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Last Update: 02/08/2010

Teach Tennessee

Teach Tennessee - What you know can make a difference

Make your dreams of a teaching career come true - with Teach Tennessee.

 

If you've ever thought of a teaching career, but didn't think you had the education or experience to make it happen, Teach Tennessee could be the fastest way to make your dreams come true.

Teach Tennessee lets you turn your college degree and/or professional experience into a rewarding, secure teaching career in high-need subjects like math, science and foreign languages.

We have two programs to help you make the transition:

  • The Governor's Fellows program is designed for professionals with at least a Bachelor's degree and five or more years of professional work experience.
  • The Commissioner's Fellows program is for recent college graduates with a relevant degree.

Apply Now! Applications for the 2010 cohort are due February 26, 2010.

For an application, please email Teach.TN@tn.gov.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

If you have in-depth knowledge in a subject area related to math, science or foreign language, Teach Tennessee can teach you how to teach. Here are the minimum requirements:

  • Governor's Fellows: At least five years of relevant professional work experience. Twenty-four (24) semester college credit hours or 36 quarter hours in the content area you are wishing to teach with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA and/or a passing score on the Praxis II content exam in the area you wish to teach.
  • Commissioner's Fellows: A Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or passing score on the Praxis II content exam.

If you do not have the 24 hours in the content area you are wishing to teach (with a 3.0 GPA) and are interested in taking the Praxis II to meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the next round of Teach Tennessee selections, you will need to register for the exam using the following schedule. More information about the Praxis can be found at www.ets.orgExit TDOE website.

Turn work experience and a college degree into a teaching career

 

Recent Graduate?

Learn about the Commissioner's Fellows

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Program Introduction

Governor Phil Bredesen began Teach Tennessee with the goal of creating a statewide program that challenged mid-career professionals and others to teach. It is designed to get teachers into the classroom in hard-to-fill areas of math, science and foreign language in grades 7-12. The Tennessee Department of Education seeks persons who are dedicated, motivated and have a desire to help the children of this state.

Since the program began in 2005, 200 fellows have been licensed with an 83 percent retention rate.

Success Stories

It started as a germ of an idea, but then I realized I love teaching. Dr. Jamie Hearnes, Cancer researcher, Third-year teacher. If you're really committed to this new career, there's no better program. It's the fastest way to the hardest job you'll ever love. Stein Lee, Polymer engineer, Math teacher I was working, making good money, but now I'm truly happy. This changed my life.

Teach Tennessee Applicant Timeline

Spring 2010 will be the next selection round. The deadline for submitting applications for this selection is February 26, 2010. For an application, please email Teach.TN@tn.gov.

Special Note:  All requirements and components of the portfolio (including letters of recommendation and work verification) must be postmarked by a deadline.  Faxes will not be accepted.   It is the candidates’ responsibility to assure the portfolio is complete.  Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.  If you wish to check on the contents received, you may contact Barbara Floyd by emailing barbara.floyd@tn.gov.