Types of Experience Recognized by the State Department of Education 

 1.  Verified administrative, supervisory and teaching experience in  a public school operated by a Local Education Agency in the United States and its possessions.

 2. Verified administrative, supervisory and teaching experience in public schools or in nonpublic schools approved by recognized accrediting agencies. (Accrediting or approval agencies are State Departments of Education and/or Southern Middle States, North Central, New England, Northwest, and Western Associations of Schools and Colleges.) The burden of proof rests with the individual.

 3. Employees of the Tennessee Department of Education who held a valid Tennessee certificate during the period of employment for which experience is requested.

 4. Verified administrative, supervisory and teaching experience in a college and/or university as a full-time employee (paid full salary) as a voting member of the faculty. The institution must be accredited by recognized accrediting agencies. (Accrediting or approval agencies are State Departments of Education and/or Southern Middle States, North Central, New England, Northwest, and Western Associations of Schools and Colleges.) Graduate assistants are excluded. The burden of proof rests with the individual.

 5. Active military service in the armed forces of the United States prior to May 31, 1975. (Military Service in the Reserve or in the National Guard, other then active duty in the National Guard, shall not be counted.)

 6. Verified administrative, supervisory and teaching experience in Kindergarten through twelve grade schools or any combination thereof operated by the United States Government either within or outside of the United States.

 7. Verified teaching experience of teachers in public schools (K-12) on a foreign exchange basis.

NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT TO THE TENNESSEE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANY EXPERIENCE THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE ABOVE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULES, REGULATION AND MINIMUM STANDARDS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1986.

The burden of proof rests with the individual to obtain the necessary verification and submit same to the employing local board of education. The local board of education is required to submit verified teaching experience to the State Department of Education on or before December 1 of the current school year in order for the teacher to receive pay for same during current school year. A teacher must also obtain a Tennessee certificate by December 1 of the current school year.