Apply for the Job-Embedded Practitioner Licensure Master’s Program:
Step 1: Fill out the Job-Embedded Practitioner Licensure application
Step 2: Fill out the UTK Graduate School Application.
Step 3: Complete a background check
Step 4: Submit content knowledge documentation
Step 5: Admission Board Review
Step 6: Admission decision and verification
Job-Embedded FAQ
The Job-Embedded Practitioner (JEP) Program provides a pathway to teacher licensure for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a licensed teacher. The program combines graduate-level coursework with full-time teaching experience and can lead to a master’s degree in Teacher Education. A key part of the Job-Embedded pathway is working as the Teacher of Record in a qualifying teaching position. Coursework may begin before a teaching position is secured; however, completion of the program requires at least one full academic year (10 months) of full-time teaching while enrolled in the program. The program is designed to accommodate working professionals. Coursework is: The Tennessee Department of Education requires individuals seeking a teaching license to be accepted into an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The University of Tennessee Teacher Education Program is an approved EPP, and admission to the JEP Program fulfills this educator preparation admission requirement. Program Areas of the Job-Embedded Program are offered in the following subjects and grade levels: If you have obtained a teaching license and are looking to add an endorsement, please contact [email protected]. Step 1: Fill out the Job-Embedded Practitioner Licensure application Step 2: Fill out the UTK Graduate School Application. Step 3: Complete a background check Step 4: Submit content knowledge documentation The application collects the information and documentation needed for admission review, including academic history, intended teaching area, professional information, and required application responses. Admission to the JEP Program and admission to the UT Graduate School are separate processes. Both applications are required. Complete the UT Graduate School Application for the appropriate online graduate program. For the JEP Program, the Graduate School application should be submitted as a Distance Education application within the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education. The appropriate graduate program depends on the degree being pursued: A specialization should not be selected for either program. Programs with Different Application Procedures Agriculture Education and School Librarian applicants follow different application procedures. Agriculture Education application questions may be directed to Program Coordinator Tyler Granberry at [email protected]. School Librarian (Library Information Specialist) application questions may be directed to Program Coordinator Scot Smith at [email protected]. For individuals who already hold a master’s degree, the Job-Embedded pathway may be completed while pursuing a Specialist in Education (EdS) degree rather than earning a second master’s degree. The EdS option is offered 100% online, with coursework scheduled to accommodate working professionals. An EdS is an advanced graduate degree beyond the master’s level and may also qualify for increased compensation in some school districts. The appropriate graduate program depends on the degree being pursued: Degree and licensure requirements vary by program area, so reviewing the available program options and admission requirements is recommended before applying. Official transcripts must be issued by the college or university where the degree was earned and sent directly to the University of Tennessee Graduate School. Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: Degrees earned outside the United States require a course-by-course credential evaluation of the degree and transcripts from an approved credential evaluation service. Approved services include organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Examples of credential evaluation services include: Current Tennessee requirements should be confirmed before selecting and paying for a credential evaluation service. A school or school district may submit an Intent to Hire letter as part of the required documentation. An Intent to Hire template is available by contacting [email protected]. Applicants who have not yet secured a teaching position must complete the Background Check Authorization Form and the required fingerprinting process. The CEHHS Background Check Policy is available here. Content knowledge must be demonstrated for admission to the JEP Program and issuance of a Tennessee Practitioner License. Depending on the teaching endorsement, content knowledge may be demonstrated through a passing licensure assessment or an eligible degree major. A passing score may be submitted from an approved content assessment offered through: The required assessment depends on the teaching endorsement being pursued. For certain teaching endorsements, an eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree major may meet the content knowledge requirement in place of a content assessment. Under Tennessee’s Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy, qualifying majors must meet state requirements, including alignment between the degree major and the teaching endorsement and a minimum 3.0 GPA in major-related coursework. Qualifying content areas may include: For example, a bachelor’s degree with a transcript-listed major in Biology may meet the content knowledge requirement for the Biology 6–12 endorsement when all applicable state requirements are met. Not all majors or teaching endorsements qualify for this option. Eligibility is determined according to current Tennessee licensure policy. Successful educators are expected to demonstrate professional skills and behaviors in addition to meeting academic requirements. UT refers to these expectations as Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions (ProCADs). ProCADs are considered during the admission process and throughout the educator preparation program. Continued demonstration of appropriate professional competencies, attitudes, and dispositions is required to remain in good standing. The Job-Embedded Practitioner Program Application includes a ProCADs self-assessment and short-response questions. Prepare for the short-response questions: Completed applications are reviewed by the Program Coordinator for the selected teaching area. Additional information may be requested during the review process. Depending on the program area, an interview may also be required before an admission decision is made. The Plan of Study outlines the requirements for completing the JEP Program, including: The Plan of Study serves as a guide for progressing through the program and completing the requirements for teacher licensure. Admission to the JEP Program and issuance of a Tennessee Practitioner License are related but separate parts of issuing a practitioners license. The Job-Embedded pathway involves coordination among the University of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Education, and the employing school or school district. State licensure requirements must be met before a Practitioner License can be issued. Requirements for initial Practitioner License issuance include applicable content knowledge requirements, a qualifying teaching position, required employment documentation, program enrollment, and any additional requirements established by the Tennessee Department of Education. Additional assessments or licensure requirements may also be required before completion of the JEP Program and advancement to a professional teaching license.
Official transcripts for all previously earned degrees must be submitted according to the instructions provided in the Graduate School application.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Office of Graduate Admissions
201 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0221
With a Qualifying Teaching Position
Without a Qualifying Teaching Position
Background clearance is required as part of the JEP admission and licensure process. The appropriate process depends on whether a qualifying teaching position has already been secured. .
Licensure Content Assessment
Qualifying Degree Major
Professional Competencies, Attitudes, and Dispositions (ProCADs)
Following admission, the CEHHS Director of Graduate Studies reviews admission to the UTK Graduate School.
Following admission to the graduate school a Plan of Study is reviewed with the appropriate Licensure Specialist and/or Program Coordinator.