Job-Embedded Program

The Job Embedded licensure pathway allows candidates who are currently employed or seeking to work full-time as a licensed teacher while completing required coursework in the evening.  Candidates must meet certain criteria including holding a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or above.  To complete the program and teacher licensure requirements, you must be hired by a local or surrounding school district.  UTC will collaborate with the employing school district during the preparation process.

There is a Licensure only or Licensure and Master's degree option. You can start our program in the Spring, Summer or Fall semester. A meeting with the Licensure Coordinator is required for admittance to the program. Reach out to [email protected] to schedule a meeting.

Programs leading to licensure

As you explore our programs, please note that all students seeking a teaching license will complete the requirements for the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at UTC. TEP is a set of requirements met throughout programs of study to help students gain licensure and stay on track to graduation.

Initial Licensure Candidates - Undergraduate Students

If you are an undergraduate student, you will be advised by a advisor for the program in which you are enrolled. Those seeking licensure in Early Childhood/Elementary, Special Education, Middle Grades (6-8), STEM Education, Health and Wellness, Related Arts can find detailed information about your program through the Programs Leading to Licensure.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

If you have already obtained a bachelor's degree and intend on pursuing and initial teaching license as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student at UTC, you will need to reach out to [email protected] to schedule an inquiry appointment.

If you would like to enroll in a School of Education graduate program to pursue a Master's degree and licensure OR licensure only, programs are available in K-5/ESL, Secondary Education, Special Education Comprehensive and Special Education Interventionist. You can find more information on the School of Education Graduate Programs page.

For current listing of licensure areas offered at UTC, check the Tennessee Department of Education Office of Teacher Licensing - Educator Preparation website. Please note that as a part of licensure requirements, candidates must submit passing scores on the Praxis Subject exams.

Job-Embedded Practitioner License

UTC participates in Tennessee's Job-Embedded Practitioner license program. This program offers an alternative path to licensure. Entry to this program is contingent on a conferred degree, passing score on the appropriate assessment and an intent to hire as a teacher of record for a school district.

Program Areas of the Job-Embedded program are offered in the following subjects and grade levels:

• K-5 (Elementary Education)/ESL (PreK-12)
• K-5/Elementary Education
• Secondary Education (6-8, 6-12 and for Related Arts subjects K-12)
• Special Education Comprehensive (K-12)
• Special Education Interventionist (K-8 or 6-12)

For further information, please contact [email protected]. 

*If interested in the School Counseling or Social Work programs, please reach out directly to these programs.

Additional Endorsements

Once an individual has received an initial license, he/she can add endorsements for other subjects to the license. The State policy has been updated to state that educators can add every endorsement EXCEPT special education by coursework only or test only. If interested in adding any endorsement except special education by coursework only, please reach out to [email protected] for a transcript analysis.

If interested in a SPED Add-On, you can find more information on our SPED Add-Ons webpage.

Required Praxis Tests for Licensure

Elementary Education K-5 (120) and/or English as a Second Language PreK-12 (490)

Required Content Praxis:

Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001)

Required Pedagogy Praxis:

Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)

English as a Second Language (5362)

Special Education Interventionist K-8 (144) or 6-12 (145)

Required Content Praxis:

Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355)

Required Pedagogy Praxis:

Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)

Special Education Comprehensive K-12 (461)

Required Content Praxis:

Special Education: Severe to Profound (5547)

Required Pedagogy Praxis:

Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)

Secondary Education 6-12 or Middle Grades Education 6-8 

Required Content Praxis:

Dependent on content area or qualifying undergraduate degree in the same content area (follow up with Licensure Coordinator for more information).