Office of Teacher Education

Admission Spring Residency

Clinical Practice is an integral part of the Office of Teacher Education’s teacher candidate preparation at Tech.

OTE plans quality experiences in school settings ranging from classroom observational experiences early in the program to pre-residency experiences where beginning instructional skills are practiced under the direction of a mentoring teacher. The culminating clinical experience is designed to use gained knowledge, add first-hand information, interact with on-site professionals, polish developed skills, and explore teaching styles.

Candidates should begin working on the steps for Admission into Spring Residency during the prior Fall semester.

NOTE: Candidates who do not meet the requirements and/or have their programs delayed, should contact Residency Coordinator, Susan Collins, sncollins@tntech.edu.

Candidates must meet the following four (4) requirements prior to beginning the steps to enter into Residency:

1. An inclusive GPA of 2.75 (excluding developmental classes).
2. ALL courses except Residency on your Program of Study.
3. Satisfactory completion of ALL CLEP tests (if applicable).
4. A minimum grade of "B" or higher must be earned in all courses that are designated field-experience or technology related, or include a major field experience.

Candidates can track the requirements by using the Benchmark Form for Residency. 

Undergraduate Benchmarks 

Step 1 / Submit Intent to Participate by May 31st

Intent to Participate

Step 2 / Submit Graduation Application by September 1st

GRADUATION APPLICATION

Step 3 / Complete & Submit the Disposition Self-Assessment by Oct. 31st. 

You must list two "raters"; one education content instructor and one practicum mentor. 

Disposition Self-Assessment

Step 4 / Pass Praxis II Exam(s)

Candidates should attempt Praxis II Exam(s) with constructed response* NO LATER than October 31st.

*See Benchmarks for Student Teaching for a list of Praxis exams with constructed response.

Candidates should attempt Pass Praxis II Exam(s) with selected response NO LATER than November 30th.

OTE must have passing scores for the Praxis II Exam(s) on file prior to beginning Residency.

Step 5 / Submit CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification

Students must submit proof of certification by November 30th. The certifications coverage must be valid throughout Residency. Online certifications are NOT accepted.

Submitting Steps 5 & 6 (options):

Option 1: Deliver in person to T.J. Farr Building, Rm 103.
Option 2: Send by email to Connie DeRossette, cderossette@tntech.edu
Option 3: Send by fax to 931-372-6286.

Step 6 / Professional Liability Insurance

Submitting Step 6 (same as above)

Submit evidence of professional liability insurance by November 30th. You may use professional organizations such as NEA, PET, Christian Educators, MTNA, etc. The insurance coverage must be valid throughout Residency.

Step 7 / Complete the Background Check Process

Background Check steps and fingerprinting should be completed and submitted by November 30th. Please review and follow the steps outlined in the guide below:

BACKGROUND CHECK GUIDE

Complete the these two (2) forms and return to Carrie Harris in TJ Farr, Room 102 or by email at cmharris@tntech.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECK PRIVACY RIGHTS FORM   VECHS BACKGROUND CHECK WAIVER AGREEMENT FORM

NOTE: The two (2) forms above require a physical signature.

This step is in addition to the background check required for OTE Admission.

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NOTE: As candidates complete Residency and near the end of their senior year, the following requirements must be met prior to graduation and receiving a Tennessee teaching license.

Program Completion Requirements