Secondary & Middle School Teachers
Math & Science Teachers
Foreign Language & ESL Teachers
Other Middle, Secondary & K-12 Subject Teachers
Math & Science Teachers
Memphis City Schools has a great need for math and science teachers in grades 7-12. Studies show that the most successful Math and Science educators are those with strong content knowledge in those subjects.
MCS offers the following math classes to our students: general Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Introduction to College Math, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics.
Science is taught is the following areas: General Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Physical Science.
To read the instructional and curriculum taught in Memphis City Schools, visit the Teaching and Learning Academy’s website at:
http://www.memphis-schools.k12.tn.us/admin/tlapages/curriculumguides/index.asp
Uncertified Math & Science Applicants
If you have the passion for Math or Science, but don’t hold a teaching license you may be able to qualify for an transitional license or enroll in a special program. You can qualify by meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Have a major in Math or Science. To teach Math, you must have a Mathematics degree. To teach a science, your degree must be in the specific area that you will be teaching: Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
OR
2. Pass the required Praxis exams in the subject area that you want to teach. For information on these tests, please visit http://state.tn.us/education/lic/nte.shtml
For more information on teaching on an transitional license, please click here.
Special Opportunities for Uncertified Math or Science Teachers
If you do not have a teaching license, there are opportunities for you to become licensed through Accelerated Math and Science licensure programs.
Memphis Teaching Fellows is an opportunity for motivated, high-achieving professionals or college graduates to revitalize the Memphis education system. This highly-selective program is a new MCS initiative to place talented and passionate individuals in Math, Chemistry, Spanish and Special Education classrooms. Fellows attend a summer training institute and begin teaching full-time in fall 2007 while earning a standard Tennessee teaching license. For more information and to apply, please visit www.memphisteachingfellows.org
Transition to Teaching seeks Math and Science professionals who decide to change careers and become teachers. Candidates receive a $5,000 forgivable loan for tuition toward the eighteen graduate hours required to meet licensure requirements, support through an induction program and ongoing professional development opportunities. For more information and detailed program requirements, visit http://www.tnt2t.com.
If you are not chosen for one of these programs, you may be able to qualify for an transitional teaching license on your own and then choose to enroll in the Teacher Education Program of your choice. For more information on how to qualify for the transitional license, click here.
Math and Science FAQs
What if I have a degree in liberal arts but want to teach math?
If you are thinking about teaching math, then we encourage you to pursue a license to teach math. Although you don’t automatically qualify for an transitional license because of your degree, if you take and pass the Praxis exams in math you will qualify for an transitional license.
If I am accepted into one of the Math or Science licensure program, do I still have to meet MCS’ eligibility requirements?
Yes. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, successfully pass a criminal background check and be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Foreign Language & English as a Second Language (ESL)
Are you interested in teaching languages from around the world or developing English Language Learner students’ proficiency? Memphis City Schools offers its students a Transitional English as a Second Language Program (ESL) and the opportunity to learn Latin, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, Etymology, Japanese, Russian and German! If you have a degree or a teaching license in a Foreign Language, we encourage you to apply to share your passion with Memphis City Schools.
Foreign Languages in MCS
For more information, visit the Foreign Language department homepage at:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/languages/index.asp
Currently Uncertified Foreign Language Applicants
You can qualify to teach a foreign language on an transitional license by meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Have a major in the subject area.
OR
2. Pass the required Praxis exams in the subject area that you want to teach. For information on these tests, please visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/lic/nte.shtml
For more information on teaching on an transitional license, please click here.
Memphis Teaching Fellows is an opportunity for motivated, high-achieving professionals or college graduates to revitalize the Memphis education system. This highly-selective program is a new MCS initiative to place talented and passionate individuals in math, chemistry, Spanish and special education classrooms. Fellows attend a summer training institute and begin teaching full-time in fall 2007 while earning a standard Tennessee teaching license. For more information and to apply, please visit:
www.memphisteachingfellows.org
ESL in MCS
Memphis City Schools has a Transitional English as a Second Language Program (ESL) as opposed to any of several bilingual models. The ESL Program is a supplemental transitional program that focuses on developing the student’s competency in English skills and academic achievement until the student can fully benefit from regular classroom instruction.
ESL teachers work to help the English Language Learner (ELL) students become proficient enough in listening, speaking, reading and writing English to transition into mainstream classes. In the elementary grades, it is a pull-out what is a pull-out program? program and the amount of instructional time varies with the proficiency levels of the students. In middle and high school there are coded classes for ESL Language Arts and Social Studies.
Beginner level students usually have two hours each day with the ESL teacher and the rest of their day in regular classes (Math, Science, P.E., etc.). High school students are allowed to use two (2) credits of ESL toward the graduation requirement of four (4) credits of English. Additional ESL courses after two can be used as electives. The ESL classes are not mixed with native speakers of English, but the ELL students do attend regular classes each day.
Visit the ESL department at:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/esl/index.asp.
Currently Uncertified ESL Applicants
Some Tennessee universities offer ESL as an add-on endorsement only, so you must already possess a standard teaching license in Tennessee or in another state to add this endorsement to your existing license. As an add-on endorsement, you must complete at least nine (9) of the required 15 hours of ESL coursework to qualify for the transitional license in ESL. If you are licensed in another area and are interested in adding this endorsement to your license, please visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/lic/add.shtml.
Each university that offers an initial licensure in ESL determines the number of credit hours and coursework that must first be completed to be eligible for alternative licensure. Please contact your prospective university for transcript evaluation and to determine your course of study for licensure.
Other Middle, Secondary & K-12 Subjects
Memphis City Schools is in need of excellent middle and secondary teachers! Please explore this section, in alphabetical order by subject area, to discover more about how you can join MCS’s team of dedicated secondary educators.
All secondary educators must hold a standard license or be eligible for a highly qualified transitional license in the subject in which they will be teaching.
All middle grades teachers must be highly qualified in one or all of the four content areas: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science or Math. Professional or Apprentice K-8 licenses in Tennessee are not considered highly qualified for Middle Grades. To become highly qualified in grades 6-8, you must complete the Middle School Content Knowledge PRAXIS exams (#0146) or one of the four subject-specific Middle Grades PRAXIS exams.
Art
We consider both fully certified and candidates eligible for an transitional license in Art. For more information on MCS’ Visual Art program, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/art/index.asp
Business Education
You must be fully certified in Business Education to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools, as it is a low-need subject. Depending upon the needs of the district, we may consider candidates who are actively pursuing licensure in Business Education and have made significant progress in a Teacher Education Program.
English & Language Arts
MCS recognizes that building literacy skills is critical to the future success of every student. The district gives priority consideration to candidates who are fully certified to teach English or Language Arts. Depending upon the needs of the district, you may be considered if you have taken significant steps towards becoming licensed or have completed an advanced degree in English.
Family and Consumer Science
You must be fully certified in Family and Consumer Science to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools, as it is a low-need subject. We do not consider candidates eligible only for transitional licenses in this area.
Health
You must be fully certified in Health to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools, as it is a low-need subject. We do not consider candidates eligible only for transitional licenses in this area.
For more information on Health, P.E and Wellness, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/pe/index.asp
Music
Music is a high-need area for Memphis City Schools. We are seeking teachers who are certified in Music Education in one of our three focus areas – Instrumental Music, Vocal/General Music and ORFF Music. We also consider candidates who are eligible for transitional licenses in these subject areas. To be eligible for an transitional license, you must:
1. Have a major in Music Performance, Instrumental, Vocal or General Music. Degrees in Music Management or Music History do not qualify.
OR
2. Pass the required PRAXIS exams in the subject area that you want to teach. For information on these tests, please visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/lic/nte.shtml
For more information on MCS’ ORFF music program, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/music/orff.asp
For more information on MCS’ Music program, including Band and Choir, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/music/index.asp
For more information on teaching on an transitional license, please click here.
Physical Education
You must be fully certified in Physical Education to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools. Depending upon the needs of the district, we may consider candidates who are actively pursuing licensure in Physical Education and have made significant progress in a Teacher Education Program.
For more information on Health, P.E. and Wellness in MCS, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/pe/index.asp
Psychology
You must be fully certified in Psychology to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools.
Social Studies – History, Geography, Economics, Sociology or Government
Tennessee does not have a broad-field (i.e. “Social Studies”) license. Instead, all candidates must be licensed in one or more of the specific Social Studies areas – History, Geography, Economics, Sociology or Government.
Certified Social Studies Applicants
If you are certified in Tennessee in one of these specific Social Studies areas, consider taking a PRAXIS exam in another Social Studies content area. Candidates who are dually-certified have a greater chance of finding positions than those who are not. Our areas of greatest need are those who are certified in History, but have additional endorsements in Geography, Government or Economics.
If you are certified out-of-state, your license must be in one of these five content areas. Tennessee will not reciprocate licenses for candidates who have non-Tennessee license in “Social Studies”, as there is no reciprocal license. To be eligible to teach in TENNESSEE, you must successfully complete one or more of the required PRAXIS exams in the Social Studies content area. For more information on the required exams, please visit http://state.tn.us/education/lic/nte.shtml
For more information on MCS’ Social Studies program, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/social_studies/index.asp
Speech
You must be fully certified in Speech Communication to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools. We do not consider candidates eligible only for transitional licenses in this area.
Theatre
You must be fully certified in Theatre to be considered for positions with Memphis City Schools. Depending upon the needs of the district, we may consider candidates who are actively pursuing licensure in Theater and have made significant progress in a Teacher Education Program.
For more information on MCS’ Theatre program, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/art/index.asp
Vocational Education
Memphis City Schools offers a comprehensive Vocational Education program to give students the technical training and skills to be successful in variety of career fields and in their post-secondary education. For more information on the MCS Division of Careers and Technology, please visit:
http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/communications/Dept_Curriculum/Careers_Tech/Careers_frames.htm
Vocational Licensure
All of MCS' Occupational/Vocational Education candidates must be eligible for a Tennessee Occupation teaching license. To apply for an Occupational license, please visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/lic/doc/ed2984_001.pdf
To be eligible for an Occupational license in Health Science, you must document three years of full-time successful employment within the past five years in a state approved health care facility: (ex: hospital, nursing home, rehab center, dental or medical office, home health, day surgery center etc.). You must also have an associate or higher degree and hold current licensure or certification in an allied health occupation, or current licensure as a registered nurse in Tennessee.
To be eligible for licensure in Trade and Industry, you must document a minimum of five years of appropriate and current work experience during the past eight years in the field for which the application is made. You must also be a high school graduate or the equivalent as determined by the General Education Development (GED) test. For a listing of licensure areas, please visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/lic/endcode.shtml.
To become a Cosmetology educator, you must hold current licensure to instruct in Tennessee as issued by the respective state licensing board in addition to the other requirements for Trade and Industry educators.
