State Licensure Requirements For Tennessee Teachers Temporarily Relaxed

From the Metro Nashville Public Schools:

September 9, 2020

For college graduates who thought they’d like to teach but do not have an education degree or Tennessee teaching license, now is the perfect time to consider making the career switch.

In a school year like no other, the Tennessee Department of Education is temporarily relaxing the department’s internal requirements for approval of permit and standard waivers for eligible, interested future teachers who have the desire to educate our next generation.

Unlicensed educators or licensed educators who want to teach more than two sections of a course outside their area of endorsement can apply for emergency credentials for the 2020-21 school year so long as they hold a bachelor’s degree. Emergency credentials cannot be obtained for exceptional education, elementary physical education, or end-of-course classes.

Metro Schools partners with local universities and organizations, which offer specific supports to assist external and internal talent to meet licensure requirements, including EdForce, a Praxis prep program. So a teacher placed this year can begin teaching with emergency credentials and will find a network of support, resources, and encouragement within MNPS as they work to obtain the appropriate licensure requirements before July 2021.

“While our overall vacancies remain low, we know there are professionals who are eager to either get started in a teaching career or transition their current career to the classroom,” said Amber Tyus, director of talent acquisition for the district. “This temporary exemption gives us the ability to put great talent in front of our students immediately while also giving these employees the support and resources they need to fulfil their licensure requirements over the course of this school year.”

How to get started

• Read more about working for MNPS.
• Submit an online application.
• If you have other questions, or if you need help with your application, email our recruitment team.

“In times of local and national crises, our schools, our teachers, and our support teams have continued to serve students. Our physical school buildings may be quieter right now, but high-quality education is still being provided to our students across the city,” said Chris Barnes, chief of human resources. “Our classrooms serve more than 84,000 students, each one led by an energetic educator who is invested in the potential of each student. Teaching in MNPS is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference, not only for a child but within the community.”

This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.