In Tennessee, Relay offers Master of Arts in Teaching programs with the option to pursue licensure, a non-degree licensure only program, and an Advanced Certificate program. Relay students teaching across Tennessee enroll in Relay Memphis or Relay Nashville.
Join our community of practitioners focused on achievement, and well-being of students and teachers.
Our Programs
Relay offers a variety of practice-based programs where aspiring and current teachers develop their skills to ensure that all students thrive.
Master of Arts in Teaching + Licensure
- MAT degree
- Licensure
- teaching Residency option
- Summer or Fall Term Start options
Audience
Duration
(Approx. 2 years)
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
32 credits
MAT in Elementary Education
MAT in English Language Arts Education
MAT in Mathematics Education
MAT in Science Education
MAT in Social Studies Education
38 credits
MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
39 credits
MAT in Early Childhood Special Education
MAT in Special Education
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students may elect to pursue their teacher licensure in one of the following areas. Licensure must correspond with the content of their degree program.
Biology (Grades 6-12)
Chemistry (Grades 6-12)
Earth Science (Grades 6-12)
Economics (Grades 6-12)
Elementary Education (Grades K-5)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-8)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Geography (Grades 6-12)
Government (Grades 6-12)
History (Grades 6-12)
Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Mathematics (Grades 6-10)
Mathematics (Grades 6-12)
Physics (Grades 6-12)
Psychology (Grades 9-12)
Science (Grades 6-8)
Social Studies (Grades 6-8)
Sociology (Grades 9-12)
Only students in the MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners may select the following endorsement. Students in that program may also select a second licensure endorsement for a dual endorsement:
English as a Second Language PreK-12
Only students in the MAT in Early Childhood Special Education may select this endorsement area:
Integrated Early Childhood Education (Grades Pre-K-3)
Only students in the MAT in Special Education may select either of the following endorsements. They may pursue a single endorsement in one of the special education areas plus a content Area of Study, or one of the special education endorsements plus a general education endorsement from the list above (dual endorsement).
Special Education Interventionist (Grades K-8)
Special Education Interventionist (Grades 6-12)
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Master of Arts in Teaching Only
- MAT Degree
- Teaching Residency option
- Summer or fall term start options
Audience
Duration
(Approx. 2 years)
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
32 credits
MAT in Elementary Education
MAT in English Language Arts Education
MAT in Mathematics Education
MAT in Science Education
MAT in Social Studies Education
38 credits
MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
39 credits
MAT in Early Childhood Special Education
MAT in Special Education
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students may elect to pursue their teacher licensure in one of the following areas. Licensure must correspond with the content of their degree program.
Biology (Grades 6-12)
Chemistry (Grades 6-12)
Earth Science (Grades 6-12)
Economics (Grades 6-12)
Elementary Education (Grades K-5)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-8)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Geography (Grades 6-12)
Government (Grades 6-12)
History (Grades 6-12)
Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Mathematics (Grades 6-10)
Mathematics (Grades 6-12)
Physics (Grades 6-12)
Psychology (Grades 9-12)
Science (Grades 6-8)
Social Studies (Grades 6-8)
Sociology (Grades 9-12)
Only students in the MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners may select the following endorsement. Students in that program may also select a second licensure endorsement for a dual endorsement:
English as a Second Language Pre-K-12
Only students in the MAT in Early Childhood Special Education may select this endorsement:
Integrated Early Childhood Education (Grades Pre-K-3)
Only students in the MAT in Special Education may select either of the following endorsements. They may pursue a single endorsement in one of the special education areas plus a content Area of Study, or one of the special education endorsements plus a general education endorsement from the list above (dual endorsement).
Special Education Interventionist (Grades K-8)
Special Education Interventionist (Grades 6-12)
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Tennessee Job-Embedded Licensure Program
- Licensure
- Summer or Fall Term Start Options
Audience
Duration
(Approx. 1 year)
Credits
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Biology (Grades 6-12)
Chemistry (Grades 6-12)
Earth Science (Grades 6-12)
Economics (Grades 6-12)
Elementary Education (Grades K-5)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-8)
English/Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Geography (Grades 6-12)
Government (Grades 6-12)
History (Grades 6-12)
Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Mathematics (Grades 6-10)
Mathematics (Grades 6-12)
Physics (Grades 6-12)
Psychology (Grades 9-12)
Science (Grades 6-8)
Social Studies (Grades 6-8)
Sociology (Grades 9-12)
Students may choose to pursue the following endorsement in addition to one from the list above, for a dual endorsement:
English as a Second Language Pre-K-12
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Tennessee Teacher Licensure Program
- Licensure
- Teaching Residency
- Summer or Fall term start options
Audience
Duration
(Approx. 1 year)
Credits
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students in this program will choose one of the following licensure endorsement areas, and receive a substantial amount of support to pass their licensure exams.
Biology 6-12
Chemistry 6-12
Earth Science 6-12
Economics 6-12
Elementary Education K-5
English/Language Arts 6-8
English 6-12
Geography 6-12
Government 6-12
History 6-12
Mathematics 6-8
Mathematics 6-10
Mathematics 6-12
Physics 6-12
Psychology 9-12
Science 6-8
Social Studies 6-8
Sociology 9-12
Note: This program qualifies as a registered apprenticeship in Tennessee. All students will be in a residency program model, and some may be eligible for financial support via apprenticeship. Students will learn more about this opportunity during the application process.
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Advanced Certificate in Special Education
- Graduate certificate
- special education licensure option
- Fall term start
Audience
Duration
(Approx. 1 year)
Credits
Certificate ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students in this program may elect to pursue one of the following licensure endorsements in addition to the graduate certificate:
Special Education Interventionist (Grades K-8)
Special Education Interventionist (Grades 6-12)
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
The Relay Approach
Relay is honored to partner with Tennessee’s largest school districts in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, as well many public charter school networks, and we are eager to continue working in collaboration with schools and districts on their long-term strategy for teacher recruitment and development. Our work in Tennessee launched with the founding of our Memphis campus in 2015, expanded with the launch of our Nashville campus in 2016, and starting in 2022 will expand to Knoxville. According to the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Teacher Prep Report Card, Relay is one of the top producers in the state of educators working in high-need subject areas, including Math, Science, Special Education, and English as a Second Language.
Faculty
Relay has nearly 140 experienced, supportive faculty across our campuses. Here is one example of a faculty member who teaches and advises our Tennessee students:
“ ‘Only the educated are free.’- Epictetus. This philosophy fuels my passion and purpose for teaching graduate students. As teachers, we can influence or inhibit the liberation of the young minds we meet in our classrooms. When I see this philosophy take root in my graduate students, I am encouraged by the work they will do on behalf of the children we serve.”
- Lequite Manning, Department Chair of Clinical Practice
Dr. Lequite Manning is the Department Chair of Clinical Practice and Residency for Relay Graduate School of Education and will serve as the Clinical Practice Director for the state of Tennessee. Her expertise ranges from elementary teacher, principal, and Instructional Leadership Director specializing in coaching principals, building positive school and organizational cultures, and change management. She will graduate with an Ed.D in Leadership in School Reform in December 2022.
School and District Partners
Relay partners with over 25 public school districts and systems across Tennessee. Here is just a sample:
- Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Knox County Schools
- Freedom Preparatory Academy
- Promise Academy
- KIPP Nashville
- LEAD Public Schools
- Valor Collegiate Academies
Teacher Recruitment Partners
Man Up Teacher Fellowship
Relay partners with Man Up Teacher Fellowship to support and develop male teachers of color looking to become excellent educators for their students.
Teach For America - Nashville
Relay partners with Teach For America - Nashville to provide high quality training, coaching, and support to TFA corps members through Relay's Alternative Licensure and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs.
Regulations and Policies Specific To Tennessee
Credits earned at the Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) may not transfer to another educational institution. Credits earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by Relay. You should obtain confirmation that Relay will accept any credits you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer credits earned at Relay to determine if such institutions will accept credits earned at Relay prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement. The ability to transfer credits from Relay to another educational institution may be very limited. Your credits may not transfer and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at Relay if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that credits will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of credit policy of Relay and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the credits earned at Relay before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.
You may access the full Tennessee Transferability of Credits disclosure here.
Contact Details
Prospective students and prospective district partners can contact our team anytime at support@relay.edu
For School or School System Leaders
Relay can help you develop your aspiring and current teachers to gain the vital skills and credentials needed to transform student lives.
For Aspiring or Current Teachers
Interested in finding out more about Relay’s programs? Have a burning question? Fill out this interest form and a Prospective Student Advisor will reach out to you!