Program Overview
As advancements in education continue to be a large focus in the U.S., teachers are in demand more than ever. It is evident that an early foundation is crucial to student success. So, join forces with our accomplished faculty on the path to become a confident and competent teacher. Depending on your preferred licensure range, you will gain teaching experience within appropriate grades of Nashville-area schools. Whether you choose licensure in PK-3, K-5, or 6-8* grades, you’ll have broad career potential based a solid foundation of effective teaching methods and practices.
The Nashville community provides opportunities for diverse experiences that include urban, suburban, and rural settings. You can add one or more areas of emphasis to gain certifications. If you choose to add an English Language Learner endorsement, you'll find you're even more marketable as a teacher. Lipscomb offers the opportunity for you to do a portion of your student teaching abroad through an international organization.
Interdisciplinary Teaching majors have the option to choose licensure or non-licensure pathways.
- P-3/SPED Early Childhood Education with integrated Special Ed Licensure: The state Department of Education now requires teachers to double major with both age-specific and special education training. Those pursuing Early Childhood Education will follow an integrated program in Interdisciplinary Studies in Teaching (Pre-K through 3rd Grade) with special education experience.
- K-5/SPED Elementary Education with dual Special Ed Licensure: Similar to Early Childhood, K-5 is now required a double major. Our dual endorsement program offers both licenses upon graduation. The Interdisciplinary Studies in Teaching (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) combines experiential special education training with general education for these ages.
- Middle Grades (6-8) Licensure: Students interested in teaching certain subjects available only for middle school grades can gain teaching licensure for these four subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Science
Lipscomb’s interdisciplinary teaching programs meet Tennessee licensure standards. You’ll gain the knowledge and practical experience you need to be well-prepared to pass the required content exams (Praxis) and the performance assessment of pedagogy (edTPA). You’ll be ready to teach in a wide variety of settings, sharing the content you love and making a difference in the lives of students and their families.
* Under Tennessee state law, teachers with 6-8 Licensure can also teach fifth and ninth grades within certain parameters.
Our Faculty
Career Paths
High School Teachers
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Career and Technical Education Teachers
Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. They teach academic and technical content to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.