Nashville

Certification and Testing

In order to begin teaching, Nashville corps members are required to take and pass exams called The PRAXIS Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers. Specific tests vary according to position.

Nashville corps members can become licensed to teach after taking four courses through our university partner, Lipscomb University. Corps members can also choose to earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.), which requires students to take as few as four courses in addition to the licensure coursework, depending on the concentration area. Both programs combine Teach For America’s required professional development with practical, applied coursework.

It is possible that corps members could attain both certification and a Master’s degree during their two years. However, corps members pursuing a Master’s degree will likely choose to take summer coursework to reduce their course load during the school year. Lipscomb University offers corps members a 26 percent discount in tuition.

At a Glance

Costs to Begin Teaching
Testing: Approximately $340
Processing: $48 for district fingerprinting
University coursework cost: $6,180 for certification, $12,360 or more for master’s degree
Costs to Maintain Provisional Credential
n/a