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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

News

Tennessee Announces 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year

Friday, August 23, 2024 | 08:30pm

Nashville, TN—This evening, the Tennessee Department of Education announced Bryan Kerns, an educator from Kingsport City Schools known for his compassion and dedication to his students, as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year at the department’s 2024 Excellence in Education 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration.

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News

TDOE Announces 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 11:00am

NASHVILLE, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.

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News

TDOE Announces Presidential Teaching Award State Finalists

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 11:30am

Nashville, TN — Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced four state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST award is the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers.

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