Required Documentation (Out-of-state)

In preparation for applying to Memphis City Schools, please note the required documentation for certified teachers with an out-of-state teaching license:

  • A copy of the application you submitted to Tennessee for an out-of-state Tennessee teaching license**
  • A copy of your teaching license from your current state Two official transcripts for every undergraduate and graduate institution attended.* We urge you to begin looking into the process for ordering transcripts from your institution(s) right way.  It is to a candidate’s benefit to request the appropriate transcripts early while waiting for a decision from Teach Memphis.
  • Proof of your Highly Qualified status (a copy of your PRAXIS scores OR a letter from your previous school district that states that you are Highly Qualified to teach in that state)
  • You will be required to show proof of your eligibility to work in the United States before entering the classroom.  Proof of your eligibility can be verified by providing one of the following items:

    • Current Drivers License and Social Security Card (preferred because this will be required by MCS at orientation)
    • U.S. issued birth certificate Valid U.S. passport issued to the individual as a U.S. citizen
    • INS Certificate of Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
    • INS Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N570)
    • U.S. Dept. of State Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States
    • Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form I-551) 

*Unfortunately, we are unable to return transcripts once they have been submitted – even if an applicant is not admitted to the hiring pool.  

** If you have not already done so, we encourage you to review the necessary steps for applying for Tennessee certification if you do not currently hold a certificate from Tennessee. Although Teach Memphis will provide certification navigation services throughout the process, it is ultimately the candidate’s responsibility to be sure that s/he is fully eligible to teach in Tennessee.  

NOTE: THE PROCESS FOR SECURING YOUR OUT-OF-STATE TN TEACHING LICENSE IS LENGTHY.  PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW THE STEPS AND BEGIN GATHERING ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IMMEDIATELY.  FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE PLACED IN THE TEACHER POOL EVEN IF YOU MEET ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS.  INFORMATION ON SECURING YOUR OUT-OF-STATE TN LICENSE CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.state.tn.us/education/lic/out.shtml.