How to Become a Licensed School Social Worker?

The Tennessee DOE offers three pathways towards a School Social Worker license:

• Complete an educator preparation program in school social work, and be recommended by the approved educator preparation provider.  If you attend an in-state institution (see list below), the institution will apply for your license upon completion.
  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  • Southern Adventist University
  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville

  OR

• Hold a valid social worker license issued by the Tennessee Board of Social Workers or the licensing board of a state other than Tennessee OR

• Hold a degree in Social Work and hold a valid out-of-state professional-level educator license (Please note that HCS requires a master's degree)

• Here is a link to some basic instructions for applying as an out of state educator for your School Service Social Work License.