Recognizing the need for greater collaboration between EPPs and districts, the TDOE this year created a
director of networks and partnerships position within
the department. The director is charged with supporting EPPs and districts as they collaborate on opportunities that are focused not only on student teaching
but also staffing needs and recruitment goals.
Educator Preparation
Partnerships Pilot Participants
• East Tennessee State University, Johnson
City Schools, and Kingsport City Schools
• Maryville College, Alcoa City Schools,
Blount County Schools, and Maryville
City Schools
• Tennessee Technological University,
Putnam County Schools, and White
County Schools
• University of Tennessee-Chattanooga,
Hamilton County Schools, and Marion
County Schools
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville,
Anderson County Schools, and Knox
County Schools
The director of networks and partnerships is
also responsible for launching an inaugural
Network for Educator Preparation Partnerships.
This pilot program, which includes five EPPs
and their partner districts, aims to create or
strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships
between educator preparation providers and
school districts in support of improved teaching
effectiveness. Another goal of the pilot is to
develop an understanding of the structures
necessary to sustain and scale these partnerships.
Program Accreditation
The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the
education provided by EPPs meets acceptable
levels of quality.30 Tennessee EPPs are reviewed
periodically to determine whether they are meeting
the appropriate standards for accreditation. In
the fall of 2014, the SBE updated the review and
approval process