
Welcome to TPTE
One department. Three units.
A world of possibilities.
We engage in thoughtful interdisciplinary work to prepare individuals for impactful careers in educational settings and beyond, to bridge innovative research to practice, and to leverage our strengths in meaningful service to our communities.


No matter where you are from, there is a place for you in TPTE.
Who will you be in TPTE? Find your path to a meaningful future that includes a rewarding career. Discover our many undergraduate majors and minors, graduate degrees and certificates, available through distance education and on campus programs.

Not sure where to start?
The CEHHS Office of Advising and Student Services can assist you in navigating the various pathways we offer to teacher licensure, degree enhancements, and more. Whether you are starting your journey toward a meaningful career, changing majors, or you are a post-baccalaureate ready to switch careers, the Office of Advising is here to help. Zoom appointments available!

TPTE by the Numbers
Over 75
faculty offering expertise.
Over 93%
student retention.
Over 1800
students in TPTE programs.
“I am continually inspired by the dedication and compassion that our faculty, instructors, and staff show toward students in our programs. They consistently go above and beyond to provide a high-quality education, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact on the communities with which they will work.”
Lynn Liao Hodge
Professor & Department Head
Latest News
Follow the great things we are doing in TPTE and engage in our events!
- Sydney Allen awarded the Nita Ganguly Memorial VolsTeach Scholarship
Congratulations to TPTE VolsTeach secondary education student, Sydney Allen, on receiving the 2025-2026 Nita Ganguly Memorial VolsTeach Scholarship! The Nita Ganguly Memorial VolsTeach Scholarship is named after our… Read more: Sydney Allen awarded the Nita Ganguly Memorial VolsTeach Scholarship - TPTE Students Awarded Scholarships for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
We are proud to announce the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education’s Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 scholarship recipients! - Doctoral Students Win Dissertation Fellowship
Two Doctoral Students from TPTE Win Dissertation Funding in National Competition Dani Rimbach-Jones and Bethany Parker are the recent recipients of a $25,000 fellowship from the American Association… Read more: Doctoral Students Win Dissertation Fellowship

Ready to apply?
Want to join us on Rocky Top? Request more information about our programs by clicking below.