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2025-2026 UT PLAYS Initial Licensure and Additional Endorsements Apps are OPEN!
Initial Licensure
Initial Licensure
UT - Personal Learning at Your Speed (PLAYS) - Initial Licensure Program aims to address the shortage of highly qualified special education and mathematics teachers in Tennessee by providing an accessible program by which post-baccalaureate teacher candidates can concurrently receive core and clinical course offerings leading to an initial teacher license focused on specialties in Special Education and Secondary Mathematics.
Program Type
Program Type
Job-Embedded Pathway:
Requires a bachelor's degree in any area from an accredited institution
Requires demonstration of content knowledge (praxis or a bachelor's degree in mathematics).
Requires securing a Teacher of Record position (Intent to Hire letter from school district).
There is a cost associated with this pathway: $2500 for a year-long program.
Apprenticeship Pathway:
Requires a bachelor's degree in any area from an accredited institution
Requires an apprentice job (educational assistant, tutor, sub, etc.) in a partnering school district.
Requires approval from the district (documentation that your district will provide you with a Mentor Teacher who is paid a stipend by the district - the amount is up to the district).
Funding is provided by the TNGYO Center, so it is at no cost to the apprentice or district.
Program Timeline
Program Timeline
Coursework can be completed in approximately 8-16 months. On your own time and at your own pace.
Core/Clinical Courses
Core/Clinical Courses
Module 1 - Diverse Classrooms: Fostering Success for All Students
Module 2 - Empowering Every Learner
Module 3 - Classroom Management
Module 4 - Math for All
Module 5 - Content Area Reading
Module 6 - Literacy for All
Module 7 - Practicum
Module 8 - EdTech
Course Materials
Course Materials
All course materials will be provided to candidates with a subscription. The subscription covers the cost of 1 Praxis exam. All others are the responsibility of the teacher candidate.
Apply for the Apprenticeship** or Job-Embedded program to become a licensed teacher!
** The apprenticeship applications are dependent on state funding.
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