Carter and Moyers School of Education

CAEP Accredited Program

Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Programs (BS in Education with K-5, ELL, and Special Education Concentrations)

Mission Statement

The mission of Lincoln Memorial University’s BS in Education program is to cultivate exceptional educators who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and dedication necessary to inspire and lead in a variety of educational environments. The program prepares candidates to become reflective, adaptable, and effective teachers through evidence-based assessment, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on continuous improvement. 

EPP Commitment

The EPP designs, implements, and evaluates curriculum and provides experiences for candidates to acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to help all students learn. Assessments indicate that candidates can demonstrate and apply proficiencies related to all students. Experiences provided for candidates include working with all populations,including higher education and PreK-12 school faculty, candidates, and students in PreK-12 schools. 

All Programs

The Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Department offers programs of study that lead to teacher licensure in Tennessee in elementary education, secondary education, special education, English language learners, and K-12 education. Licensure programs are approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education and adhere to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation standards. LMU reserves the right to adjust at any time its Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Program requirements to comply with changes mandated by the State Board of Education. 

Clinical Experience: All candidates are required to complete five service learning hours each semester, and many education courses include clinical experience components in addition to classroom seat time. Please see the Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Handbook for details. ALL REQUIRED PRAXIS EXAMS MUST BE PASSED PRIOR TO STUDENT TEACHING. All candidates must meet or exceed the state required minimum on the edTPA Assessment Portfolio submitted during student teaching in order to qualify for a Tennessee Teacher License and graduation.

Teacher Licensure Programs Grade Requirement

All education major courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Admission to the Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Programs

Admission to LMU does not ensure admission into the Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Programs. Candidates must complete the admissions process during Transition 1. The admissions process is initiated during the candidates’ enrollment in EDUC 290. Criteria and procedures for admission into the programs are as follows:

Full Admission:
Candidates will:

  1. Enroll in EDUC 290, The Teaching Profession
  2. Fill out Candidate Information Form
  3. Enroll in other professional education pre-requisite courses or academic content courses based on a four (4) year plan for program of study.
  4. Complete Professional Dispositions Interview (DAPtm)
  5. Submit the following documents to Academic Support Assistant (Bus. Ed. 214) to be considered for Admissions Interview:
    1. Cold Writing Sample: Submitted in EDUC 290 
  6. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation/Cogent Criminal Background Check (Complete prior to Release to Field Experiences)
    1. Liability Insurance Purchase
  7. Provide evidence of:
    1. ACT, SAT or CASE Praxis Exam (ACT = 21; SAT = 1020; CASE = writing, 162, Math 150, reading 156)
    2. University Transcript showing Cumulative GPA = 2.75
  8. Submit one recommendation from outside the Carter & Moyers School of Education.
  9. Complete and Pass the Formal Admissions Interview

Student Advising

After acceptance to the University, candidates pursuing Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate programs are assigned a professional advisor. The professional advisor assists each candidate in developing an educational plan that indicates a time frame for formal admission to the Initial Licensure Undergraduate Program and program completion. The candidate is responsible for scheduling advisement conferences with their professional advisor each semester. Their professional advisor can give valuable direction and encouragement, but each candidate is ultimately responsible for meeting all requirements and completing all required courses. For general advising email account, lincs@lmunet.edu.

Note: Candidates should expect to be required to travel outside the main campus for selected clinical field experiences during a portion of the program, including schools in other counties.

Contact Information:

Office of Initial Teacher Licensure Undergraduate Business Education Building 214
Telephone: 423-869-6253
Web site: www.lmunet.edu/education
Email: tywana.england@lmunet.edu

Office of Teacher Certification/Testing and Candidate Placement & Development
Business Education Building 214
Telephone: 423-869-6253
Email: tywana.england@lmunet.edu