In the vocational teaching field, many roads lead to the classroom.  Some subjects such as automotive technology and electricity will require field experience and proper accreditation from those industries- which may or may not require standardized education programs. These “trade and industry” teachers pursue occupational education licenses. Other subjects like marketing and graphic communications can be taught after earning a bachelors degree in the designated area. These vocational teachers would have to take a specific number of education courses, like all vocational teachers. These vocational teachers pursue professional teacher licenses. The following is a list of requirements and opportunities for the wide variety of vocational teachers. They are meant to serve as a useful guide. Verify requirements based on your certification, education, and personal experience with the state before entering a teacher preparation program or scheduling exams.

Also, 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.

Requirements for Tennessee Occupational Education Licensure

The apprentice occupational license may be issued to individuals who meet the following requirements.  Qualifications, including experience and educational preparation, shall be reviewed by the Department of Education staff who shall recommend issuance of the apprentice occupational license.

1.      Health Science Technology

·         The secondary health science and technology teachers shall have completed three years of successful employment within the past five years in a related health occupation prior to teaching.

·         Health science and technology teachers must hold an associate or higher degree and hold current licensure registration or certification in an allied health occupation or current licensure as a registered nurse in Tennessee.  Teachers must successfully complete a comprehensive test administered or accepted by the Tennessee Health Related Boards.

2.      Trade and Industry

Trade and Industry teachers shall hold and maintain current industry certification, where available, in the specific area for which they are licensed.

The trade and industry teacher shall have a minimum of five years of appropriate and current work experience in the field for which application is made.  A combination of technical training at the postsecondary level, industry certification or state licensure in a specific skill area may be substituted for work experience according to the following criteria:

·         Appropriate postsecondary training in the teaching area, an associate degree, or industry certification may be substituted for up to two years of work experience.

·         A combination of an associate degree related to the teaching area and industry certification may be substituted for four years of work experience.

·         A bachelor’s degree or higher degree related to the teaching are may be substituted for four years of work experience.

·         A trade and industry teacher shall be a high school graduate or the equivalent, as determined by the General Education Development (GED) test.

·         Cosmetology and barbering teachers must hold current license to instruct in Tennessee as issued by the respective state licensing board.

The following chart lists certification requirements for various vocational teaching fields. As previously mentioned, requirements should be confirmed before entering a teacher preparation program or taking exams. The chart is meant to be a helpful guide.

Back to Teaching Requirements