Renew a Teaching License in TN

(not a Tennessee teacher, click here to find your state)

 

How do I keep and renew a teaching license in Tennessee?

Teachers renew a Tennessee teaching license using the online TNCompass portal.

Educators employed in a Tennessee public school have their PDPs reviewed by district staff based on state guidelines.  Districts may have their own guidelines regarding submitting PDPs and documentation in TNCompass. Please check with your district staff to see if they provide any specific PDP guidelines for district educators.

If an educator is not employed in a Tennessee public school at the time of application, the department of education will approve or deny PDPs based on state guidelines.

1 PDP =  1 clock hour of professional learning
1 semester hour credit = 10 PDPs 

What state requirements does a teacher in TN need to meet for renewal?

All Professional Learning Board courses include a free PD Tracker.

To renew a  practitioner (non-1st issuance) license, an educator must submit 30 professional development points (PDPs).

To renew a professional license, an educator must submit 60 professional development points (PDPs). PDPs must be accrued during the validity period of the license.

Expired professional licenses can now be reactivated with 2 years of qualifying experience or the submission of 60 professional development points (PDPs) earned after the validity period of the license.

Tennessee teachers must take PDPs related to improving educator effectiveness by:

• Developing content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, or pedagogical content knowledge.
• Enhancing educator effectiveness (e.g., world language courses for
  those working with students for whom English is a second language, coursework
  that supports understanding and use of data; training to teach students who
  require specific behavioral or other exceptional needs in the classroom); and
• Developing competency in student social and emotional health and well-being.

How do I get free PDPs for teachers in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Education Association is proud to recommend Professional Learning Board.

Get Online PD for Tennessee Teachers

Looking for online continuing education and staff development for schools or districts? Check out 100% online PD at ConnectedPD.com!

 

How do I contact the TN Department of Education?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Education
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-4885

 

Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your teaching certificate and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Education requires. The new continuing education information and courses listed on this page are current as of March 4th, 2025 to meet the best information available. State licensing requirements and school district approval processes may change and it is your responsibility as a licensed or certified teacher to know your state certification renewal requirements and the process for submission and approval of all professional and staff development hours for renewing a license, licensing and certificate renewal and expired or lapsed certification. Professional Learning Board can not guarantee acceptance by your school, district, state Department of Education or licensing authority.