Rutherford Teach Now

EPP (Educator Preparation Provider)

Rutherford County Schools is proud to host the first district-led Educator Preparation Provider program in the state of Tennessee. This cohort-based program provides job-embedded teachers with the educational foundations and coursework necessary to make a successful transition into the classroom. Job-embedded participants serve as the official teacher of record in the approved content endorsement areas while completing a series of peer observations to diversify their training experience.

Rutherford Teach Now (RTN) is an 18-month education preparation provider (EPP) program for individuals pursuing a teaching license in the approved program endorsement areas listed below. The RTN program is designed to increase efficacy in classroom culture, classroom management, instructional planning, and assessment.

Enrollment opens each year on February 1. Classes and coursework start in July. To apply, click HERE. Late hires after August 31 will need to email Dr. Amber Matuszewski at [email protected] to be added to our list for the next cohort. Questions about enrollment or the program of study may be emailed to Dr. Matuszewski.

Classes focus on the main foundational elements of successful teaching:

1) Instructional Planning

2) Engagement Strategies

3) Assessment and Feedback

4) Classroom Culture

While not a degree-conferring program, successful participants who complete the RCS EPP program will earn licensure advancement from practitioner to professional status.

Teach Now participants meet five days for summer induction plus the Ignite New Teacher Event in July the summer before teaching, one weekday a month during the school year, one Saturday in the Fall and Spring semesters (total of 3), and three days after the first-year teaching for summer transition to complete their EPP instruction.

Video: Non-traditional method of recruiting teachers in Rutherford County

Click on the approved endorsement below for more detailed program information related to eligibility, participation, and program costs.

Mathematics (6-12) or Mathematics (6-10) or Mathematics (6-8)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - Math candidates must pass a content exam or have a qualifying degree in the content area.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Mathematics 6-12: Praxis 5165 (Score 159)

Mathematics 6-10: NES 105 (Score 220)

Mathematics 6-8: Praxis 5164 (Score 157)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

Click HERE to register for the Math NES 105.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month

Additional resources:

YouTube has multiple video lessons.

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc., sell multiple books targeted at specific Praxis exam prep.

Dr. Amber Matuszewski - Lead Teach Now Specialist (Math & Science)

Science (6-8) or Biology (6-12) or Chemistry (6-12) or Earth Science (6-12) or Physics (6-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - Science candidates must pass a content exam or have a qualifying degree in the content area.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Biology: Praxis 5236 (Score 154)

Chemistry: Praxis 5246 (Score 146)

Earth Science: Praxis #5572 (Score 154)

Physics 6-12: Praxis 5266 (Score 145)

Middle Grades Science 6-8: Praxis 5442 (Score 152)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month
Bozeman Science http://www.bozemanscience.com/	Videos by Subject and Topic	Free
https://thecrashcourse.com/	Videos by Subject and Topic	Free

Additional resources:

YouTube has multiple video lessons.

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc., sell multiple books targeted at specific Praxis exam prep.

Dr. Amber Matuszewski - Lead Teach Now Specialist (Math & Science)

English Language Arts (6-12) or ELA (6-8)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - ELA candidates must pass a content exam or have a qualifying degree in the content area.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

ELA 6-12: Praxis 5038 (Score 167)

Middle Grades ELA 6-8: Praxis 5047 (Score 164)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Erin Hendricks - Teach Now Specialist (Humanities)

Social Studies: Middle Grades Social Studies (6-8) or History (6-12) or Government (6-12) or Geography (6-12) or Economics (6-12) or Psychology (9-12) or Sociology (9-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - Social Studies candidates must pass a content exam or have a qualifying degree in the content area.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Middle Grades Social Studies 6-8: Praxis 5089 (Score 146)

History 6-12: Praxis 5941 (Score 157)

Government 6-12: Praxis 5931 (Score 149)

Geography 6-12: Praxis 5921 (Score 149)

Economics 6-12: Praxis 5911 (Score 150)

Sociology 9-12: Praxis 5952 (Score 154)

Psychology 9-12: Praxis 5391 (Score 154)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Erin Hendricks - Teach Now Specialist (Humanities)

World Languages: Spanish (6-12) or French (6-12) or German (6-12) or Latin (6-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - World Languages candidates must pass a content exam or have a qualifying degree in the content area.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Spanish 6-12: Praxis 5195 (Score 163) or Alta Language Services Assessment

AND

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (Score of Advanced Low or higher) *Does not need to be passed prior to enrollment

French 6-12: Praxis 5174 (Score 160) or Alta Language Services Assessment

AND

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (Score of Advanced Low or higher) *Does not need to be passed prior to enrollment

German 6-12: Praxis 5183 (Score 163) or Alta Language Services Assessment

AND

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (Score of Advanced Low or higher) *Does not need to be passed prior to enrollment

Latin 6-12: Praxis 5601 (Score 148)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

Click HERE to register for the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Erin Hendricks - Teach Now Specialist (Humanities)

Special Education Intervention (K-8) or (6-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - SpEd candidates must pass a content exam.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Special Education Interventionist K-8 or 6-12: Praxis 5355 (Score 145)

AND

Teaching Reading: Elementary Praxis 5205 (Score 159) *Does not need to be passed prior to enrollment

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Test Dates:

Special Education Foundational Knowledge Praxis 5355

Middle Tennessee State University- Test Dates

February	March	April	May	June
5, 6, 12, 13	5, 6, 12, 13	9, 10, 16, 17	7, 8 14, 15	4, 5, 11, 12

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Kathleen Jasper https://kathleenjasper.com	Digital study guide with questions	$25.99
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month

Additional Resource for SpEd Intervention Foundational Knowledge Praxis:

Praxis SpEd 5355 Free Webinar – KathleenJasper

Additional Resource for Elementary Reading Praxis:

Praxis Teaching Reading 5205 Free Webinar – KathleenJasper

Dr. Melinda Pope - Teach Now Specialist (Special Populations)

Special Education Comprehensive (K-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - SpEd candidates must pass a content exam.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Special Education Comprehensive K-12: Praxis 5547 (Score 156)

AND

Teaching Reading: Elementary Praxis 5205 (Score 159) *Does not need to be passed prior to enrollment

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Test Dates:

Special Education Foundational Knowledge Praxis 5547

Middle Tennessee State University- Test Dates

February	March	April	May	June
5, 6, 12, 13	5, 6, 12, 13	9, 10, 16, 17	7, 8 14, 15	4, 5, 11, 12

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Kathleen Jasper https://kathleenjasper.com	Digital study guide with questions	$25.99
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month

Additional Resource for Elementary Reading Praxis:

Praxis Teaching Reading 5205 Free Webinar – KathleenJasper

Dr. Melinda Pope - Teach Now Specialist (Special Populations)

English as a Second Language (PK-12)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - ESL candidates must pass a content exam.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

English as a Second Language PK-12: Praxis 5362 (Score 155)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Exam Dates:

English to Speakers of Other Languages PK-12 Praxis 5362

At Home Testing Option or Middle Tennessee State University- Test Dates

May	June	July	August	September	October	November
5/1/24	6/5/24	7/10/24	8/7/24	9/4/24	10/2/24	11/6/24
5/2/24	6/6/24	7/11/24	8/8/24	9/5/24	10/3/24	11/7/24
5/8/24	6/12/24	7/17/24	8/14/24	9/11/24	10/9/24	11/13/24
5/9/24	6/13/24	7/18/24	8/15/24	9/12/24	10/10/24	11/14/24
5/15/24		7/24/24
		7/25/24

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Quizlet ESL Praxis Study Guide Flashcards \| Quizlet	Digital study flashcards	Free
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month

Additional Resource for Free ESOL / ESL Content Exam Webinar:

Praxis ESL 5362 Free Webinar – KathleenJasper

Dr. Melinda Pope - Teach Now Specialist (Special Populations)

Academic Career and Technical Education (Agriculture, Business, Family & Consumer Science, or Marketing)

Requirements:

Academic candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Have a completed bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)
  - CTE Academic candidates must pass a content exam.

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Testing Info:

Agriculture 6-12: Praxis 5701 (Score 147)

Family & Consumer Science 6-12: Praxis 5122 (Score 153)

Business 6-12: Praxis 5101 (Score 154)

Marketing 6-12: Praxis 5561 (Score 169)

Click HERE to register for a Praxis exam.

To check on the release date of your Praxis score report, click HERE.

Online Resources:

Study. Com www.study.com Money back guarantee	Practice tests & study course	Free 30 day trial then $50 monthly subscription
240 Tutoring https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/ Money back guarantee	Practice tests and study guide	Free practice test, $49.99 month for study guide/tests
TeacherCertification.com www.teachercertification.com 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & personalized study program	$59.99 a month for personalized course
Teachers Test Prep www.teacherstestprep.com Money back guarantee on year course	Practice tests, study guides, online course	Free practice tests & study guide, $95 for accelerated course, $145 year course
Mometrix Test Preparation https://www.mometrix.com/academy/?nab=1 One year money back guarantee	Practice tests, study guides, flashcards	Prices vary on items purchased
Praxis ETS www.praxisets.org	Practices tests & study guide	$19.99 per test, $180 study guide
Praxis Exam. Org www.praxisexam.org 30 Day money back guarantee	Practice tests & study guide	$59.99 a month

Additional resources:

YouTube has multiple video lessons.

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc., sell multiple books targeted at specific Praxis exam prep.

Emily Marshall - Teach Now Specialist (Career & Technical)

Occupational Career and Technical Education (Automotive, Aviation, Barbering, Broadcasting, Carpentry, Concrete/Masonry, Collision Repair, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Drafting/CAD, Digital Arts & Design, Electrical, Fire Safety, Health Informatics, Health Science, HVAC, Information Technology, Legal and Protective Services, Manufacturing, Plumbing, Programming, Supply Chain Management or Welding)

Requirements:

Occupational candidates must meet the following criteria:

- - Relevant industry experience
  - Industry certification
  - Confirmed job-offer as a classroom teacher within the Rutherford County School District
  - $1,230 non-refundable tuition for RCS teachers ($205 paid by September 30, $512.50 paid by December 31, $512.50 paid by May 28)

Work Experience Verification: Refer to the Occupational Endorsement guide linked below for detailed experience

required by TDOE.

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/ccte/occ-lic/Occupational_Licensure_Endorsement_Guidance.pdf

Licensure:

Participants meeting all requirements, including passing the content exam, will be issued a 3-year practitioner teaching license at the beginning of the program. With the satisfactory completion of all coursework, program competencies, and required observations, participants will be recommended to advance their license to professional after 3 years of teaching in the classroom (including program participation years).

Emily Marshall - Teach Now Specialist (Career & Technical)