Requirements for Teacher Licensure

Christian Brothers University provides approved teacher licensure programs in the following areas: Undergraduate: Early Childhood (PreK-3), Special Education Interventionist (PreK-8 or 6-12), Elementary (K-5), English (6-12), Mathematics (6-12), History (6-12), and Natural Sciences (6-12); Masters level (undergraduate plus four semesters of graduate study toward the MAT degree): Secondary Education in English, Math, Natural Science, History, or Elementary Education in conjunction with a major in Liberal Studies. Please see the Director of Education in the Department of Education to learn about the degree and major requirements for your program.

An undergraduate student who wishes to receive Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary Education in English, Math, Natural Science, History, or Special Education teaching licensure in the State of Tennessee should take the following steps:

For admission to the Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, or Secondary Education in English, Math, Natural Science, or History teacher licensure program:

1. Apply to the TEP program sophomore year.
2. Have a 2.75 grade point average AND a 21 or higher ACT.
3. Submit a well-written philosophy of education essay.
4. Submit background check application.
5. Complete a successful interview with the Undergraduate Teacher Education Admissions Committee.

Those interested in the 5th year Master’s track should contact the Director of Teacher Education for application to this program.

For remaining in the Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, or Secondary Education in English, Math, Natural Science, or History teacher licensure programs and be recommended for teacher licensure:

1. Maintain a 2.75 grade point average overall in professional education courses, and in each endorsement area. Grades in all areas must be a “C” or better. GPA of 3.0 required if on 5th year Master’s track.
2. Pass an English proficiency test if needed.
3. Successful completion and evaluation of early field experiences and other assessments.
4. Pass the appropriate Praxis I and Praxis II tests for the licensure sought and have the results sent to the Department of Education.
5. Present a portfolio of accumulated work in all professional education courses as assigned.
6. Before admission to enhanced student teaching, a student must:
   1. Complete any required departmental assessments or evaluations.
   2. Complete all required courses, unless approved by the Director of Education.
   3. Must take and pass all licensure tests or student will be put on compliance hold until all tests are passed.
   4. File an application for teacher licensure with the Department of Education.
   5. Have completed a background check.
   6. Have appropriate insurance coverage.
7. Once registered for EDUC 303 an automatic fee of $300.00 will be assessed for edTPA.

For being recommended for teacher licensure:

1. Complete all licensure requirements for the State of Tennessee
2. Complete all University requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
3. Complete enhanced student teaching.
4. Pass the remaining Praxis II tests for licensure sought and have the results sent to the Department of Education.
5. Present a portfolio of accumulated work in all professional education courses as assigned.
6. Complete any required departmental assessments or evaluations.
7. File an application for teacher licensure with the Director of Assessment and Records, who is also the state licensing officer for Christian Brothers University, in the Department of Education.

Transfer Students: Title II teacher education report card requirements rely on Praxis II test scores on undergraduate studies in general education, the major, and professional studies. Transfer students who seek initial teaching licensure through CBU and who wish to have courses in general education, the major, and/or professional education studies transferred in for credit will be asked to take appropriate Praxis II tests to verify and confirm the courses according to the following guidelines:

1. The student must complete all the requirements for entrance to the Teacher Education Program.
2. In order for the transfer student to be recommended by CBU’s Department of Education for an initial teaching license, a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work in professional education must be taken at CBU. In addition, the professional semester (enhanced student teaching plus seminar) must be completed at CBU.
3. All policies concerning admission to the Teacher Education Program, retention in Teacher Education, admission to enhanced student teaching, and recommendation for teacher license apply.

For those choosing licensure at the masters (MAT) level in Elementary, Middle, or High School: Undergraduate students seeking licensure at the MAT level will complete a 5th year program by meeting the requirements for an academic major and degree as outlined on pages for Cultural Studies, Early Childhood, English, History, Liberal Studies, Special Education, Mathematics and Natural Science and also completing the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Students interested should obtain special advising materials about early admissions into the MAT program during their senior undergraduate year. Early admission to the MAT program consists of an application with sufficient test scores and other items.

Students should check with the Department of Education about the approval status of any program or licensure area of interest to them.

Post-baccalaureate licensure programs and graduate degree with licensure programs are also available at Christian Brothers University and are not described in detail in the catalog. More information for these programs is available in the Department of Education. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, please see the Director of Graduate Education in the Department of Education to have your transcript evaluated and to develop an appropriate program of study.