Alternate Route Subject Areas and Requirements

 Generally, to qualify to teach on a Transitional license you must:

  • have a major in the subject area OR
  • 24+ credit hours in the subject area OR
  • passing Praxis II scores in the subject area content knowledge test (click here for more information on the tests and passing scores required by the state of Tennessee; the listings begin under the Middle School and Secondary test headings)

All teachers who enter the classroom on a Transitional license must enroll in a Teacher Education Program and complete the requirements to become fully certified.    

Below is a list of the subject areas for which Memphis City Schools may hire Alternate Route applicants to teach on a Transitional license when external hiring begins. We have noted below when the requirements are different than is typical. 

  • ESL
  • French
  • German
  • Russian: degree or OPI scores (need intermediate high or better on OPI)
  • Chinese: degree or OPI scores (need intermediate high or better on OPI)
  • Japanese: degree or OPI scores (need intermediate high or better on OPI)
  • Latin
  • Library Media Science
  • Math
  • Middle School, All (Passing Praxis II Middle School Content Knowledge scores only)
  • Middle School, Math (Degree in Math OR 24 hours OR passing Praxis II scores in Math)
  • Middle School, Science (Degree in a science OR 24 hours OR passing Praxis scores in a science content area)
  • Music, General
  • Music, Instrumental
  • Music, Vocal
  • Science, Chemistry
  • Science, Physics
  • Special Education
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts (K-12)