Master of Education in Initial Teacher Licensure

Want to earn your teaching certification simultaneously with your master's degree? Earn your Master of Education in Initial Teacher Licensure (MEdITL) degree from Lincoln Memorial University! If you're looking for a career change or have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but haven't yet received a teaching license, then the MEdITL program is just what you've been looking for. While we know that not everyone is able to attend class during the standard weekday time frame, we designed our Master of Education programs with flexibility in mind in order to provide you with the clearest path to success. To ensure that our program aligns with your busy schedule, we strategically developed a unique structure delivered in hybrid, online, and face-to-face formats with schedules planned for you in advance.

During your time in the MEdITL program, you will add the latest educational research, theory, and practice to the disciplinary knowledge you gained while in your undergraduate program. Through this program, you will be prepared to take on diverse opportunities while still pursuing creative routes and building your growing vision of the future. We offer post-baccalaureate (licensure only), job-embedded, and master's degree pathways within the licensure program including:

• Elementary Education (K-5)
• Secondary Education (6-12)
• Business Education (secondary)
• Biology (secondary)
• Chemistry (secondary)
• English (secondary)
• History (secondary)
• Mathematics (secondary)
• Physics (secondary)
• Physical Education (K-12)
• Visual Arts Education (K-12)
• Special Education – Comprehensive (K-12) (Initial Licensure or Add-On Licensure)
• Special Education – Interventionist (K-8) (Initial Licensure or Add-On Licensure)
• Special Education – Interventionist (6-12) (Initial Licensure or Add-On Licensure)

Apply to the Master of Education in Initial Teacher Licensure program

Review the details below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the MEdITL program at Lincoln Memorial University. To qualify, you must:

• Submit transcripts with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 from a completed baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree program, OR a GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 credit hours earned at a regionally accredited institution. If you do not meet the 2.75 GPA, you will be required to submit a written explanation of why you did not achieve the 2.75 GPA in addition to an appeal as to why you should be admitted to the program. If you are conditionally admitted, you will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in addition to being rated "satisfactory" on dispositional assessments before being allowed to continue in the program.
• Complete the background check waiver form.
• Complete Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check.
• Forward recommendation forms to three references.
• Complete an in-person interview upon review of admission documents.

To qualify for admission into the Enhanced Clinical Practice in Student Teaching, you must complete the following:

• Pass PRAXIS® Subject Assessments.
• Submit university transcripts documenting all required coursework completed as outlined in your individual program of study (minimum GPA of 3.0).

Licensure Requirements

• Successfully complete all requirements for Enhanced Student Teaching – EDUC 591 or EDUC 593
• Successfully submit edTPA portfolio if applicable
• Complete an exit interview
• Complete an exit survey

MEd Degree Exit Requirements

• Submit Intent to Graduate Form
• Successfully complete comprehensive exam

Job Embedded Pathway

LMU is state approved to provide licensure through the job-embedded experiences in all our licensure offerings. If you are in good standing in the LMU MEd with Teacher Licensure program, you may apply for admission in the Job Embedded Program during your enrollment in EDUC 570/571. Acceptance into the Job Embedded Program is NOT an automatic approval. To be considered for admission, you MUST complete and comply with the following:

• Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 grading scale OR possess a minimum GPA of at least 2.75 in your last 60 credit hours of a completed baccalaureate degree.
• Submit passing scores on PRAXIS® Content Knowledge Exam for the licensure you are applying to teach if you do not hold a bachelor's degree in that area*.
• Submit an official Letter of Intent to Hire from a partnering Tennessee school system stating the position, subject area, and grade level for which you are applying
• Meet all employment eligibility requirements for employment at the partnership school district.
• Enrollment in EDUC 570, EDUC 580, EDUC 571, and EDUC 509 with an overall grade equaling a "B" during your first year.
• Receive an interview and approval by the Job Embedded Candidate Review

*The Director of Licensure handles all licensure requests for job-embedded candidates. LMU is subject to TN DOE and TN SBOE rulings and policies which can change program requirements.

Note: Admission to the job-embedded program may involve changes to your course delivery including two semesters of EDUC 593.

Apply through the LMU portal for admission into LMU and the Master of Education in Initial Teacher Licensure program.

While pursuing a master's degree with a teaching licensure from LMU, there are certain benchmarks that you MUST meet in order to complete the program. To qualify for graduation, you must meet or exceed the following:

• Completion of the credit hours specified in your program of study.
• Earn a passing score on the PRAXIS® exams (see job-embedded requirements). You MUST pass the PRAXIS® as a pre-requisite for student teaching.
• Complete all requirements for clinical practice EDUC 591 of EDUC 593.
• Possess a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point grading scale (B).
• Payment of all fees.
• Completion of necessary interviews and surveys.
• Compliance with Institutional Research Board policies.
• Where applicable, earn a passing score on the edTPA©  Assessment while enrolled in EDUC 591 or EDUC 593 courses

Learn more about the initial teacher licensure requirements.

MEdITL Handbook

After completing the Master of Education in Initial Teacher Licensure program at Lincoln Memorial University, you will have the agency and the opportunity to take your first step towards your dream career. For years, the MEdITL program at LMU has provided a pathway for thousands of professionals to change their career and seek success as teachers shaping the future in classrooms throughout the state and our surrounding region.

Want to learn more about the MEdITL degree program at Lincoln Memorial University? Contact us any time and we will help you take your first step towards success and answer any questions you may have!

Stephanie Johnson
Phone: 865.531.4136
Email: s.jeffers-johnson@messianicfamilyfellowship.com

Carter & Moyers School of Education
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway,
Harrogate, TN 37752
Phone: 423.869.3611
800.325.0900