Tennessee’s growing English Language Learner (ELL) population, over 43,000 students in 2021, is projected to reach 50,000 by 2025, driving demand for ESL teachers across the state (NCES, 2023). With teacher shortages reported through 2024, earning ESL certification in Tennessee offers a rewarding career path. Start your journey to become an ESL teacher today.
- Liberty University Offers Undergrad Cert and B.Ed. in English as a Second Language.
- The Grand Canyon University offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program and a B.A. in Secondary Education.
- Arizona State University - Online Offers Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
- Campbellsville University Offers an ESL Endorsement (P-12).
- St. John's University Offers a Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
The state Department of Education is responsible for ensuring quality and professionalism among its ESL teachers, and it does this by ensuring all applicants for a teaching license have completed the proper procedures. To become an ESL teacher in Tennessee you will need to navigate the following steps for licensure:
 | Earn a Degree for ESL Certification |
 | Pass Required Exams |
 | Apply for Your Teaching License |
 | Upgrade with a Master’s |
 | ESL Teacher Salary and Jobs |
Step 1. Earn a Degree for ESL Certification in Tennessee
Earning a bachelor’s degree is essential for ESL certification in Tennessee, ideally in education or a related field with ESL coursework. Programs like the University of Memphis’ TESOL certificate (online or evening) or Lipscomb University’s ESL endorsement (stackable with a master’s) are TDOE-approved options for initial or add-on licensure. Check TDOE for more providers.
You can pursue initial certification or add an ESL endorsement (code #490) to an existing license:
- Initial License: Requires a bachelor’s (2.75 GPA), a physiology/hygiene course, and completion of a state-approved educator preparation program with student teaching in grades PreK–6 and 7–12.
- Practitioner License: For alternative routes, requires a bachelor’s, 24 hours of pre-service training, and enrollment in a 15–21 credit ESL program after employment.
Many programs, including online and hybrid options, cover linguistics, language acquisition, and multicultural education, ideal for those seeking online ESL certification Tennessee. Non-education bachelor’s holders can pursue master’s programs for licensure plus ESL endorsement.
Already have a bachelor’s degree?
With a bachelor’s in another field, alternative routes like Practitioner Licenses or master’s programs can lead to certification. These include intensive pedagogy training and mentoring, tailored for how to become an ESL teacher in Tennessee without a degree in education.
Adding an ESL Endorsement
If you hold a Tennessee teaching license, add an ESL endorsement with a 30-hour practicum or supervised semester of ESL teaching, plus required exams.
Out-of-State Candidates
With an out-of-state ESL license and three years of experience, you’re eligible for reciprocity. Submit transcripts and test scores to the TDOE.
Step 2. Pass Required Exams for ESL Certification
The Educational Testing Service administers exams for ESL certification in Tennessee. As of April 2025, requirements include:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150) – may be waived with SAT (1080), ACT (22), or a 2.75 GPA.
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (K–6: 160 or 7–12: 157) – covers pedagogy.
- Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362: 149) – assesses ESL expertise.
Check with your program and the TDOE for waivers or updates, especially for alternative routes like the Practitioner License.
Step 3. Apply for Your Teaching License
Apply through the TDOE to earn your ESL certification in Tennessee. Submit:
- Official transcripts (2.75 GPA).
- Praxis scores (or waivers).
- Application form, marking:
- Initial License for Tennessee-trained candidates.
- Out-of-State License for reciprocity.
- Amendment for adding ESL endorsement (#490).
Mail to: Tennessee Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensing, 710 James Robertson Parkway, 12th Floor Andrew Johnson Tower, Nashville, TN 37243. The initial Practitioner License lets you start exploring Tennessee ESL teacher jobs.
Step 4. Upgrade with a Master’s for ESL Certification
The Practitioner License lasts three years, renewable with professional development. A master’s in ESL or related field enhances your ESL certification Tennessee, boosts salary, and meets ongoing requirements. Programs, often available online, cover linguistics, language acquisition, and multicultural education, preparing you for diverse classrooms.
Advancing to a Professional License requires three years of teaching, a satisfactory evaluation, and 60 professional development points (waived with a master’s and evaluation). Check TDOE for approved programs offering online ESL certification Tennessee. Connect with TNTESOL for networking and ESL teacher resources.
Step 5. ESL Teacher Salary and Jobs in Tennessee
With 50,000 English Language Learners projected by 2025 and shortages through 2024, Tennessee ESL teacher jobs are in demand (NCES, 2023). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023, adjusted for 2025) reports Tennessee ESL teacher salary ranges for teachers, applicable to ESL:
- Elementary School: $48,200–$61,300–$78,400
- Middle School: $49,100–$62,500–$80,200
- High School: $50,300–$64,800–$83,700
Salaries in key metro areas (2025 estimates):
- Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin: $40,100–$51,200–$72,300
- Memphis: $41,500–$53,400–$74,800
- Knoxville: $39,800–$50,900–$70,500
Explore opportunities at TDOE Jobs or connect with TNTESOL for networking and ESL certification Tennessee resources.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023, adjusted for 2025 estimates. Figures represent state data, not school-specific. Conditions may vary. Elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers. Data accessed March 2025.
National Center for Education Statistics, Digest 2023, Table 204.20, English language learners in public schools, fall 2021. U.S. Department of Education, teacher shortage data, 2024. Data accessed April 2024.
- Liberty University Offers Undergrad Cert and B.Ed. in English as a Second Language.
- The Grand Canyon University offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program and a B.A. in Secondary Education.
- Arizona State University - Online Offers Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
- Campbellsville University Offers an ESL Endorsement (P-12).
- St. John's University Offers a Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get ESL certification in Tennessee?
1–2 years for a bachelor’s with ESL endorsement or 6–12 months via alternative routes like the Practitioner License, plus teaching experience. Demand is high, with 43,000 ELLs in 2021 (NCES).
What are the requirements for ESL certification in Tennessee?
Bachelor’s degree (2.75 GPA), physiology/hygiene course, approved ESL program, and Praxis exams (Core, PLT, ESL). Alternative routes may waive some tests with experience or SAT/ACT scores.
Can I get ESL certification in Tennessee online?
Yes, many programs offer online ESL certification Tennessee, including graduate certificates and master’s degrees for working professionals. Check TDOE-approved providers.
How much do ESL teachers earn in Tennessee?
Tennessee ESL teacher salary ranges from $48,200 to $83,700 (BLS, 2025 est.), with Nashville up to $72,300 and Memphis up to $74,800 for experienced teachers.
Are there free ESL endorsement programs in Tennessee?
Free options are limited, but scholarships like the TEACH Grant or district-sponsored training can reduce costs for free ESL endorsement Tennessee. Check TDOE for initiatives.