Education

In Tennessee, the Education career cluster plays a vital role in preparing students for high-demand careers as teachers, counselors, education administrators, and support service professionals. As the state faces persistent educator shortages and increasing demands for early childhood specialists and student support personnel, this career cluster offers a strategic solution to building a strong, homegrown education workforce. The cluster includes three essential programs of study: Early Childhood Education Careers, Educational Guidance and Social Services, and Teaching as a Profession (PK-12). Each program equips students with foundational knowledge in pedagogy, human development, educational technology, classroom management, assessment strategies, and teaching practices, while also providing opportunities for real-world, hands-on learning through clinical experiences and practicums.

The Early Childhood Education Careers program addresses the critical need for qualified professionals to support young learners during the most formative years of development, with increasing demand across childcare centers, Pre-K classrooms, and early learning environments. The Educational Guidance and Social Services program responds to the growing need for school counselors, social workers, and mental health support professionals who are essential to student success and well-being. The Teaching as a Profession (PK–12) program is a cornerstone in developing Tennessee’s future educators, offering a strong foundation in instructional methods, student engagement and responsiveness. Initiatives such as Grow Your Own further emphasize the importance of cultivating local talent to meet teacher shortages and support education access across the state. Together, these programs serve as a critical pipeline for building a skilled, and passionate education workforce to meet Tennessee’s current and future needs.