MATHEMATICS
2025-2026 UT PLAYS Initial Licensure and Additional Endorsements Apps are OPEN!
MATHEMATICS
UT - Personal Learning at Your Speed (PLAYS) - Math aims to address the overlap of mathematical learning loss and unavailability of highly qualified math teachers in Tennessee by providing an accessible program by which current teachers can concurrently become fluent in mathematics content and pedagogy and add a Mathematics endorsement to their current Tennessee educator’s license.
Addresses the knowledge needed to teach secondary mathematics.
Introduces mathematics-specific pedagogical ad literacy high-leverage practices.
Provides resources for the mathematics classroom.
Provides the support necessary to pass state-required mathematics content area exams toward the goal of having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom.
Math Endorsements: UT-PLAYS Math offers candidates the options for licensure in Mathematics 6-12 or Mathematics 6-8
Emergency Credential/Employment Standard: Algebra 1 Employment Standard (Not an endorsement, does not transfer out of state)
The timeline for candidates to complete the program is approximately 100 hours. Candidates may progress through the program at their own pace.
The cost of the program is $1250 for a year subscription.
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.
Candidates can take the Praxis 5164 (Math 6-8) or the Praxis 5165 (Math 6-12). If a candidate chooses to take the Praxis 5164, they can also add the Algebra 1 Employment Standard. If a candidate chooses to take the Praxis 5165, they will receive the additional endorsement with no further work needed. Finally, if a candidate does not pass the licensure exam after two attempts, the Micro-credential certificate earned through course completion is valid for a period of three years allowing the candidate to continue working toward the goal of achieving licensure by passing the required exams. UT-PLAYS will provide study and review materials in open-access format to the candidate during this time period.
UT-PLAYS Math candidates earn 54 TDOE approved Professional Development Points as they progress through the program. PDPs are issued through Badgr and can be uploaded to TNCompass. Modules include: The Math Classroom: Instruction and Materials; Meeting the Needs of Our Students; Mathematical Literacy and Literacy in Content Areas; and 6 Math Content Knowledge including Probability and Statistics; Numbers, Quantity and Discrete Math; Algebra; Functions; Geometry; and Calculus (for Math 6-12 only).
The 2025-2026 Additional Endorsement Application is Now Open!