What’s the difference between a license, endorsement and being highly qualified?
In Tennessee, teachers are considered “highly qualified” if they have demonstrated their content knowledge by completing a degree program in the area in which they will be teaching or have taken and passed the required PRAXIS exams. Veteran teachers can also demonstrate their HQ status through continuing education and using the H.O.U.S.S.E. point system. If you have taken PRAXIS exams but have not completed a licensure program, you are highly qualified but not licensed. In most cases, the PRAXIS tests required for licensure in Tennessee are also those required to be considered HQ. However, as in the case of K-8 licenses and middle grades, you may be licensed in K-8 in but not highly qualified in the K-8 area. This is also true of many professional Tennessee licenses. Without completing continuing education courses or PRAXIS exams, your Professional license may not be considered highly qualified.
In Tennessee, teachers are considered “highly qualified” if they have demonstrated their content knowledge by completing a degree program in the area in which they will be teaching or have taken and passed the required PRAXIS exams. Veteran teachers can also demonstrate their HQ status through continuing education and using the HOUSSE point system. If you have taken PRAXIS exams but have not completed a licensure program, you are highly qualified but not licensed. In most cases, the PRAXIS tests required for licensure in Tennessee are also those required to be considered HQ. However, as in the case of K-8 licenses and middle grades, you may be licensed in K-8 but not highly qualified in the K-8 area. This is also true of many professional Tennessee licenses. Without completing continuing education courses or PRAXIS exams, your Professional license may not be considered highly qualified.
