Tennessee State University

What you'll study

This programme provides a foundation in learning theory, subject-specific teaching methods and professional practice needed to teach children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Core study areas include child and adolescent development, literacy and language arts methods, elementary mathematics pedagogy, science and social studies methods, classroom management, educational assessment and differentiated instruction.

• Foundations of Education: educational psychology, history and philosophy of education, diversity and inclusion in schools.
• Literacy and Language Arts: reading instruction, writing pedagogy, emergent literacy and assessment of reading skills.
• Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: number sense, problem solving, curriculum and assessment strategies for primary grades.
• Science and Social Studies Methods: inquiry-based learning, curriculum planning and integration of content areas.
• Special Education and ELL: strategies for meeting the needs of learners with disabilities and English language learners.
• Instructional Technology: using educational technology and digital tools to support teaching and learning.
• Assessment and Data Use: formative and summative assessment, interpreting student data to inform instruction.
• Clinical Experiences: progressive field placements beginning in early semesters and culminating in a full-time student-teaching internship under faculty supervision.

Students typically complete general education requirements alongside professional education courses and are expected to apply for admission to the teacher education program after meeting progress benchmarks. Successful completion prepares candidates to seek state licensure for K–5 teaching.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admission expectations include a competitive high school GPA and completion of college-preparatory coursework. Many applicants first enrol as undergraduate students and then apply for program admission to the College of Education after completing a set of introductory education courses and achieving the programme's minimum GPA requirement.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of college preparatory courses (English, mathematics, science and social studies).
• Minimum cumulative GPA as specified by the university and the teacher education programme; GPA requirements may be higher for formal admission to the professional sequence.
• Background checks, health clearance (for practicum placements) and any required immunisations or screening are required before field experiences.
• Some programmes require recommendation letters and a personal statement addressing motivation for teaching; an interview or entrance assessment may also be part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue initial teacher licensure and work as classroom teachers in elementary schools. Career pathways from this degree commonly include:

• Elementary classroom teacher (K–5) in public or private schools.
• Reading specialist, instructional coach or curriculum coordinator, typically following additional certification or graduate study.
• Special education resource teacher or English language learner (ELL) support teacher, with appropriate endorsements.
• Positions in educational non-profits, after-school programmes, curriculum development, educational publishing and community education.
• Progression to graduate study in educational leadership, counselling, curriculum and instruction or advanced teacher specialist roles.

Why study at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is an HBCU located in Nashville that offers teacher preparation grounded in research, community engagement and culturally responsive practice. The College of Education provides structured clinical experiences through partnerships with local school districts, allowing students to gain experience in diverse urban and suburban classrooms.

Students benefit from faculty mentorship, small-group seminars and supervised student-teaching placements that emphasise reflective practice and classroom readiness. The programme’s practicum network and relationships with area schools support employment pipelines and opportunities for hands-on learning throughout the degree.

Graduates leave prepared for state licensure and positioned to serve in a range of elementary education settings or to continue into postgraduate study and specialised certification.