Transitional License

The Master of Arts in Teaching program can accommodate individuals who have been hired and are teaching on a Tennessee Transitional License. A Transitional License is issued by the state in cooperation with the hiring Local Educational Agency (LEA) (a school or district). Since Cumberland University does not issue Transitional Licenses it cannot guarantee that an individual will be granted a Transitional License from a Tennessee LEA. Persons interested should read carefully the State’s requirements for a Transitional License.

The Transitional License program of study in the MAT is only available to individuals who have been hired for an open teaching position and can provide documentation in the form of an Intent to Hire from the approved LEA partner.

Cumberland University will collaborate with LEA partners on coursework, mentoring, and support needed to ensure success for all students and the candidate’s own development as a competent, caring, qualified professional educator. 

Candidates who seek to complete the Transitional License program of study must complete the following requirements:

• Be hired by a school or district for an open position and provide a copy of the Intent to Hire from a school or district;
• Apply to the graduate program and be accepted (meeting the requirements in place at the time of admission, completing the application and paying the application fee);
• Submit a transcript from a regionally accredited University for review (additional coursework may be required);
• First enroll in MAE 5180 - The Profession and the Professional, and MAE 5285 - Practicum, and complete any other additional courses as determined by their advisor;
• (candidates must re-enroll in MAE 5285 - Practicum if they must renew their Transitional License for a second year)
• Purchase LiveText;
• Successfully transition to an apprentice license by meeting the requirements determined by the State Department of Education.

Candidates for licensure who are not interested in completing the full Master's degree can complete a specialized course of study to meet State teacher licensure requirements. Such individuals must submit a transcript showing prior educational coursework for review by the licensure officer and agree to a tailored program of study from a Teacher Education faculty advisor.

A program of study will be developed with an advisor based on an interview and transcript analysis. Please contact the Licensure Officer at 615-547-1313 with questions.

The general program of study for candidates possessing a Transitional License are below.

Transitional Licensure Degree Requirements

Program of Study

MAE 5040	Contemporary Issues in Education	3
MAT 5010/MAE 5010	Innovative Instructional Technology	3
MAT 5020/MAE 5020	School Law	3
MAT 5030/MAE 5030	Curriculum Designs	3
MAT 5050/MAE 5050	Advanced Educational Psychology	3
MAT 5060/MAE 5060	Strategies for 21st Century Classroom	3
MAT 5070/MAE 5070	Advanced Classroom Management	3
MAT 5080/MAE 5080	Diverse Populations	3
MAT 5180/MAE 5180	Education: The Profession & The Professional	3
MAT 5250/MAE 5250	Building Literacy in the K-12 Classroom	3
MAT 5285/MAE 5285	Practicum in Education	3-9
MAT 5400/MAE 5400	Advanced Assessment	3
Total Credit Hours:		36-42

Transitional Licensure Non-Degree Requirements

Program of Study

MAE 5040	Contemporary Issues in Education	3
MAT 5050/MAE 5050	Advanced Educational Psychology	3
MAT 5070/MAE 5070	Advanced Classroom Management	3
MAT 5080/MAE 5080	Diverse Populations	3
MAT 5180/MAE 5180	Education: The Profession & The Professional	3
MAT 5250/MAE 5250	Building Literacy in the K-12 Classroom	3
MAT 5285/MAE 5285	Practicum in Education	3-9
Total Credit Hours:		21-27

Licensure: Candidates for a Tennessee teaching license must pass state-required exams to be qualified for a license. These exam requirements periodically change. Candidates must consult the Tennessee Department of Education and Educational Testing Service websites for a list of current licensure exams. Teacher licensure candidates are responsible for taking and passing the correct licensure examinations at specific times in their program of study as is detailed in the online Teacher Education Handbook.