To become a teacher in Tennessee you must be licensed from the Tennessee Department of Education. The state approves programs and sets requirements for which Tennessee institutions can offer teacher preparation programs. Our university offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for their initial teacher license in an array of K-12 school subjects.

If you have any interest in becoming a teacher we encourage you to drop by Ball Hall 202 and someone will be happy to meet with you and answer all your questions.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

All students seeking initial teacher licensure through the University of Memphis and the College of Education must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Students applying to TEP must pass standardized tests and meet other admission requirements to prove they have the potential to be high quality teachers that can pass our degree requirements as well as pass the state's teacher license requirements.

Why Be A Teacher?

Being a teacher is the most important job society has to offer: the education of its young. A teacher experiences life in a way that no other professional can. If you decide to become a teacher, you will touch the lives of hundreds of people, many of whom you will cherish and always remember.

Teaching is giving back. In an era of "it's all about me", classroom teachers have a different attitude. They have a "it's all about you" when they meet their classes and work with their students. Teaching is a giving profession. Do you want to give back and make a difference in the lives of others who need you?

Teaching is a stable profession. In the current economic times, many families and individuals are being faced with doubt and hardship. The teaching profession tends to be stable during uncertain times like these. Although school budgets can be diminished, the students still show up everyday and school districts need concerned caring teachers to meet them at the door and prepare them for a better life. Currently beginning teachers earn around $40,000 for ten months and that's right out of an undergraduate degree.

The University of Memphis's College of Education, a nationally accredited program, is looking at the future of K-12 education. We are currently involved in redesigning programs to better equip our candidates to meet the needs of the students they will be teaching and are building partnerships with area school districts so our candidates can work side-by-side with experienced teachers.

So, why be a teacher? So you can make a difference.