Memphis Teacher Residency

Licensing Teachers in Memphis-area schools

The Memphis Teacher Residency offers a one-year hybrid pathway for full-time teachers to earn licensure in either K–5 Elementary Education or PK–12 English as a Second Language.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with a GPA below this threshold may be considered for conditional or provisional admission based on additional evidence of academic potential (e.g., recent coursework, professional experience, or strong recommendations).

Teaching Placement & Employment

Applicants must be able to verify employment through a contract as a teacher of record for the 2026–27 school year and serve as the teacher of record in a K–5 (math, ELA, science, or social studies) or PK–12 ESL subject area.

Licensure Eligibility

Applicants must hold a Temporary Permit (Years 1–3) or an active Initial Practitioner License and meet all Tennessee Department of Education licensure requirements, including U.S. citizenship.

Background & Compliance Requirements

Applicants must successfully pass a background check.