First Review of Teach Tennessee Fellows Shows Success
Nashville, TN –Teachers trained through Teach Tennessee have had a 100 percent success rate on the required licensing exam and 93 percent are now endorsed to teach math and/or science, according to a recent report to the State Board of Education. Teach Tennessee is an expedited teacher licensure program for professionals who have demonstrated high achievement in their careers and the character to be effective in working with students in grades seven through 12.
Fifteen Teach Tennessee Fellows received commendation for scoring in the top 15 percent of test-takers on the national licensing exam on the principles of teaching and learning. Five Fellows are teaching Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with four more training to do so this summer. Several Fellows have had a 100 percent of their students score proficient or advanced on the state’s Gateway or end of course exams.
“Teach Tennessee exists to provide knowledgeable professionals to teach hard-to-fill positions, particularly in the areas of math, science and foreign language,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “More students have access to advanced level courses now because these individuals chose to apply their expertise in Tennessee’s classrooms.”
The report analyzes the first three Teach Tennessee classes, which produced 89 teachers. The program is training its fifth class this summer. These new Fellows, six of whom have already been hired, will be eligible to teach in the fall.
“Principals have been pleased with the work of Teach Tennessee graduates and many now call us to ask if there are more available in their area,” Teach Tennessee Director Becky Kent said. “Their confidence in the program is the best indication of success.”
The newest Teach Tennessee participants come from professions including NASA, engineering, podiatry medicine and journalism.
For more information on the Teach Tennessee Institute or a full copy of the annual report, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.