledge Exams

In addition to the edTPA exam, you'll take the content knowledge exams for your area of endorsement. These exams are offered by Praxis, a company offering teacher license exams for many states.

More information about the Praxis exams can be found at Praxis.ETS.org. Again, check with your faculty advisor before registering for an exam.

6. Pass a Background Check

To obtain teacher licensure, you must submit to fingerprinting and a background check. The background check is conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.

You will need to keep your fingerprints on file. Once you earn your license, you will need to submit to a background check every five years to keep your educator licensure current.

7. Obtain Teaching Certification

After you've met the licensure requirements, including earning a teaching degree, completing a teacher preparation program, passing the content knowledge exams, and passing a background check, you can apply for your teaching license in Tennessee.

You must create a TNCompass account and submit your application through that portal. Your teacher education program will also need to submit your official transcripts.

To maintain your license, you must resubmit to a background check every five years and complete professional development. More information is available on the state Board of Education website.

Online Bachelor's Programs for Aspiring Teachers in Tennessee

There is only one institution in Tennessee that offers an education degree for online learners that leads to licensure. However, there are a few other online programs that could help you on your path to a teaching career. We've outlined these programs below.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville � BSHHS in Early Childhood Education

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. It offers an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education, birth through kindergarten.

This is a degree completion program, so you'll need at least 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Students spend a semester student teaching in an approved setting of their choice.

Middle Tennessee State University � BS in Sociology

Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It offers a bachelor's degree in sociology online.

While this degree won't lead to licensure, it can be a great foundation for a master's degree in teaching, especially if you choose a concentration in work and family studies.

Lipscomb University � BA in Psychology

Lipscomb University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers an online bachelor's degree in psychology.

Like the previous degree, it won't lead to teacher licensure but can provide a great base for a graduate degree in education. Understanding the basics of psychology can be extremely helpful when working in teaching positions.

What Is the Job Market Like for Teachers in Tennessee?

There is currently a teacher shortage in Tennessee, with the State Collaborative on Reforming Education reporting earlier in 2024 that there are approximately 1,000 teaching vacancies across the state.

This lines up with the job outlook provided by O*Net. According to the site, jobs for teachers in Tennessee are expected to increase by 5% between 2020-2030, with thousands of job openings available between endorsement areas every year.