- Working Paper
Strengthening the Tennessee Educator Pipeline: An Analysis of Teaching as a Profession Enrollment and Matriculation into Educator Preparation Programs
- By Ashley Ellison, Laura Booker
Abstract
Tennessee’s Teaching as a Profession (TAP) pathway and Early Childhood Education (ECE) career cluster programs represent a strategic effort to build a “homegrown” educator pipeline by introducing teaching careers to high school students. This study analyzes enrollment trends in TAP and ECE courses from 2015–2024 and tracks whether high school participants progress into educator preparation programs (EPPs) and become licensed teachers. Key findings indicate that TAP enrollment more than doubled from 2,089 students in 2015 to 5,359 in 2024, with growth concentrated post-2020. However, only 18% of students who take introductory courses persist to the capstone Practicum course. While these findings demonstrate substantial high school interest in teaching careers, a significant gap persists between secondary program enrollment and postsecondary preparation program entry. Strengthening pathways connecting TAP to EPP completion is essential for converting this pipeline interest into a stable, skilled educator workforce.
Key Findings
- Student enrollment in the state’s TAP courses has more than doubled over the last decade.
- Enrollment in introductory coursework is highest in 9th grade and decreases in subsequent grades as students choose not to concentrate in the Education career cluster.
- Nearly one-fifth of students who take the introductory TAP course persist to the Practicum course.
- While fewer than 1 in 10 high school students taking TAP courses have completed in-state educator preparation, TAP students are much more likely to complete EPPs than their peers.
Suggested Citation
Ellison, A., Booker, L. (2025). Strengthening the Tennessee Educator Pipeline: An Analysis of Teaching as a Profession Enrollment and Matriculation into Educator Preparation Programs. (Tennessee Education Research Alliance Working Paper).