Complete an approved teacher preparatory program. To obtain a teaching license in Tennessee, you must graduate from an accredited education program or use alternative licensure routes, specified on the requirements website (see References), using previous occupational experience. An alternative route may also be used if you began an education program but did not complete all the degree requirements.
Register for the Praxis II test, including the Praxis I Pre-Skills test. This may also be required before acceptance into an education program to determine whether your skills are conducive to this type of degree.
Successfully complete the Praxis II test with satisfactory test scores. Minimum test scores are based on a variety of factors and must be addressed individually.
Pass the PLT portion of the Praxis Series and any additional exams for specialty areas such as foreign language. A candidate graduating from an education program at a Tennessee college or university will also need a recommendation from the dean of education and the certification office to apply for a license.
Apply for teaching licensure by filling out the appropriate forms for your licensure path (see Resources). Because there are many alternative routes to obtaining a teaching license in Tennessee, it is recommended that you contact the Department of Education directly to know which forms are required for your situation (see Resources).