
Tennessee Educators
Tennessee will set a new path for the education profession and be the top state in which to become and remain a teacher and leader for all by providing opportunities to become a teacher for free and build a pathway into the profession. The department is investing more than $20 million to address shortages of credentialed teachers and professional development for our educators to ensure all students can get the supports they need.
The state’s Grow Your Own initiative creates pathways to become a teacher for free— enabling future teachers to earn their degree, serve their home communities, maintain employment, and begin day one of teaching with real-world classroom experience.
Additionally, the department provides supports to educators related to educator licensure and preparation, professional development and additional endorsement opportunities to ensure all Tennessee educators are provided with resources to succeed in the classroom.
Resources for Educators
Latest News for Educators
Tennessee Announces 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year
Nashville, TN— This evening, the Tennessee Department of Education announced Missy Testerman, an educator from Rogersville City Schools known for her compassion and dedication to her students and community, was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year at the department’s annual Excellence in Education celebration.
Read full storyTDOE Announces 2023-24 Tennessee Principal, Supervisor of the Year Finalists
NASHVILLE, TN— Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The finalists represent each of the state’s nine Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions, with three finalists in each Grand Division: West, Middle, and East.
Read full storyTDOE Releases Teacher Retention Listening Tour Report from Thousands of Tennessee Teachers
Nashville, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released the Tennessee Teacher Retention Listening Tour Findings Overview, outlining over 3,500 minutes of conversations and feedback from over 1,000 Tennessee teachers representing the state and providing a deep dive into potential comprehensive solutions to help retain teachers.
Read full story