Teaching Math in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to one of the entertainment capitals of the United States; it also provides the perfect setting for a wide-range of outdoor activities, hobbies and sports – so you’ll always have plenty to do during your down-time away from the classroom.

Tennessee’s student-to-teacher ratio is slightly better than the national average. On the other hand, Tennessee’s public K-12 expenditures per student are roughly 79 percent of the national average, leaving some room for improvement.

In sum, Tennessee can be a great place for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

Math Teacher Certification in Tennessee

Math Teaching Qualifications

In order to qualify for Tennessee’s entry-level teaching certificate, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution of higher learning, complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the requisite Praxis II tests.

Credentials & Exams

• Apprentice Teaching License: In order to qualify for this five-year initial teaching certificate, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, satisfactorily complete the Praxis II tests and graduate from a state-approved teacher education program.
• Professional Teaching Lice: Teachers with at least 25 months of teaching experience are eligible for nomination for this10-year renewable license.
• Reciprocity: Teachers who have been issued a license from another state or jurisdiction may be eligible to receive a Tennessee teaching certificate through the state’s reciprocity program. In order to qualify, the individual must provide evidence of a valid out-of-state teaching certificate, relevant test scores, transcripts for a completed teacher preparation program and proof of teaching experience.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

• Transitional License: Tennessee also offers an alternative certification route for prospective teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher), can demonstrate the requisite content area knowledge (either through a major in the endorsement area or passing the Praxis II exams in the content area/grade level sought), can verify affiliation with an approved teacher preparation program. Please note: individuals are not allowed to apply for the Transitional license directly; rather, nominations must be made by the employing school district.
• Teach Tennessee Initiative: Prospective teachers with degrees in any of the STEM disciplines possessing at least five years of work experience may qualify to participate in this alternative certification program.