Office of Educator Preparation
Contact Us:
Tennessee State University, Avon Williams Campus
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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 the 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 Liberal Arts, 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 the Success for All”
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 Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) 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
Office of Educator Preparation Representatives
Nicole K. Arrighi, Ed.D.
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Zora Bates
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Linda Fair, M.Ed.
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Samantha Graves, M.Ed.
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Susan Githua, Ed.D.
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Debbie Hayes, Ed.D.
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Nakayla Walker, M.Ed.
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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).
Fall 2025 Calendar
JULY
28 Job-Embedded Fall Orientation🍎
AUGUST
18 Fall Classes Begin
Mentor Teacher Virtual Orientation🖥️
22 Pre-Residency/Residency I Fall Orientation🍎
25 Residency I Begins (candidates report to assigned schools)
28 MNPS Mentor Teacher Institute🏫
SEPTEMBER
1 Labor Day - Holiday
12 Residency I, "edTPA: Wise to Get Organized"🍎
15 Admission to Leadership Practicum Application Due
19 TSU University-Wide Career Fair 🐅
30 Residency I Late Deadline to Submit Qualifying Praxis II Scores🚨
OCTOBER
12-18 Homecoming Week🐅
20-21 Fall Break🍂
23 edTPA Submission Deadline (Fall 2025 student teachers only)⏰
24 Residency I, "edTPA: Making Good Choices"🍎
30 Residency II (UG)/Student Teaching (G) Application Deadline🚨
NOVEMBER
10-13 Interviews: Admissions to TEP, Residency II, and Student Teaching📋
17-21 American Education Week
21 Last Day for Residency I (UG)/Student Teaching (G)
26-30 Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes🦃
DECEMBER
1-4 Exit Interviews (graduate candidates only)📋
6 Fall 2025 Commencement🎓
16 Records Office releases all posted grades via MyTSU
24 University Closed for Winter Holiday (until January 1)
30 Request official transcript from Parchment to OEP (once degree has posted)
*Dates are subject to change
JULY 2025
In a transformative move toward modernized education and operational excellence, Tennessee State University has unveiled its groundbreaking “One Move. Big Impact.” initiative. This strategic undertaking will see the relocation of the College of Education from its main campus to the vibrant downtown Avon Williams Off Campus Instructional Site, effective this upcoming fall semester. Read more about how this initiative is a commitment to enhancing student experiences, fostering collaborative spaces, research laboratories, and more.
JUNE 2025
The College of Education has relocated to the Avon Williams Campus. Specifically, the Office of Educator Preparation is located in Rooms 348-351.
TESS Quick Links (2025-2026)
2025-2026 OEP HANDBOOKS
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Instructional Leader
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Job-Embedded
- Master Clinician
- Mentor Teacher
- Pre-Residency (Juniors)
- Year-Long Residency (Seniors)
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College of Education Student Complaint Form