Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
242-8392
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Education: Specific course required.
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License Type: Stand-alone license.
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Teacher's license can be endorsed for many specialties, including elementary education, middle grades and secondary subject-specific endorsements, as well as many others.
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Be at least 18 years old and satisfy education and examination requirements.
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Contact license authority for additional requirements for endorsements.
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EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
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Contact the licensing authority for additional requirements for endorsements and for updated requirements for the practitioner occupational teacher's license.
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EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Education • Division of Teachers and Leaders • Office of Education Licensure and Preparation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,080 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Education~Division of Teachers and Leaders~Office of Education Licensure and Preparation and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $61,080, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $63,000. Tennessee ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$61,080Hourly estimate
$29.373% below national median
Difference: -$1,920
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#27 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $61,080 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $57,090 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $65,000 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $56,330 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $67,710 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $61,100 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $51,590 | Specific course required | State exam required | 5 years |
| Missouri | $52,140 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Education • Division of Teachers and Leaders • Office of Education Licensure and Preparation
Andrew Johnson Tower 12th Floor, 710 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324885
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,000 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,190 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,280 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,480 | Specific course required | 2 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Tennessee is $61,080. Salaries range from $48,020 (10th percentile) to $76,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $61,080.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 4,100 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Education / Division of Teachers and Leaders / Office of Education Licensure and Preparation. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.