Certification

Memphis Teaching Fellows will earn their Tennessee teaching certification through the University of Memphis' Teacher Education Program (TEP). The TEP is designed for candidates who possess the passion and dedication to become outstanding educators, but who do not currently hold a teaching license. Through the certification program, Fellows will be able to pursue 20-26 graduate credit hours towards a standard Tennessee teaching license in math, ESL, Spanish, or special education. Fellows may also pursue a Master's of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Fellows will be responsible for all costs associated with completing the University of Memphis coursework. The approximate cost to complete the TEP is $8000; additional costs will be associated with completing the MAT. Fellows may apply for University of Memphis financial assistance. Additionally as members of MTF, 2008 Fellows will be eligible for the AmeriCorps Education Awards Program. AmeriCorps awards will be distributed fall 2009 and can be used towards past, present, and future educational expenses.

Fellows will teach full-time during the day and will typically take evenings and/or weekend classes to earn their certification. While in the University of Memphis TEP, Fellows will teach under a Type II Tennessee Alternative Teaching License. Under an alternative license, most candidates will be considered highly qualified and meet Federal No Child Left Behind standards. Fellows must be continuously enrolled in the University of Memphis and remain an active participant in Memphis Teaching Fellows to be eligible for the Type II Alternative License. Upon successful completion of the TEP – which usually takes two years – Fellows will be eligible for a standard Tennessee Apprentice teaching license. For more information about Tennessee teacher certification, please visit the following link, http://www.tennessee.gov/education/lic.