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Evaluation Systems of Pearson today announced that the Tennessee State Board of Education has adopted its Series™ assessments for teacher licensure, effective March 10, 2026.
Aspiring educators in Tennessee will now have greater choice and financial support on their path to the classroom. Following a vote by the State Board on February 27, 2026, Tennessee will offer candidates the flexibility to choose between the existing provider’s tests and Pearson’s assessments. This decision comes at a critical time as state lawmakers and education officials seek solutions to address teacher shortages without compromising the high standards required for student success.
With experience delivering over 65 percent of U.S. educator assessments, Evaluation Systems of Pearson is uniquely positioned to support Tennessee’s licensure goals.
Recognizing the challenges faced by prospective educators, the new program prioritizes preparation, access, and affordability:
Personalized preparation: Candidates can access Right Start™ Learning, a suite of test preparation courses designed by Pearson to bridge knowledge gaps, along with free online interactive practice tests. These are currently available for many of the assessment areas, with additional areas under development.
Removing barriers to entry: The new program includes a unique policy to support candidate perseverance: free test attempts are provided after three failed attempts.
Lowering financial obstacles: To reduce the cost of entry for new teachers, all tests are available at a promotional rate of $99 through August 31, 2026. Additionally, candidates who register for a retake by December 31, 2026, will receive a free retest.
"Tennessee is taking a decisive step to strengthen its educator workforce. We’re proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Education to offer prospective educators new pathways while reducing barriers to licensure," explained Dr. E. Wyatt Gordon, Senior Vice President and Head of Evaluation Systems of Pearson. "To meet the state's rigorous accountability measures, we’re committed to providing targeted support to uphold teacher quality and ensure that every learner has a capable, 'day-one ready' educator."
The program features The National Evaluation Series™ (The Series™), the only nationally available assessment designed to combat teacher shortages. This model aligns with state policy to verify that every licensed educator is fully prepared to facilitate student learning.
For more information on the Tennessee teacher licensure assessments and to register, please visit www.nestest.com/state/tn.
About Evaluation Systems of Pearson
At Evaluation Systems of Pearson, we help design and deploy educator workforce solutions, so every learner has capable educators. We are champions of educators and the teaching profession, and partner with states and local, state, and national organizations on building processes and services that enhance opportunities for prospective educators. We are a solution-driven organization that supports flexibility while upholding state requirements and standards in the demonstration of job-relevant knowledge and skills.