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Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, secondary school in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 19, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    242-8392

  2. 2

    Education: Specific course required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    Teacher's license can be endorsed for many specialties, including elementary education, middle grades and secondary subject-specific endorsements, as well as many others.

  5. 5

    Be at least 18 years old and satisfy education and examination requirements.

  6. 6

    Contact license authority for additional requirements for endorsements.

  7. 7

    EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  8. 8

    Contact the licensing authority for additional requirements for endorsements and for updated requirements for the practitioner occupational teacher's license.

  9. 9

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Education • Division of Teachers and Leaders • Office of Education Licensure and Preparation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,580 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #40 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 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 $58,580, Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $69,590. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$58,580

Hourly estimate

$28.16
16% below national median

Difference: -$11,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,460
  • P2525th percentile$49,880
  • P50Median$58,580
  • P7575th percentile$62,410
  • P9090th percentile$70,030

State vs National Median

State: $58,580
National: $69,590

Total employment: 1,990 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Ranking

#40 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Secondary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,250
#2Washington$97,820
#3New York$91,830
#4Rhode Island$89,460
#5Massachusetts$82,580

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$58,580Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Kentucky$58,400Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$64,640Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
North Carolina$55,000Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$71,050Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$60,100Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$50,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$53,350Specific course requiredState exam required5 years
Missouri$51,370Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama58MediumState-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

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$65,000Specific course required2 months
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80,190Specific course required2 months
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$99,280Specific course required2 months
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$64,480Specific course required2 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary Schools in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Tennessee is $58,580. Salaries range from $47,460 (10th percentile) to $70,030 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Tennessee earn 16% below the national median of $69,590, with a state median of $58,580.

How many Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 1,990 Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary 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, Secondary School license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.