Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
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
$52,690 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher 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 $52,690, K-12 Teachers in Tennessee earn 15% below the national median of $62,340. Tennessee ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$52,690Hourly estimate
$25.3315% below national median
Difference: -$9,650
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $62,270 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,400 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $63,490 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $59,850 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $50,550 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,250 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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 K-12 Teacher in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Tennessee is $52,690. Salaries range from $46,100 (10th percentile) to $71,180 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Tennessee earn 15% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $52,690.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 28,880 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers 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 K-12 Teacher license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.