TITLE

Interim License Type A
http://www.state.tn.us/education/lic_ipta.htm

HISTORY

Legislation enacted in 1984.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

Available in all endorsement areas.

WHO OPERATES

Office of Teacher Licensing in the Tennessee State Department of Education and IHEs.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college with an academic major in area of endorsement for which licensing is sought.

Applicants are eligible for an Interim A License in all areas.

The local district school superintendent must state the district's intent to employ and must provide a mentor teacher for the applicant during the first two years of teaching.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The individual must enter and complete an approved teacher preparation program in order to achieve full licensure.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Variable. To renew, an individual must complete 9 quarter hours or 6 semester hours of credit in areas of deficiency -- completed after license most recently issued/renewed. To satisfy this requirement the applicant for renewal must have been admitted to an approved teacher preparation program and his/her areas of deficiency must be identified on a program of studies prepared by the certification officer at the college or university.

The individual may not be issued a Type A license more than three times.

Upon completion of program and test requirements, a candidate may be issued a full teaching license.

WHO EVALUATES

LEA and IHE

LENGTH OF TIME

Valid for one calendar year -- until the following August 31. May be renewed twice for a total of no more than three years.

OTHER

Thirty-nine Tennessee institutions of higher education (IHEs) offer approved post-baccalaureate programs which lead to initial licensure and a graduate degree in some instances. These programs range from twelve to fifteen months and include either a semester of student teaching or a year-long internship.