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Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors in Tennessee
For School Counselors coming from another state, Tennessee offers several pathways to obtain certification through reciprocity (see Rules of the State Board of Education). Here are the details for each pathway:
Pathway 1: Practitioner License with Out-of-State Initial Level License
This pathway is for applicants holding an initial level license from another state.
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Hold an initial level license in a state other than Tennessee.
- Submit a recommendation from the out-of-state Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) where the preparation program was completed using the Out-of-State Educator Preparation Verification form.
- Submit official transcripts of all credits earned through an institution of higher education. The institution must send transcripts to educator.licensure@tn.gov through an approved clearinghouse or mailed to 710 James Robertson Parkway, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243.
- Meet TN Literacy Success Act requirements by completing a qualifying training or assessment.
Application Process:
- Create a profile and complete the application through the Tennessee application portal.
- Ensure all required documentation, including transcripts and verification forms, is submitted to the Tennessee Department of Education.
Background Checks:
- Criminal background checks are completed at the school district level where the applicant will be employed.
Fees:
- There is no license application fee as of February 2020.
Pathway 2: Practitioner License with Out-of-State Educator Preparation Program Completion and Recommendation
This pathway is for applicants who have completed an educator preparation program out-of-state and have a recommendation from the program.
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Submit a recommendation from the out-of-state EPP using the Out-of-State Educator Preparation Verification form.
- Submit qualifying scores on all required assessments as indicated in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.
- Submit official transcripts of all credits earned through an institution of higher education to Eeucator.licensure@tn.gov or mailed to the same address as above.
- Meet TN Literacy Success Act requirements by completing a qualifying training or assessment.
Application Process:
- Create a profile and complete the application through the Tennessee application portal at TNCompass.
- Submit all necessary documentation, including transcripts and verification forms, to the Tennessee Department of Education.
Background Checks:
- Conducted at the school district level where employment is sought.
Fees:
- No application fee as of February 2020.
Pathway 3: Professional License with Out-of-State Professional Level License
This pathway is for educators holding a full, valid, and continuously renewable professional-level license from another state.
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Hold a professional-level license, equivalent to Tennessee’s professional-level license, in a state other than Tennessee.
- Submit official transcripts of all credits earned through an institution of higher education to educator.licensure@tn.gov or mailed to the same address as above.
Application Process:
- Create a profile and complete the application through the Tennessee application portal at TNCompass.
- Submit all necessary documentation, including transcripts, to the Tennessee Department of Education.
Background Checks:
- Conducted at the school district level where the applicant will be employed.
Fees:
- No application fee as of February 2020.
By following these pathways and meeting the specific requirements, out-of-state school counselors can successfully achieve certification to work in Tennessee schools. For assistance or questions regarding the application, contact the licensure department at (615)-532-4885 or email educator.license@tn.gov.