Step 1: Fill out the Teacher Education Application
- Fall 2026 Application: Open August 31–October 9
- ProCADS are Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions.
The ProCADs questionnaire is included in the official Teacher Education Application.
Step 2: Complete the Background Check and Fingerprinting Process
- Complete the Background Check Authorization Form
- Complete and upload the VECHS Form. This is included in the Background Check Authorization Form
- Complete the fingerprinting scan. Instructions are sent after the Background Check Authorization form is verified complete.
Start this process at least four weeks before the application deadline. Applications cannot be reviewed until background clearance is received.
Out-of-state applicants who are not currently enrolled at UT should contact [email protected] before beginning the process.
Teacher Education Program FAQ
The Teacher Education program application runs three times a year: fall, spring, and summer. The expected application dates are below. Fall: September-October Spring: January-March Summer: May-June The Tennessee Department of Education requires anyone seeking a teaching license to apply to and be accepted into an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The University of Tennessee’s Teacher Education Program is an approved EPP. Completing the Teacher Education application and receiving admission to the program fulfills this requirement for the licensure process. The Teacher Education Program application is required to pursue teacher licensure through the University of Tennessee. The information below provides an overview of application requirements, required forms, and the admission process. Questions about the Teacher Education application or admission process may be directed to the Office of Professional Licensure & School Based Experiences at [email protected]. A fingerprint-based background check is required for admission to the Teacher Education Program. This requirement is based on Tennessee law and is necessary for participation in educator preparation programs and school-based experiences. Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-5-5610 requires applicants to teacher preparation programs to authorize a criminal history records check, allow the required records to be released to the educator preparation program, and submit fingerprints for a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation criminal history records check. The complete CEHHS Criminal Background Check and Fingerprinting Policy provides additional information about this requirement. Applicants living outside Tennessee who are not currently admitted to or enrolled at the University of Tennessee should contact [email protected] before beginning the background check process. Additional instructions may be required based on the applicant’s state. ProCADS are Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions. Successful educators demonstrate professional skills and behaviors in addition to meeting academic requirements. UT refers to these expectations as Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions (ProCADs). All candidates enrolled in teacher licensure programs are expected to demonstrate and maintain the Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions (ProCADs) expected of professional educators. ProCADs are evaluated throughout the educator preparation program. Failure to demonstrate or maintain appropriate professional competencies, attitudes, and dispositions may affect continued participation in a teacher licensure program, regardless of academic performance. Undergraduate Teacher Education Applicants The ProCADs questionnaire is included in the official Teacher Education Application. The questionnaire should not be completed separately. Submitting an additional ProCADs form may create duplicate records and delay application review. Questions about the ProCADs requirement may be directed to [email protected]. Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the admissions board for your program. Some programs may require an interview and will contact you to schedule one. Admission decisions are sent by email to your UTK email account from the Office of Professional Licensure & School-Based Experiences. If admitted, you will receive an admission letter to your UTK email with instructions to complete the required Admission Verification Form to accept your admission to the Teacher Education Program.