By JC Bowman, TriStar Daily Contributing Education Editor

Ah, Tennessee, we have created a teacher licensure system that could confound even the most determined of souls. Suppose you have tried to navigate the labyrinthine paths of the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to become a teacher. In that case, you might think it’s a reality show— “Survivor: Teacher Licensure Edition.” Contestants (aka aspiring educators) face challenges like the Praxis exams, background checks, and a complex web of requirements, all while trying to keep their sanity intact.

Let’s break this down: the current licensure framework includes the Practitioner License, which sounds like a title you would find in a medieval fantasy novel, and the Professional License, which feels more like a badge of honor for surviving the gauntlet of education. The requirements? A bachelor’s degree, completion of an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and passing the Praxis exams—all while dodging the occasional meteor that might represent the latest legislative change.

Regarding legislation, the Teacher Paycheck Protection Act seeks to raise starting salaries to $50,000 by 2026. This is excellent news for aspiring teachers, but what does it do for those who have been working harder than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs? However, let’s not forget the real issue: we still have a significant number of vacancies and underqualified teachers filling those spots. It’s like trying to fill a leaky bucket with water while the holes keep getting bigger.

Now, let’s talk about the challenges. The licensure process is about as user-friendly as a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. Non-traditional candidates, such as career changers or out-of-state educators, must navigate the TDOE’s maze, which feels more like a secret society initiation than a straightforward application process. If you think applying for a driver’s license is tough, try becoming a teacher in Tennessee. We welcome all elected officials to give it a try.

And what’s with all these assessments? The Praxis exams are seen as burdensome and costly, like trying to buy a unicorn at a premium price. Some experienced educators still have to jump through these hoops, even though they can teach circles around the requirements. Meanwhile, the 2021 Tennessee Literacy Success Act adds yet another layer of complexity, leaving teachers frazzled and wondering if they should take up knitting instead.

But wait! There’s hope on the horizon! Proposed changes aim to streamline the process, reduce assessment burdens, and enhance support for new teachers. We could see expanded job-embedded programs, reduced requirements for out-of-state teachers, and perhaps even a micro-credential system for those wanting to specialize in niche areas like teaching dogs to read. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.

The Licensure Review Committee is working hard to improve the situation, proposing the removal of the edTPA requirement and strengthening clinical practice. They’re even looking to make the licensure process coherent—like a well-conducted symphony instead of a cacophony of confused educators trying to figure out how to play the triangle.

And let’s not overlook the innovative teacher residency programs emerging in Memphis. These programs are producing new teachers faster than a pancake on a griddle, with tuition-free master’s degrees and housing stipends. It’s beneficial for everyone, except for traditional educators who feel they are now competing against a well-funded, high-powered version of themselves that funded their own education. How long will these teachers stay in the classroom? 

While Tennessee’s teacher licensure system is functional, it’scrying out for reform. We need to make it more accessible and supportive while ensuring that teacher quality doesn’t slip through the cracks, as was the case with last week’s homework.

If we can balance these reforms with a healthy dose of common sense, we might create a system that produces not only qualified educators but also happy ones. Because let’s face it, happy teachers lead to happy students—and that’s a lesson worth learning!

JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.