Office of Teacher Licensure

Vanderbilt's Office of Teacher Licensure coordinates teacher licensure policies and procedures for teacher education programs in order that students are prepared to meet Tennessee and other accreditation standards for teacher licensing. All Vanderbilt teacher education students enrolled through Peabody, College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, the School of Engineering, or the Graduate School who seek teacher licensure are tracked through the Office of Teacher Licensure. The office collects and maintains necessary documents for students seeking initial licensure or added endorsement. When a Vanderbilt student completes a program for teacher licensure and is recommended by the appropriate faculty, the student can be recommended for a teaching license in Tennessee. Because of contractual agreements among states, Vanderbilt graduates who become licensed in Tennessee can become licensed in other states as well.

Information regarding progression through the programs, first aid and CPR training, background checks for eligibility to interact with children through age 18 and vulnerable adults, the student teaching/internship semester, and PRAXIS II testing is disseminated to all students during each semester of enrollment in a teacher education program. The office also provides official verification of current and former student progress or program completion in response to queries from students, state departments of education, or school systems. Recruitment, assistance with the employment process in Tennessee and/or other states, and follow up of teacher education graduates are continual efforts in the Office of Teacher Licensure.

For additional information and processing of admissions and/or financial aid for teacher education programs, contact the following departments:

• Department of Teaching and Learning: programs in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education
• Department of Special Education: programs to work with students who have learning disabilities, behavior disorders, mental retardation, physical or vision handicaps, speech/language difficulties, or are gifted.
• Department of Human and Organizational Development: for the program in School Counseling

To receive a VU transcript or request that a transcript be sent elsewhere, contact the Office of the University Registrar. For counseling regarding course selection, consult the appropriate department named above. Faculty advisers have the authority to provide guidance in course selection.