Complete a bachelor's degree in the area you would like to teach in, and a minor in a teacher preparation program. For example, to teach ninth-grade English, you would get a bachelor's in English with a minor in secondary education.
Pass the Praxis Series II exams.
Receive an institutional recommendation for certification. Tennessee requires that this come from the dean of education and the certification office of your college.
Fill out an initial license application. This two-page form asks for your basic demographic data and qualifications. Apply for an apprentice teaching certification.
Submit documentation of your education, exam scores and institutional recommendation to the Tennessee Department of Education. Tennessee schools assist in the process of applying for licensure.
Teach for three years in a state public or non-public school. Your employer then will need to recommend you for a regular license. You have five years in which to complete three years of successful teaching.
Complete the out-of-state licensure application. This document is available on the Department of Education website.
Obtain an official transcript from your college or university.
Those with prior teaching experience must fill out the experience verification form on the Department of Education website.
Out-of-state graduates must complete the Praxis Series II testing through the Educational Testing Service.
If you are licensed in another state, check the website of Tennessee Department of Education for the list of interstate agreements. If your school is listed, fill out the out-of-state licensure application. Submit this to the Department of Education with a copy of your current license. Otherwise follow the above instructions.