Are major changes coming to Tennessee teacher licensure requirements?

Aspiring Tennessee teachers currently have to pass a portfolio-based assessment that demonstrates readiness to lead a classroom and content assessments, which tests specific subject knowledge and skills. (Ariel J Cobbert for Chalkbeat) Aspiring Tennessee teachers currently have to pass a portfolio-based assessment that demonstrates readiness to lead a classroom and content assessments, which tests specific subject knowledge and skills. (Ariel J Cobbert for Chalkbeat)

By Melissa Brown / Chalkbeat Tennessee July 9, 2026 3 min read

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Significant changes could be on the horizon for Tennessee teaching licensure testing requirements.

The Tennessee State Board of Education is considering a policy to create alternate pathways to pass specialty area content assessments.

This change would join a new policy, effective this month, that exempts trainee teachers working in state-approved student teaching placements from a previously required portfolio-based assessment that demonstrates readiness to lead a classroom.