How to Apply

Important Dates

New application period launches: Tuesday, Nov. 1

 

Before starting your application, please read the information below in order to familiarize yourself with Memphis City Schools' rigorous application process and full-scale selection model.

Read through the content specific to you

Before starting your application, please read one of the three sections of this site specific to you. If you hold certification in Tennessee or another state, please read through the Certified Teacher section. Applicants interested in teaching in a high-need subject area while earning certification should read the Become a Teacher section.

Check your eligibility status

Certified applicants as well as those interested in an alternative route certification must meet our minimum eligibility requirements. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (2.75 GPA for elementary candidates), be a U.S. citizen, and pass a criminal background check. More information about MCS' eligibility requirements can be found in our FAQ section HERE.

Apply now

Our streamlined online application is easy to use and submit. To get started, click the Apply Now link in the sidebar. If you're a new applicant to Memphis City Schools, please create an application account by clicking the 'Create An Account' link on the application login page. Previous applicants can login with the same email address and password used in past applications. 

Click the Eligibility Questionnaire tab at the top of the page, and answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. Applicants interested in K-12 classroom positions including inclusion teachers, librarians, and guidance counselors should apply for instructional teaching positions, Applicants interested in Career and Technology positions such as cosmetology, health sciences or automotive should apply for vocational teaching positions. After submitting your responses, the Apply tab will appear on the homepage of your Applicant Portal. From there, you can begin work on your online application.

Please be sure to have the following items on hand:

  • your resume saved as a Microsoft Word document
  • contact information for three professional references
  • copy of your certification (if any)
  • transcripts from your undergraduate and/or graduate institutions
  • Praxis score report (if applicable)

Helpful application hints

Error messages built into the application will let you know if you've left out required information or if you entered text incorrectly. This information will appear near the top of the page and refers to a text field or drop down menu inside the application.  

Please do not enter scores for any exam other than the Praxis I or II. If you've taken an exam other than the Praxis in order to establish your highly qualified status in your state, you can submit copies of these score reports later in the application process. However, we do encourage you to list your exams in your resume.  

Please work on your essay responses in a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. In an effort to keep your information secure, the Teach Memphis application times out after about 15 minutes and will delete any information not saved during that time. Completing your essay responses in a word processing program gives you the opportunity to think deeply about your answers and take advantage of the proofreading and editing tools in the program you're using. When you're done, simply copy and paste your responses into the corresponding essay response fields inside your online application. If you need help with the copy and paste function, please read instructions on the process HERE. Your essay responses should be 200-400 words each.

Submit your application

Once you've completed all pages of the online application, please review your information for completeness and accuracy. On the final page of the application, enter your initials as your electronic signature and click the 'Submit' button at the bottom of the page. You will know you've successfully submitted your application when you receive a confirmation number as well as a confirmation message in the inbox of the email address you used to create your application account. 

Our office will contact you via email regarding next steps in the application process within 5-10 business days. You can also track your application status by clicking the Login link from the Teach Memphis website.

Next steps

After your application is screened, our office will contact you via email regarding next steps in the application process within 5-10 business days. You can also track your application status by clicking the Login link from the Teach Memphis website. 

Next steps in the application process may include:

  • a 30-minute phone interview with an MCS Selector
  • submission of required documentation
  • placement in the Teacher Candidate Pool for the 2012-13 school year

If you are not invited to continue in the application process, you will receive an email outlining your ineligibility.

Other opportunities

Substitute Teaching:  Many applicants interested in full-time teaching positions also express an interest in substitute opportunities with our district. If you’re interested learning more about the substitute application process, please visit the Memphis City Schools Human Resources Substitute page HERE or contact the Employee Service Center at 901-416-5304.

Administrative Positions: Applicants also interested in non-instructional administrative roles with MCS can apply for those positions using the district’s Job Board and SearchSoft application HERE. 

Memphis Teaching Fellows: Memphis Teaching Fellows is an opportunity for motivated, high-achieving professionals and recent college graduates from all backgrounds to contribute their talents toward closing the achievement gap by becoming highly effective teachers in high need subject areas.

Teach For America: Teach For America recruits outstanding recent college graduates from all backgrounds and career interests to commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools. We provide the training and ongoing support necessary to ensure their success as teachers in low-income communities. 

Memphis Teacher Residency: The Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR) seeks to positively impact student achievement in Memphis’ urban schools by recruiting, training, and supporting outstanding teachers, all within a Christian context.