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 use online professional development and continuing education courses to renew a teaching license in TN.
Here is an Educator Licensure Application Checklist from the Department of Education. The Educator Licensure Policy 5.502 describes the use of professional development points (PDPs) for educator licensure advancement or renewal.
Educators enter their PDPs into TNCompass for approval. Educators employed in a Tennessee public school have their PDPs reviews 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.
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 professional license, an educator must submit 60 professional development points (PDPs). PDPs must be accrued during the validity period of the license. To advance from a practitioner license to professional license, teachers must complete 30 professional development points (PDPs).
1 PDP = 1 clock hour of professional learning
1 semester hour credit = 10 PDPs
As of November 6th 2020, 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 September 13th, 2023 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.
