Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE)

Overseer of public K through 12 education in Tennessee.

Grow Your Own (GYO)
Program to provide EPPs and LEAs with resources and assistance in creating innovative, no-cost pathways for those looking to become or advance as teachers.

Teaching as a Profession (TAP)
Opportunity for high-school students interested in becoming an educator to take courses and participate in an internship while still in high school.

Educator Preparation Programs (EPP)
A college education preparation program, which according to state guidelines prepares a student to become a licensed early childhood, elementary or secondary teacher.

Local Education Agencies (LEA)
A public board of education or other public authority within a state that maintains administrative control of public elementary or secondary schools in a city, county, township, school district or other political subdivision of a state.

Apprenticeship
An industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Apprenticeships are vetted, approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Apprentice
A worker, at least 16 years of age, who is employed to learn a skilled trade through a registered apprenticeship program.

Teacher Candidate
A person who has been admitted to a teacher education program and is completing coursework.

Job-Embedded
Learning grounded in the daily work of teachers and is characterized as learning by doing and encourages teachers to actively engage in and reflect on their practices.

Mentor
A paired teacher who has experience, knowledge and connections within the field that will aid the apprentice through guidance, sharing and feedback.