How to Apply
Testing Requirements
To ensure that Fellows enter their teaching careers as highly qualified new educators, ready to earn their teaching license, Fellows must register for, study for, and pass the appropriate Praxis II exam(s) before the start of the summer Training Institute.
The Praxis II is a subject area-specific exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Nashville Teaching Fellows to teach either math, exceptional education, biology, chemistry, Spanish, English, elementary education, middle school education, or ELL will need to take and pass the Praxis II exam for that subject. Candidates should review the program eligibility requirements, consider their eligibility when stating subject area preferences on the Fellows online application, and then wait for specific, individualized testing directions from our program office before registering for this exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exam for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. The appropriate Praxis II exam will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. The Praxis II is offered in a paper-based test administration, and registration is handled by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Click here for more information about the Praxis II and click here to register for the Praxis II exam (exam dates are listed below) once you have received instructions from the Fellows office.
| Typically, Candidates Invited to Interview for a Position Teaching: | Will Need to Pass: |
|---|---|
| Math | Praxis II: Mathematics Content Knowledge (#0061)
|
| Exceptional Education | Praxis II: Middle School Content Knowledge (#0146)* AND
|
| Biology | Praxis II: Biology Content Knowledge (#0235) |
| Chemistry | Praxis II: Chemistry Content Knowledge (#0245) |
| English | Praxis II: English Language, Literature, and Composition Content Knowledge (#0041) |
| Spanish | Praxis II: Spanish: World Language (#5195)
|
| Elementary Education | Praxis II: Elementary Education Content Knowledge (#0014) (paper based) OR Praxis II: Elementary Education Content Knowledge (#5014) (computer based) |
| Middle School Education | Praxis II: Middle School Content Knowledge (#0146) |
| ELL | Praxis II: English to Speakers of Other Languages (#0361) |
* **Note for Exceptional Education Candidates: The Middle School Content Knowledge test is required in order for exceptional education teachers to be considered highly qualified. The two Praxis II tests required for exceptional education are administered by ETS during the same time slot on each administration date. Therefore, exceptional education candidates will need to register for and take these tests on two consecutive administration dates. Because the Middle School Content Knowledge test is more difficult to pass than the Special Education Core Knowledge test, we require that exceptional education candidates take the Middle School Content Knowledge test first.
Given the limited availability of Praxis II tests, Exceptional Education candidates must take the Praxis II, Middle School Content no later than January 15, 2011, and the Praxis II, Special Education Core Knowledge no later than March 12, 2011.
Praxis Preparation
It is imperative that all candidates STUDY thoroughly for the Praxis II exams. The exams often prove difficult even for individuals with deep content knowledge or relevant professional experience. As you prepare, consider the following recommendations and resources:
- Visit www.ets.org for information about the Praxis II. Select the Tests at a Glance feature to access an overview of the material covered on the exam and download sample test problems. Consider purchasing ETS’ Praxis Study Guides. However, please note that many candidates report needing study materials beyond these ETS resources
- Refer to college and high school textbooks focused on the appropriate subject matter for your Praxis II exam
- Consider purchasing study guides from major test prep providers at a local library or bookstore
- Actively search the internet for additional test prep materials and resources
- Form study groups with other candidates or teachers you may know
Note that it is common for candidates to take the exams a second time due to failure on the first attempt. Therefore, the Nashville Teaching Fellows program strongly recommends that candidates invited to interview with the program register for the appropriate Praxis II as soon as possible upon receiving individualized direction on which exam to take. This will allow candidates to maximize their chances of passing and to have time to re-take the exam if needed. In addition, registering early ensures that candidates will have the best opportunity to test in a location convenient to them, as testing locations often fill up.
All candidates will be required to submit proof of test registration and/or scores if invited to interview with the program, and all Fellows must prove that they have passed the Praxis II prior to the start of the summer Training Institute. Candidates who do not meet these testing requirements will not be permitted to continue on in the Teaching Fellows program. Please note that it takes approximately one month to receive test scores. Test takers who registered online for a paper-based test must access test scores via their Praxis account – score reports will no longer be mailed.
The following tables list upcoming dates for paper-based test administrations for the Praxis II as well as the registration deadlines:
| Praxis II Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline (ADDITIONAL FEE) |
|---|---|---|
| November 13, 2010 | October 14, 2010 | October 21, 2010 |
| January 15, 2011 | December 15, 2010 | December 23, 2010 |
| March 12, 2011 | February 10, 2011 | February 17, 2011 |
* note that there is also an emergency registration deadline for each Praxis II exam. However, we recommend registering before the emergency registration deadline if possible, to ensure enough preparation time, and to ensure that you will be able to take the exam in a location convenient for you.
Candidates are responsible for all Praxis registration costs (note that there is an additional fee for late registration).
All Fellows will begin their careers in education by teaching students in the schools and in the subject areas where high-quality teachers are needed the most. By teaching math, exceptional education, chemistry, biology, Spanish, English, elementary education, middle school education, and ELL, you will have the opportunity to impact student achievement in significant and meaningful ways for your students.
Want to learn more? If you have further questions about exams required to teach in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools through this program, please contact us at info@nashvilleteachingfellows.org. Please click here for additional information on program eligibility requirements.
Want to learn more? Click here to join us for an Information Session.