Teach Tennessee Recruiting Sixth Class of Fellows

Nashville, TN – Teach Tennessee is seeking mathematics, science and foreign
languages professionals to help fill Tennessee’s teacher shortages in these
critical subjects. Teach Tennessee trains exceptional mid-career professionals
to teach in grades 7-12, where research indicates a teacher’s subject knowledge
is critical to student learning. Former engineers, nurses, researchers, lawyers
and chemists are just a few of the past professions of Teach Tennessee Fellows.

“The research shows a teacher’s expertise in the subject they teach is of
utmost importance to students in middle and high school,” Governor Phil Bredesen
said. “The ideal teacher has such a deep understanding of the material as to
easily teach the concepts a variety of ways. I believe individuals who have
worked successfully for years in a related field have the expertise students
need to learn.”

The Teach Tennessee program is accepting applications through March 3 for
the summer institute June 9-14 and June 23-28. Participation in the Teach Tennessee
Institute is mandatory. Minimum eligibility qualifications include:
- a college degree;
- five years of paid work experience in the subject they intend to teach;
- 24 hours college credit in that subject, or a passing grade on the Praxis
II exam in that subject

“We have been pleased with the interest from people who want to make a difference
in the lives of students and who have a lot to offer,” Teach Tennessee Executive
Director Becky Kent said. “The obstacle in the past has been that many mid-career
professionals do not have the financial flexibility or time to go back to school
full-time. This program offers well-qualified individuals a chance at a rewarding
career and creates a valuable new pool of teachers for schools facing teacher
shortages.”

Governor Phil Bredesen launched Teach Tennessee to put the knowledge and experience
that mid-career professionals, retirees and others have to offer to work in
the classroom. Interested candidates should visit Teach Tennessee’s Web site
at www.teachtennessee.org for details and to request an application.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.