Work-Based Learning
Tennessee is dedicated to ensuring all students understand how high-quality curriculum and instruction allows them to pursue fulfilling careers in high-growth, in-demand, and high-wage industry sectors through capstone Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences. The application of academic and technical knowledge in a work setting that involves actual work experience is a critical component of workforce readiness. The resources under this Pillar allow all stakeholders to utilize the WBL Framework and offer immersive experiences where students leverage their interests and aptitudes to accelerate their careers based on labor market needs and available employment opportunities.
In Tennessee, WBL is a continuum of experiences that provides students with in-person, virtual, or simulated workplace opportunities. The progression begins with career awareness, followed by career exploration, career preparation, and on-the-job training. Undergirding all these experiences are career navigation and advising services that customize the learning experiences for students.
WBL more broadly encompasses a variety of program types, including project-based learning, research projects, school-based enterprises, internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education, which enable students to understand and develop both transferable and technical skills necessary for success. WBL is a critical approach for employers to recruit and develop talent while providing students with essential skills for the workforce.
In Tennessee, we believe that ALL students can benefit from engaging in WBL experiences. Whether university-bound, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT-) or community college-bound, workforce-bound, or enlistment-bound, WBL enhances students’ overall secondary school experience, providing career relevance to their education, and setting them on a path to future success.
- WBL Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)
- Child Labor Law Overview
- WBL/Apprenticeship Glossary of Terms
- 2024-25 Tennessee High School Apprenticeship Training Program Contact Information
- WBL Policy Guide
- WBL: Career Practicum Course Standards
- AAD WBL Course Standards
- WBL Special Education Transition Course Standards
- Career Exploration Course Standards
- Career Clusters Page
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction Overview
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction FAQ
- WBL Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)
- Child Labor Law Overview
- WBL/Apprenticeship Glossary of Terms
- 2024-25 Tennessee High School Apprenticeship Training Program Contact Information
- WBL Policy Guide
- WBL: Career Practicum Course Standards
- AAD WBL Course Standards
- WBL Special Education Transition Course Standards
- Career Exploration Course Standards
- Career Clusters Page
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction Overview
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction FAQ
- Sign-Up for the WBL Email List
- WBL Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)
- Child Labor Law Overview
- WBL/Apprenticeship Glossary of Terms
- 2024-25 Tennessee High School Apprenticeship Training Program Contact Information
- WBL Policy Guide
- WBL: Career Practicum Course Standards
- AAD WBL Course Standards
- WBL Special Education Transition Course Standards
- Career Exploration Course Standards
- Career Clusters Page
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction Overview
- Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction FAQ
- WBL Course Code Updates FAQ
- WBL Certification and Recertification Training Registration Form
The WBL Toolbox is a set of supplemental resources to help stakeholders implement impactful WBL programs, containing detailed guides related to WBL implementation and policies, reference materials, project templates, and placement documentation files. The resources in this toolbox allow WBL Coordinators, counselors, administrators, and employers to optimize WBL student experiences.
WBL Toolbox Resources
- WBL Implementation Guide
- WBL Policy Guide
- WBL Course Decision Guide for Students with Disabilities
- WBL Myths vs. Facts for Industry
- Hazardous Occupation Exemption Form
- Informational Interview Guide
- Recommended Portfolio Components
- Portfolio Rubric
- Safety Training Log
- Student Reflection Questions
- Student Self-Assessment of Skills for Capstone WBL
- Student Skills Assessment Rubric
- Transferable Skills Checklist
- Continuum of WBL Activities
- WBL Insurance & Emergency Information Form
- WBL Agreement
- WBL Implementation Guide
- WBL Policy Guide
- WBL Course Decision Guide for Students with Disabilities
- WBL Quick Reference – Health Science Clinical and Nursing Education
- WBL Myths vs. Facts for Industry
- Fifteen Steps to Developing and Sustaining Advisory Boards and Program Partnerships
- Hazardous Occupation Exemption Form
- Informational Interview Guide
- Monitoring Visit Checklist
- Recommended Portfolio Components
- Portfolio Rubric
- Safety Training Log
- Sample WBL Calendar with Milestones
- Student Reflection Questions
- Student Self-Assessment of Skills for Capstone WBL
- Student Skills Assessment Rubric
- Transferable Skills Checklist
- Continuum of WBL Activities
- WBL Insurance & Emergency Information Form
- Sample WBL Program Evaluation Framework
- WBL Agreement
Service-Learning is a form of experiential learning where students develop knowledge and critical thinking skills while addressing genuine community needs. The Service-Learning course is designed to provide a comprehensive service-centered approach focused on ethical, social, and intellectual skill development. Teachers are required to complete the self-paced Service-Learning training in order to teach this course.
Student mastery of Service-Learning course standards enables them to develop personal integrity and positive values; learning respect, responsibility, and citizenship. The most effective strategy for learning these skills is through standards-based service projects aimed at improving a school or community needs.
Service Learning Resources
WBL certificates allow teachers who hold an active Tennessee Educator License to become WBL Coordinators, oversee WBL programs, and offer WBL courses for credit.
WBL certification training is a two-part professional development opportunity provided by the Tennessee Department of Education. WBL certification and recertification trainings are offered every fall, spring, and summer. To earn a WBL certificate, and educator must complete both of the following:
- First, an educator must successfully complete an online training course, offered on TeachALL, the department’s self-paced online learning management system. This online course should take no longer than 90 minutes to complete.
- Second, all educators who complete the online training course must also attend a full-day, in-person regional training led by WBL Regional Leads. In-person trainings begin promptly at 9 a.m. and end no later than 4:30 p.m.
Upon completion of the WBL certification training, an educator will hold an active WBL certificate for two years. All Tennessee educators who are assigned as teachers of record for a WBL course must complete WBL training on a regular two-year schedule.
Click here to register for WBL Certification or Recertification Networking Event training. The registration form will only be active when Networking Event registration is open. Details about dates and locations for in-person training are provided in the registration form, so please make sure to select the training location that is nearest to you. For additional support with the online course, or to discuss WBL implementation strategies, email Matthew.Spinella@tn.gov.
WBL Coordinator Requirements
Requirements for WBL Coordinators are outlined in the WBL Policy Guide. WBL Coordinators must:
- Hold a current and active Tennessee Educator License;
- Hold an appropriate endorsement for the WBL course they are assigned to teach;
- Comply with all WBL training requirements and applicable child labor laws; and
- Provide documentation of non-teaching work experience (paid or unpaid) outside of their role as an educator.
Non-Teaching Work Experience
Proof of non-teaching work experience is required to earn a WBL certificate. For initial certification, teachers must present one (1) or the items listed below in the registration form.
1. Verification that the teacher holds an occupational license.
2. Proof of at least one of the following:
a. Letter from previous employer verifying employment;
b. Letter from volunteer or religious organization verifying participation in volunteer service in non-teaching or non-tutoring roles;
c. Copy of a business license;
d. Copy of a pay stub or tax form verifying payment (blocking out address and/or social security number, if applicable); or
e. Proof of participation in a teacher externship, club sponsorship, coaching, or other related non-teaching activities.
Teachers renewing WBL certificates must upload their most recent WBL certificate.
WBL Certificates
The following files include all WBL certificates issued over the past three years. These certificates are available as a reference point for educators preparing to register for WBL Recertification or school personnel in need of validating an educator’s active WBL certificate.