Relay currently offers the following programs in Tennessee:

Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Arts in Teaching with or without Licensure 

• A 2-year, 32-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program.

• Licensure candidates will teach for at least one full school year under a job-embedded Tennessee Practitioner License.  Successful program completers will be eligible to renew their Practitioner License for a second issuance or advance to a Professional License, upon meeting all state requirements. 

  • Relay Teaching Residency Pathway (Tennessee Teacher Licensure Program)

    • The residency pathway supports aspiring teachers, offering a supportive gradual on-ramp into the profession.

    • In the first year, students serve as teaching residents, completing a year-long apprenticeship alongside a lead teacher.

    • In the second year, students teach as a teacher of record (lead teacher) under a Tennessee Practitioner License.

  • Non-Resident Pathway (Job-Embedded Licensure Program)

    • This pathway is designed for students who will be the teacher of record (lead teacher) in the first year of enrollment, serving under a Tennessee Practitioner License.

    • Job-Embedded Licensure Program requirements are designed to be met in the first three terms of enrollment for single endorsement programs

Students who are NOT seeking licensure in Tennessee may enroll in the M.A.T. as a degree-only student through the Residency or Non-Residency pathways. 

Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education with or without Licensure.

• A 2-year, 39-credit, program that will lead to the Tennessee Practitioner License. Successful program completers will be eligible to renew their Practitioner License for a second issuance or advance to a Professional License, upon meeting all state requirements. 

• Both the Residency and Non-Residency pathways are available to Relay students.

  • Job-Embedded Licensure Program requirements are designed to be met in two years for special education endorsements, including Integrated Early Childhood Education preK-3.

Master of Arts in Teaching in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners with or without Licensure

• A 2-year, 38-credit, program that will lead to the Tennessee Practitioner License. Successful program completers will be eligible to renew their Practitioner License for a second issuance or advance to a Professional License, upon meeting all state requirements. 

• Both the Residency and Non-Residency pathways are available to Relay students.

  • Job-Embedded Licensure Program requirements are designed to be met in T\the first four terms of enrollment for dual endorsement programs with English as a Second Language preK-12).

Licensure Only

Tennessee Teacher Licensure Program (Residency Pathway)

• A 3-term/19-credit non-degree program designed to prepare teacher candidates for licensure while serving as the teacher-in-residence in a Tennessee school.

• Prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree and meet admissions requirements for the Teacher Apprentice Licensure Program. 

• Candidates will serve as the teacher-in-residency on a Tennessee Practitioner License, alongside a lead teacher while enrolled. 

• Successful program completers will be eligible to renew their Practitioner License for a second issuance or advance to a Professional License, upon meeting all requirements.

Tennessee Job-Embedded Licensure Program (Non-Resident Pathway)

• A 3-term/18-credit non-degree program designed to prepare teacher candidates for licensure while serving as the teacher of record in a Tennessee school. 

  • Single and Dual endorsement with English as a Second Language PreK-12 will take 6 terms/24 credits to complete. 

• Prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree and meet admissions requirements for the Job-Embedded Licensure Program. 

• Candidates will serve as the teacher of record on a Tennessee Practitioner License while enrolled. 

• Successful program completers will be eligible to renew their Practitioner License for a second issuance or advance to a Professional License, upon meeting all requirements. 

Advanced Certificate

Advanced Certification in Special Education

• Relay offers an Advanced Certificate in Special Education program for certified educators who wish to expand their skill set to teach all learners.

• A 4-term, 21-credit post-baccalaureate certificate program. 

• Applicants can pursue a program with or without licensure. 

• Click here to see the licensure costs for the Tennessee Additional Endorsement in Special Education.

Endorsements

Continue to Tennessee Instructional Roles, Partners, and Placementà

Return to Admissions and Prospective Students home à