Is Tennessee getting rid of edTPA?

Yes. The State Board of Education amended its policy to phase out the edTPA requirement beginning July 1, 2026, replacing it with strengthened clinical practice requirements.

Four formal observations during clinical practice, using an observation tool approved for the state's educator evaluation policy or reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Education, plus training requirements for clinical supervisors.

Can district evaluations count?

Yes, evaluations done by districts during job-embedded clinical practice can count toward the four observations if there is a formal data-sharing agreement (or the candidate's written consent) and data is shared at the indicator level.

When do programs need to submit observation models?

The state opened a submission window July 1 with review through September 1 and notification targeted within 60 days of submission.

Teaching standards

Tennessee Is Phasing Out edTPA (July 2026): What Replaces It

Tennessee teacher candidates will no longer take edTPA starting July 1, 2026. Four formal classroom observations take its place.

Check your state. Teaching standards and education policies change often and vary by state and district. Always confirm dates, requirements, and details with your state department of education or district office. This site is for general information, not professional or legal advice.

What is changing

The State Board of Education amended its professional assessments policy to phase out edTPA beginning July 1, 2026. The board said the change avoids removing a rigorous assessment without putting something in its place.

What replaces it

Four formal observations during clinical practice.
Observations must use a tool approved under the state's educator evaluation policy or reviewed and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Training requirements for the clinical supervisors doing the observing.
District evaluations during job-embedded practice can count, with a data-sharing agreement or candidate consent, shared at the indicator level.

Timeline

Programs submit observation models starting July 1; state review runs through September 1, with notification within about 60 days.
Candidates completing programs after the phaseout follow the observation route, not edTPA.

Sources

Tennessee State Board of Education, professional assessments policy amendments
Tennessee Public Chapter 328 (2025), educator licensure rule revisions