For high school students who want to become teachers
High School Prospects • College Graduates • Licensed Teachers • Beyond the Master's
Teacher preparation is a five-year process -- four years of course work and a fifth year completing requirements for teacher licensure (both courses and experience in schools). A minor in elementary, middle school, or secondary education is required for teacher licensure. Students who minor in education must obtain admission to the Teacher Education Program; this usually occurs at the end of the sophomore year.
When the fifth year is complete, you will be licensed to teach in Tennessee. You may choose to earn a master's degree by completing an additional 12 hours of courses. Teacher licensure programs are described in detail on the Teacher Licensure page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teacher Education
Elementary Education |
To teach in elementary school, you will earn a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in Elementary Education from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. |
Middle School Education |
To teach in middle school, you will earn a bachelor's degree in a content area from the College of Arts and Sciences and a minor in Middle School Education from the College of Education Health, and Human Sciences. |
Secondary School Education |
To teach in secondary school, you will earn a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in Secondary Education from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. You will select an Arts and Sciences major based on the subject areas you want to teach. In addition to fulfilling the major and distribution requirements in Arts and Sciences, students must complete a Secondary Education minor. |
Art Education |
To teach art, you will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Studio Arts from the School of Art in the College of Arts and Sciences with coursework and an internship provided through the department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. |
Career Opportunities in Art Education |
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TPTE also offers concentrations in several special education areas: |
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Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing |
Education of the Deaf/hard of Hearing is the field in which professionals work to provide education for children who have a hearing loss. The program leads to licensure to teach students who are deaf or hard of hearing in grades K through 12. Students pursue an undergraduate major in special education, with most of the education coursework and field experiences occurring during the junior and senior years. Students receive a B.S. in Education at the conclusion of the senior year. Most continue on for a fifth, internship year, in which they are mentored as first-year teachers in both residential and public school settings. The internship is necessary for licensure as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing. With an additional 12 hours of graduate work, interns receive a Master of Science in Education degree. |
Career Opportunities in
EDHH |
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Educational Interpreting |
An educational interpreter facilitates communication between deaf students and other non-signing members of the school community, including teachers and hearing classmates. Following acceptance to the university, students should contact the College of Education, Health, and Human Science Advising Center at (865) 974-8194. Students indicating an interest in educational interpreting will be assigned to and work directly with a faculty member in the educational interpreting program. |
Career Opportunities
in Educational Interpreting |
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Special Education |
The Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Program is a dual-license program leading to licensure to teach in modified (i.e., students with mild disabilities) and early childhood settings. Students pursue an undergraduate major in special education, with most of the education coursework and field experiences occurring during the senior year. Many students choose to complete additional coursework to earn a license in Elementary Education as well. Students receive a B.S. in Education at the conclusion of the senior year; most continue on for a fifth, internship year, in which they are mentored as first-year teachers in both modified and comprehensive settings. With an additional 12 hours of graduate work, interns receive a Master of Science in Education degree. |
Career Opportunities in Special
Education |
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After fulfilling the requirements of an Arts and Science degree, you will complete the teacher certification process by taking 15 hours of education courses and 24 hours of graduate work that includes an internship. These graduate courses may be applied toward a master's degree.
CEHHS Student Services
1122 Volunteer Blvd.
A312 Jane and David Bailey Education Complex
Knoxville, Tennessee
37996-3433
Phone: 865-974-8195
Fax: 865-974-5781
Department
of
Theory and Practice in Teacher Education
Teresa Allmon
Department Secretary
A204 Jane and David Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee
37996-3442
Phone: 865-974-6228
Fax: 865-974-6302
tallmon@utk.edu
Dr. Susan Benner
Department Head
A204 Jane and David Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee
37996-3442
Phone: 865-974-6228
Fax: 865-974-6302
sbenner@utk.edu
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718