Office of Teacher Education

Contact Us:

Office: 112 Clay Hall
Phone: (615) 963-5459
Email: teachercertification@tnstate.edu 

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The preparation of school professionals is a complex process. Prospective educators must acquire a body of general knowledge, professional knowledge, and content specific pedagogy. Education professionals must also develop skills and dispositions necessary for working effectively with diverse students and adults. The education programs at Tennessee State University provides such opportunities for candidates to learn and evaluate theories and principles of sound educational practice. Preparation in th e university setting is augmented by the collaboration with classroom school-based mentor teachers and other professionals who guide prospective educators through many hours of practical application in real world settings. Without this partnership of university and local school personnel, a critical dimension of the educator preparatory program would be lost.  

The teacher education “unit’ at Tennessee State University is bigger than the College of Education because academic majors that lead to licensure are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, the School of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, as well as the College of Education. The overarching theme of the teacher education unit is

 “Caring and Competent Facilitators of Learning,  Committed to Diversity and Success for All”

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Guided by this theme, the conceptual framework, and associated learning outcomes, faculty in the various TSU colleges, schools, and departments that offer majors leading to teaching licenses have developed courses and experiences that produce graduates who are well-prepared for success in Tennessee schools.

Our Goal | Effective Teachers

Your success in becoming a highly effective teacher is our goal. From your approval as a teacher candidate through your student teaching experience and beyond, we're here for you.  The Teacher Education Student Services office (TESS) tracks the candidates’ progress throughout the residency. Specifically, this unit   

  • Coordinates all processing of documents  
  • Reviews admission packets to the Teacher Education program  
  • Oversees placement of teacher education candidates by the Field Placement and Clinical Experience Coordinator  
  • Submits required paperwork to the state for certification validation  

Our Representatives

Dr. Nicole Arrighi

Nicole K. Arrighi, Ed.D.  
Assistant Dean  
 (615) 963-5482
Nkendall@tnstate.edu    

Dr. Dianne Bryant

Dianne Bryant, Ed.D.
Certification Analyst I
(615) 963-5484
Dbryant@tnstate.edu    

Mrs. Linda Fair

Linda Fair, M.Ed.
Interim Field Placement Coordinator
 (615) 963-4485
Lfair@tnstate.edu    

 

Mrs. JoNatalyn Mercer

JoNatalyn S. Mercer, M.Ed. 
 Administrative IV  
 (615) 963-5459
Jmercer@tnstate.edu    

 

 
 
Teacher preparation programs for undergraduate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and related professionals are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

 

 

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Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, specialist in education, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).