Educator Preparation
Aspiring Tennessee educators must complete an approved educator preparation program. Approved preparation programs are available through a variety of levels, types, and pathways including undergraduate and post-baccalaureate, and with student teaching, internship, or job-embedded clinical practice. The requirements for educator preparation provider (EPP) eligibility and the approval of educator preparation programs are set by the State Board of Education (SBE) as outlined in Educator Preparation Policy 5.504 and rule Chapter 0520-02-04.
Individuals interested in finding a Tennessee approved provider or program may search the approved preparation providers/programs.
Educator Preparation Updates
New Mathematics 6-10 Endorsement
At the February 2021 state board meeting, the board created an endorsement in mathematics 6-10 (endorsement code 2002). There are three potential pathways to recommend candidates for this new endorsement:
Pathway 1: Candidates completing an approved mathematics 6-8 program may receive the mathematics 6-10 endorsement if all of the following requirements are met:
- Complete one clinical practice placement in a 9th or 10th grade classroom;
- Provide qualifying scores (as indicated in Professional Assessments for Educator Policy 5.105) on the NES Mathematics Middle and Early Secondary (105) assessment; and
- Obtain a recommendation from an approved educator preparation provider for the mathematics 6-10 (2002) endorsement.
Pathway 2: Candidates completing an approved mathematics 6-12 program may receive the mathematics 6-10 endorsement if all the following requirements are met:
- Provide qualifying scores (as indicated in Professional Assessments for Educator Policy 5.105) on the NES Mathematics Middle and Early Secondary Assessment (105); and
- Obtain a recommendation from an approved educator preparation provider for the mathematics 6-10 (2002) endorsement.
o EPPs may recommend candidates for both the 6-12 and 6-10 endorsements, provided program completion requirements for both endorsements are met
o Candidates may receive either or both the 6-12 and 6-10 endorsements upon submitting qualifying scores on the required assessments for each endorsement
Pathway 3: Candidates completing an approved mathematics 6-10 program
- EPPs must submit a proposal for programs leading to a mathematics 6-10 endorsement, consistent with the standard specialty area program proposal and review process. Once approved, EPPs may recommend candidates for the 6-10 endorsement.
TNCompass has been updated to include the new endorsement code.
The course code management system has been updated to reflect the courses to which an educator holding this endorsement is permitted to be assigned. In addition to middle grades mathematics courses, these educators will be permitted to teach secondary mathematics courses, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Integrated 1 & 2).