Academic teachers are required to complete a state-approved teacher education program available through an accredited college, university or community college/university combination.  Please see exam requirements for a complete overview of teaching requirements.

Every school has slightly different coursework to meet the state guidelines for licensure preparation programs. Therefore, required college hours will vary from school to school; however, all education programs have the same objective- prepare the education major for licensure in the desired grade level(s) and discipline(s). Tennessee teachers are licensed in over seventy fields or academic areas (such as elementary, middle school, special education, and secondary disciplines like math and English). Not all of the universities and colleges offer licensure preparation programs in all fields. Also, the state approved program coursework offered by each university can change from year to year.  Please refer to Tennessee’s Department of Education website which lists the licensure preparation programs offered by each college or university. The programs offered by the school should be a major factor in the college selection process.

Also, some colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships for those who aspire to enter the teaching profession. Check with the school’s education and financial aid departments to determine availability and eligibility. 

Substitute teaching requirements are not as strict as full-time teaching position requirements. Substitute teaching can be a useful way to learn about the schools in your county while working to meet full-time teacher requirements.