The University of Memphis has received approval to issue Type II Alternative Licenses for all licensure areas except Early Childhood and Elementary Education. The process for qualifying for a Type II license begins at the school district human resources office. The University of Memphis cannot issue a Type II license unless a school district notifies the Office of Teacher Education’s licensure officer of its intent to employ. If a district wants to employ an individual on a Type II license, then the following admission requirements must be met to 1. Receive the Type II license and 2. To be renewed for a second year. All individuals who are employed on a Type II license must assume responsibility for maintaining their license and completing the licensing program. Failure to adhere to Type II requirements will result in non-renewal of the license or the inability to apply for a regular teaching license at the end of the two years of alternative teaching.

Admission Process

All candidates for alternative licensure will have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a grade point average of at least 2.5.

Secondary (grades 7-12)

Secondary candidates must meet content knowledge admission requirements in one of the following ways, the candidates must provide:

• an official transcript that reflects a major in the endorsement area they are being employed to teach, OR
• an official transcript reflecting a minimum of 24 semester hours in the endorsement area (i.e. math, history, etc) they are being employed to teach, OR
• official Praxis II test scores reflecting a passing score on the Content Knowledge Exam they are being employed to teach.
• As supplemental information to determine course work and qualifications, a portfolio of prior experiences related to teaching and subject matter competence maybe submitted for consideration.
• Type II Alternative Licensure Program: Secondary Education

Admission to the Teacher Education Program: Secondary Education

• Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 and have obtained a 3.0 grade point average during the first semester of Alternative Licensure course work.
• Submit a Teacher Education Program Application during the first semester of enrollment.
• Submit official scores on the PPST writing exam of 173 or higher or an official GRE writing score of 3.5 or higher.
• Submit official Praxis II Content Knowledge Scores that meet the State minimum score for licensure during the first semester of enrollment.
• Submit two reference forms from College of Education Faculty, which include a positive dispositional evaluation of the candidate.

*Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in non-renewal of the candidate.

Middle School

Middle School candidates must be fully admitted to the Teacher Education Program, as required by State policy. In order to be admitted the candidate will be required to:

• Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 and obtained a 3.0 grade point average during first semester of Alternative Licensure coursework.
• Submit a Teacher Education Application.
• Provide an official transcript reflecting a major in one of the four core content areas (English, math, social studies, or science) and an additional fifteen hours in another core content area, OR provide an official transcript reflecting a minimum of 15 hours in each of two core content areas.
• Submit passing scores on the Praxis II Middle School Content Knowledge Exam.
• Provide official test scores on the PPST writing subtest of 173 or a 3.5 on the GRE writing subtest.
• Submit two reference forms from College of Education Faculty that include a positive dispositional evaluation of the candidate.
• Type II Alternative Licensure Program: (Middle Grades 4-8)

Special Education

Special Education candidates for alternative licensure must be fully admitted to the Teacher Education Program, as required by State Policy. In order to be fully admitted, the candidate will be required to:

• Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 and have a 3.0 grade point average in the three graduate courses taken prior to beginning the alternative licensure course work and being employed by an LEA. These nine hours will not count as part of the 24 hours required for Special Education alternative licensure. The needs of the special education students warrant some special education content knowledge prior to being recommended for a Type II license.
• Submit a Teacher Education Application.
• Submit passing scores on one of the following Praxis II exams: Elementary Content Knowledge, Middle School Content Knowledge or the Special Education Core Content Knowledge.
• Provide official test scores on the PPST writing subtest of 173 or a 3.5 on the GRE writing subtest.
• Submit two reference forms from College of Education faculty that include a positive dispositional evaluation of the candidate.
• Complete SPED 7000, 7211 and 7221 with a 3.0 grade point average prior to full admission to TEP. These three courses will be offered summers and are necessary for individuals to demonstrate the necessary content knowledge required of special education teachers.
• Candidates may submit a portfolio detailing prior relevant experience for analysis. If the result of the analysis by special education faculty, results in a decision that the candidate does not need certain courses in the program, the candidate and the LEA will be notified in writing.
• Type II Alternative Licensure Program: Special Education

Counselor Licensure:

Candidates placed on a Type II license in Counseling will:

• hold a Masters Degree in Counseling or related field.
• document appropriate clinical experiences.
• successfully complete the specialty examination in School Counseling (Praxis 0420)

Completion of the Program

Each candidate will be required to:

• Maintain a 3.0 in all licensure course work.
• Pass all parts of the Praxis II licensure exams requirements.
• Submit official transcripts of all prior college course work.
• Provide copies of all evaluations conducted during their Type II licensure period. The Framework for Professional Growth and Evaluation of the candidate must reflect successful teaching.
• A letter from the LEA will verify successful teaching and confirm the required mentoring has taken place prior to recommending a candidate for an apprentice license.