Employee FAQ

In Tennessee, teachers should hold a valid teaching license from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). Required certification varies by subject and grade level.

Freedom Prep typically requires teachers to have:

● A valid TN teaching license or eligibility to transfer an out-of-state license
● Appropriate endorsements for the subject/grade
● For some positions, like SPED or ESL, additional endorsements may be needed

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, visit the TDOE Educator Licensure page or contact us for guidance.

In Alabama, teachers must hold a valid certificate issued by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Certification requirements vary by subject and grade level. Freedom Prep typically requires:

• A valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate or eligibility for reciprocity from another state.
• Proper endorsements for the subject/grade level.
• For some positions (e.g., Special Education or ESL), additional endorsements may be required.

Yes. Tennessee offers temporary teaching permits, often referred to as “transitional” or “permit” licenses, to help fill hard-to-staff roles when qualified, licensed candidates are
unavailable.

There are a few key types of permits:

Transitional License (1-year, renewable up to 3 years)

Who it’s for:

● Out-of-state teachers waiting to complete TN licensure
● Candidates enrolled in an approved educator prep program (EPP)
● Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in the content area they plan to teach

Requirements:

● Employment with a Tennessee school district
● Bachelor’s degree (or higher)
● EPP enrollment or recommendation (for some roles)
● Must be working toward full licensure during the permit year

Yes. Alabama offers several pathways such as:

• Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate (ABC) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a content area.
• Emergency Certificates for critical shortage areas.
• Provisional Certificates in a Teaching Field (PCTF/PCCT) when districts cannot find fully certified candidates.

Permit/certificate holders must be actively working toward full licensure by completing an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), passing Praxis tests, and meeting ALSDE requirements within the permitted timeline.

In Alabama, candidates may receive up to two emergency certifications and one provisional certificate, subject to district discretion.

Yes. Permit holders are expected to actively work toward full licensure by:

● Enrolling in an approved educator preparation program (EPP)
● Passing required Praxis exams
● Meeting TN Department of Education (TDOE) requirements within the permitted time

Most permits are valid for 1 year and may be renewed up to 2 additional years, depending on the type and progress made.

Yes! We welcome educators from across the country and provide support with licensure transfers, including:

●Verifying your current license and endorsement areas
● Helping navigate TDOE and ALSDE’s reciprocity processes
● Providing onboarding and certification support once hired.

Our typical hiring process includes the following steps:

1. Phone Interview – An initial screening to learn more about you and your interest in the role.

2. Hiring Manager Interview & Demo – You’ll meet with a school or department leader for a deeper conversation about your experience. You may also be asked to submit a project-based activity or teach a sample lesson as part of this step.

3. Reference Check – We contact your professional references to learn more about your strengths and work style.

4. Offer – If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer to join the Freedom Prep team!