reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-928 - HOPE scholarship for dependent children and spouses of certain military veterans

(a)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child of a service member whom such service member claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(2)
"Member of the armed services" means a citizen of this state who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of a reserve or Tennessee national guard unit who is called into active military service of the United States, as defined in §
58-1-102
, and is stationed outside the United States during hostilities in which military personnel are entitled to combat compensation as determined by the United States department of defense; and
(3)
"Serving honorably" means the character of service condition as reported on certificate of release or discharge from active duty (department of defense form 214).
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a dependent child or spouse of a member of the armed services who, while serving honorably, was killed in action, died as a direct result of injuries received from a service connected, combat-related cause, or was officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of §§
49-4-904(1)-(6)
,
49-4-905(a)(2) and (a)(3)
, and
49-4-907(3)
and the student was a citizen of Tennessee at the time the member of the armed forces died, was imprisoned, or was reported missing in action.
(c)
A student claiming eligibility under this section shall present the documentation required by §
49-7-102(b)(1)
.
(d)
(1)
A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section shall meet the requirements of §
49-4-911
to continue to receive the scholarship.
(2)
A student who qualifies for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section as a spouse of a member of the armed services shall apply for a scholarship and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within ten (10) years of the date of death, imprisonment or report that the member of the armed services is missing in action. If the spouse remarries prior to the receipt of the scholarship, then the spouse's eligibility under this section shall terminate.
(e)
If a student eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section attends an eligible public postsecondary institution and receives a waiver of tuition and fees under §
49-7-102
, then, notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the scholarship may be used for the cost of room and board, which shall not exceed the maximum cost of room and board provided through the facilities of the eligible public postsecondary institution.
Acts 2004, ch. 872, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-929 - Hope scholarship - Eligibility of transfer students from postsecondary institutions outside of state

(a)
To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as a transfer student from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state, a student shall:
(1)
Not be ineligible for the scholarship under §
49-4-904
;
(2)
Meet the requirements of §
49-4-905
;
(3)
Be admitted to and enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state;
(4)
Maintain satisfactory progress in a course of study, in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the regionally accredited postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled;
(5)
Apply for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and
(6)
Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution.
(b)
This section shall only apply to a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman, but who chooses to attend a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state without a HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student enrolls in the regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state no later than sixteen (16) months after graduating from an eligible high school, graduating from a high school located in this state, completing high school in a Tennessee home school program or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education.
(c)
If the student transfers to an eligible postsecondary institution, then the student shall be eligible academically for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of:
(1)
Section
49-4-911(a)(1)
and the student transfers before attempting forty-eight (48) semester hours; or
(2)
Section
49-4-911(a)(1) or (a)(2)
and the student transfers after attempting forty-eight (48) or more semester hours.
(d)
To continue to receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, the student shall meet the requirements of §
49-4-911
. A HOPE scholarship awarded under this section shall be subject to §
49-4-913
.
(e)
A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section and who also meets the qualifications for a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award shall be eligible for the supplemental award. A student whose adjusted gross income does not exceed the amount set in §
49-4-915(a)(2)
shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award for need. Pursuant to §
49-4-917
, a student may not receive both the ASPIRE award for need and the supplemental award as a general assembly merit scholar.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 22, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 8, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2005, ch. 481, § 14; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-933 - HOPE scholarship - Foster child tuition grant

(a)
To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE foster child tuition grant, a student shall:
(1)
Not be ineligible for the grant under §
49-4-904
;
(2)
Meet the requirements of §
49-4-905
;
(3)
Meet the applicable academic requirements for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant that apply to the method by which the student completed high school;
(4)
Apply for a Tennessee HOPE foster child tuition grant and file a FAFSA; and
(5)
Be admitted to, and enroll in, an eligible program of study at an eligible postsecondary institution as a part-time or full-time student.
(b)
This section applies to a student who:
(1)
Was in state custody at any time after the student reached thirteen (13) years of age;
(2)
Was in state custody at any time after the student reached thirteen (13) years of age and was placed for adoption by the department of children's services or one of its adoption contract agencies, and the adoption was finalized; or
(3)
Was in state custody and placed in permanent guardianship by the department of children's services after reaching thirteen (13) years of age.
(c)
The student shall present TSAC with official certification from the department of children's services that the student meets the eligibility requirements of subsection (b) for the tuition grant.
(d)
The student shall be eligible for the Tennessee HOPE foster child tuition grant:
(1)
For entrance to an eligible postsecondary institution for a period of no more than four (4) years after the date of graduation from high school or its equivalent; and
(2)
For a period of six (6) years after admittance to an eligible postsecondary institution if satisfactory progress is achieved and maintained.
(e)
The Tennessee HOPE foster child tuition grant shall be the cost of attendance less any gift aid, with the total HOPE foster child tuition grant amount not to exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible postsecondary institution attended. Additionally, at an eligible independent postsecondary institution, the Tennessee HOPE foster child tuition grant shall not exceed the statewide average public tuition and mandatory fee rate for the type of institution, two-year or four-year, attended.
(f)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1)
Guarantee acceptance by, or entrance into, any eligible postsecondary institution for youth in, or formerly in, the custody of the state; or
(2)
Limit the participation of a youth in, or formerly in, the custody of the state in any other program of financial assistance for postsecondary education.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1116, s 4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1107, s 18, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 547, s 1, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 2005, ch. 481, § 33; 2006, ch. 869, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 1142, §§ 16 - 18, 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-934 - HOPE scholarship - Dependent child of full-time religious worker

(a)
Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a full-time religious worker shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is serving in another nation as a religious worker, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of §
49-4-905(b)(2)
. To be eligible under this section, the student shall:
(1)
Graduate from a high school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by §
49-4-902
and meet the academic eligibility requirements of §
49-4-907(3)
; or
(2)
Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker and meet the academic eligibility requirements of §
49-4-908(a)(3)
.
(b)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild whom the parent who is a religious worker claims as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age and resides in another nation only while the parent is actively engaged in full-time religious work; and
(2)
"Religious worker" means a person sent to another country by a church, religious denomination or other religious organization to spread its faith or to do social or medical work.
(c)
This section shall only apply to dependent children of religious workers who are engaged in full-time religious work in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States to do religious work and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment as a religious worker.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 67, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 2006, ch. 974, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-935 - HOPE scholarship - Residents graduating from high school located in contiguous county of neighboring state

(a)
Notwithstanding §
49-4-905(b)(2)
to the contrary, a student who graduates from a high school located in a neighboring state in a county contiguous to this state shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student:
(1)
Is a resident of this state, as classified pursuant to §
49-8-104
;
(2)
Is not ineligible for the scholarship under §
49-4-904
;
(3)
Attains a composite ACT score of at least 21 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date;
(4)
Applies for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and
(5)
Is admitted to and enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from high school.
(b)
If a student meets the eligibility requirements of subsection (a), but chooses to attend a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state without a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, then the student shall be eligible for a HOPE scholarship as a transfer student; provided, that the student meets all requirements of §
49-4-929
, other than any requirement pertaining to the type of high school from which the student graduated.
(c)
A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section shall not be eligible for a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award under §
49-4-916
.
(d)
No retroactive award of a Tennessee HOPE scholarship shall be made under this section.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 51, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 6, eff. 5/9/2017.
Acts 2006, ch. 974, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-937 - HOPE scholarship - For students who complete diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology

(a)
Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship upon graduation from high school, completion of high school in a Tennessee home school or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, but who, instead of applying for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, applies to and enrolls in a Tennessee college of applied technology and receives a Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, shall continue to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student:
(1)
Applies for a HOPE scholarship and enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution within three (3) years of completing a diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology consisting of at least nine hundred (900) clock hours;
(2)
Is not ineligible for a HOPE scholarship under §
49-4-904
; and
(3)
Meets the requirements of §
49-4-905(a)
.
(b)
This section shall also apply to students who are eligible for general assembly merit scholarships and Tennessee HOPE access grants.
(c)
Enrollment at a Tennessee college of applied technology by a student working toward a diploma before receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant under this section shall not count under §
49-4-913
or §
49-4-920
toward the limitation on receipt on a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 23, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 9, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2006, ch. 980, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-940 - Adoption of investment and funds allocation policies - Transfer of excess lottery earnings to energy efficient schools fund

(a)
The state funding board created by §
9-9-101
shall adopt an investment policy and a funds allocation policy for the lottery for education account established in §
4-51-111
designed to maximize recurring revenues available for appropriation. An amount of funds in the lottery for education account, as determined by the state funding board, may be invested pursuant to this section. The funds may be invested in the state pooled investment fund established by §
9-4-603
, the intermediate-term investment fund established by §
9-4-608
, the chairs of excellence endowment fund established by §
49-7-501
, any securities authorized in §
9-4-602
or in any securities or classes of securities not specifically authorized in §
9-4-602
that are approved by resolution of the state funding board. All earnings attributable to the investments shall be credited to the lottery for education account.
(b)
TSAC shall not draw funds from the lottery for education account that are invested pursuant to this section unless no other lottery revenues are available to make payments of the scholarships and grants established pursuant to this part. If TSAC anticipates that it may need to draw funds from the lottery for education account that are invested pursuant to this section, then TSAC shall notify the general assembly, the state treasurer, the state funding board and the Tennessee higher education commission at least ninety (90) days before the date the need for such funds is expected to occur.
(c)
If for fiscal year 2008-2009 the board determines that earnings on the lottery for education account will be sufficient to meet the funding requirements for scholarships for that fiscal year, the board is authorized to transfer an amount not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000) from the lottery for education account to the energy efficient schools fund, if the fund is created by law.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1142, § 22; 2009 , ch. 531, § 59.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-941 - Terminating events for receipt of lottery scholarships

Notwithstanding any provision of this part concerning the terminating events for receipt of Tennessee HOPE scholarships, Tennessee HOPE access grants or Tennessee HOPE scholarships for nontraditional students to the contrary, semester hours attempted by a student in the summer semester 2011 for which the student did not receive postsecondary financial assistance from net lottery proceeds shall not be credited against the limitation on the number of semester hours under §
49-4-913
, §
49-4-920
or §
49-4-931
that the student may receive such scholarships or grants.
Acts 2011 , ch. 437, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 9 - STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS (§§ 49-4-901 — 49-4-944) › Section 49-4-942 - Eligibility for HOPE scholarship of Tennessee citizen who is dependent child of a headquarters staff employee working full time in foreign nation

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild:
(A)
Whose parent is a headquarters staff employee;
(B)
Whose parent claims the child as a dependent for federal income tax purposes;
(C)
Who is under twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(D)
Who resides in another nation only while the parent is on full-time work assignment as a headquarters staff employee;
(2)
"Headquarters staff employee" has the same meaning as defined in §
67-6-224(b)
; and
(3)
"Qualified headquarters facility" has the same meaning as defined in §
67-6-224(b)
.
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a headquarters staff employee who is on full-time work assignment in a foreign nation shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is on full-time work assignment in another nation, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of §
49-4-905(b)(2)
. To be eligible under this section, the student shall:
(1)
Graduate from a high school that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined in §
49-4-902
in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the academic eligibility requirements of §
49-4-907(3)
; or
(2)
Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the eligibility requirements of §
49-4-908(a)(3)
.
(c)
This section shall only apply to dependent children of headquarters staff employees who are on full-time work assignment in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 68, eff. 8/1/2020.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 428, s 1, eff. 5/16/2013.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1001 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act of 2017."
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 229, s 1, eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1002 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Purpose

The purpose of this part is to encourage nonprior service persons to become members of the Tennessee national guard and to encourage retention of those members already serving in the Tennessee national guard.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1003 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Part definitions

As used in this part:
(1)
"Course completion" means the last day of instruction for the period or semester as determined by the student's educational institution;
(2)
"Educational institution" means any public university, college, community college, college of applied technology, or any private college or university that is regionally accredited and has its primary campus domiciled in this state;
(3)
"Educational program" means a program offered by an educational institution through which a student can earn a certificate or diploma, but does not mean a doctoral program;
(4)
"Federal tuition assistance" means federal military tuition assistance other than Montgomery GI Bill benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits;
(5)
"Full-time student" means a student attending an educational institution and enrolled in at least twelve (12) semester hours during each semester of attendance toward a first bachelor's degree;
(6)
"Member" means an active member of a federally recognized unit of the Tennessee national guard who is maintaining satisfactory membership as defined by regulations of the department of the United States army and the department of the United States air force;
(7)
"Officer-producing program" means a reserve officer training corps program offered through a college or university;
(8)
"Semester" means a fall, spring, or summer semester at an educational institution, if the educational institution is on a semester system, or the equivalent, if the educational institution is on a system other than a semester system;
(9)
"Semester hour" means the credit hour used by an educational institution, if the institution is on a semester system, or its equivalent if the institution is on a system other than a semester system, and includes each semester hour attempted, whether remedial or for credit toward a degree, but does not include any semester hour attempted before graduating from high school or earning a high school equivalency diploma;
(10)
"Tennessee national guard" means the federally recognized units of the Tennessee army and air national guard; and
(11)
"Tuition" means the total semester, quarter, or classroom hour cost of instruction delineated in the catalog of an educational institution, including all mandatory fees.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 229, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1004 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Creation of program - Payment of tuition costs

(a)
The Tennessee Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) program, referred to as the "program," shall be established under the authority of the adjutant general to provide tuition reimbursement to an educational institution on behalf of eligible members of the Tennessee national guard. Member eligibility for the program shall be determined pursuant to §
49-4-1005
.
(b)
Upon successful application by the eligible member attending a public educational institution, the department of military shall pay the educational institution an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum resident in-state tuition charged by the institution attended for the educational program to which the member successfully applied, less all other state or federal financial assistance as described in §
49-4-1005
. Such financial assistance must be credited first to the member's tuition, subject to §
49-4-1005
.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (b), for members attending a private two-year college the amount paid is the average cost of tuition at the public two-year postsecondary institutions, as determined by the Tennessee higher education commission and Tennessee student assistance corporation, less all other financial assistance received by the member. For members attending a private four-year college or university the amount paid is the average cost of tuition at the public four-year universities, as determined by the Tennessee higher education commission and Tennessee student assistance corporation, less all other financial assistance received by the member. Such financial assistance must be credited first to the amount of the average tuition, subject to §
49-4-1005
.
(d)
The adjutant general is authorized to promulgate rules, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to effectuate the purposes of the program.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 4, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 229, s 4, eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1006 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Qualification of nonresidents for benefits

Any active member of the Tennessee national guard who is not a Tennessee resident shall qualify for the tuition assistance benefits provided by this part subject to the following conditions:
(1)
The member is enrolled in an educational institution within the state;
(2)
The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is an out-of-state resident shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were a Tennessee resident; and
(3)
The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is enrolled at a private college or university shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were enrolled at a state-supported educational institution.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1007 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Annual student-level participation data

On or before December 1, 2018, and on or before December 1 of each subsequent year this program is in effect, the adjutant general of Tennessee shall provide annual student-level participant data to the Tennessee higher education commission for publication.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 229, s 6, eff. 4/24/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 4 - FINANCIAL AID (§§ 49-4-101 — 49-4-1008) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RENEWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN (STRONG) › Section 49-4-1008 - [Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Repealer

This part is repealed on June 30, 2025, unless reenacted or extended by the general assembly prior to that date.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 6, eff. 4/22/2021.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 229, s 7, eff. 4/24/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-102 - Alternative licensure for instructors who have taught for military community college

The department of education shall develop an alternative program for obtaining a license to teach by which instructors for any branch of the military service of the United States who have taught for a community college of a branch of the military service may satisfy the requirements prescribed in this part and rules and regulations of the board.
Acts 2009, ch. 221, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-103 - Award of additional professional development points for certain teachers

Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the state board of education shall award a teacher five (5) additional professional development points if the teacher's overall evaluation demonstrates an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" and the evaluation is based on the teacher's performance while employed at a school that is on the priority list or the focus list pursuant to §
49-1-602
.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 464, s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-104 - Director of schools

(a)
The standards for a license of qualification for a director of schools shall be in accordance with §
49-2-301
.
(b)
This section does not apply to a director of schools for an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 16, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 2 (Williams, § 2365.6); modified; Acts 1959, ch. 121, § 1; 1967, ch. 255, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 58, 59; 1978, ch. 675, § 2; 1981, ch. 172, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1236; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 14.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-105 - Alteration of licenses

The holder of a license who changes or alters the holder's license in any way, or who permits any other person to change or alter the license, commits a Class C misdemeanor and shall have such holder's license revoked.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 11; Shan. Supp. § 1487a74; Code 1932, § 2364; T.C.A. (orig. ed), § 49-1233; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 16; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-107 - Blind or visually limited teachers

No person otherwise qualified shall be denied the right to enter training in any college or university or engage in practice teaching for the purpose of becoming a teacher on the ground the person is totally blind or visually limited; nor shall any local board of education refuse to employ a licensed teacher on those grounds; provided, that the blind or visually limited person is able to carry out the duties of the position for which the person applies.
Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 2 (Williams, § 2365.6); modified; Acts 1959, ch. 121, § 1; 1967, ch. 255, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 58, 59; 1978, ch. 675, § 2; 1981, ch. 172, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1236; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 18.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-109 - Reciprocity

The state board of education may enter into reciprocal agreements with the certifying or licensing authorities of other states whereby holders of certificates or licenses in other states may be issued licenses in this state.
Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 6 (Williams, § 2365.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1241; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-110 - Eligibility requirements for practitioner occupational teaching license

(a)
To be eligible to receive a practitioner occupational teaching license, a person must:
(1)
Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education;
(2)
Hold an active industry license or credential, including those issued by any state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education;
(3)
Meet the requirements established by rule by the state board of education; and
(4)
(A)
Be enrolled in a state board-approved educator preparation program with a job-embedded clinical practice;
(B)
Have completed a state board-approved educator preparation program; or
(C)
Provide proof of pairing with a highly effective mentor teacher and completion of coursework in classroom management, pedagogy, serving students with disabilities and English learners, and the teacher code of ethics as set forth in §
49-5-5615
, from a state board-approved educator preparation program.
(b)
An educator who is issued a practitioner occupational teaching license pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements for license advancement and renewal established by state board of education rules.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1141, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-111 - Educational assistants

(a)
Educational assistants shall have, at a minimum, a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and shall show demonstrable proficiency in reading and writing skills.
(b)
If a licensed teacher to whom an educational assistant has been assigned is required to be absent from the classroom, the educational assistant may assume responsibility for the classroom in lieu of a substitute teacher. However, no educational assistant shall assume responsibility for the classroom for more than three (3) consecutive school days.
(c)
This section shall not apply to educational assistants hired on or before July 1, 2006.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 24, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 20, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 2006, ch. 680, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-112 - Licensure to teach in grades nine through twelve for person who has taught at eligible postsecondary institution

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department shall issue a license to teach in grades nine through twelve (9-12) to any person who has taught at an eligible postsecondary institution as defined in §
49-4-902
and who meets the qualifications listed in this section. The license shall bear an endorsement to teach only in the subject area in which the person taught at the eligible postsecondary institution.
(b)
Any applicant seeking teacher licensure pursuant to this section shall:
(1)
(A)
Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by §
49-4-902
; or
(B)
Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by §
49-4-902
;
(2)
Submit for review by the department or a partnering institution of higher education at least three (3) years of documented teaching evaluations that rate the applicant for licensure as proficient or better in the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. The teaching evaluations required by this subdivision (b)(2) shall have been administered by the institution at which the applicant taught. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to define proficiency in evaluations; and
(3)
Successfully complete all exams required for licensure for the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 36, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 1072, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-113 - Petition for waiver of requirement for renewal of teacher's license

A teacher who, on each of the teacher's last three (3) evaluations conducted pursuant to §
49-1-302(d)
, received an evaluation demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "significantly above expectations" may petition the commissioner of education for a waiver of any requirement for renewal of the teacher's license. If the commissioner grants the waiver, the teacher need not meet the requirement that was waived to receive a renewal of the teacher's license.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 740, s 1, eff. 4/22/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 1 - QUALIFICATIONS GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-115) › Section 49-5-115 - Requirements for provision of technical or industry instruction - Instructor subject to investigation

(a)
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, if a person holds an active industry license or credential relevant to a career and technical education course, as determined by the department of education, then the person may provide instruction to students in the career and technical education course; provided, that the instruction provided by the person is supervised at all times in the classroom by a licensed teacher who serves as the teacher of record for the course.
(b)
A person providing instruction to students in a career and technical education course pursuant to subsection (a) is subject to investigation pursuant to §
49-5-413
.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 2 - TEACHERS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-201 — 49-5-209) › Section 49-5-201 - Duties of teachers

(a)
It is the duty of the teacher to:
(1)
Open and close the school each day at the time fixed by the board of education;
(2)
Give instruction to the pupils only in the subjects covered by the license that the teacher holds;
(3)
Supervise educational assistants when they are working with pupils;
(4)
Keep the register at the school and record accurately the number of pupils present and the number absent each day before leaving the school building;
(5)
Give instruction in physical education as provided by law and official regulations;
(6)
Teach the constitutions of the United States and of Tennessee for the purpose of instructing all the children as to their privileges and duties under the constitutions and for the promotion of good citizenship;
(7)
Follow the state course of study and the rules and regulations for the promotion of pupils furnished by the commissioner of education;
(8)
Serve as custodian of the school property during the public school term, report in writing to the director of schools any misuse of school property or repairs needed on school property and, at the close of the term, furnish the director an inventory of equipment and supplies on hand and a list of supplies and equipment that will be needed for the opening of the succeeding term;
(9)
Furnish the director of schools at the end of each week a complete list of pupils within the province of the teacher's school who were absent during the week;
(10)
Make a report promptly at the close of the term on all items included in the abstract in the teacher's register and certify its correctness by affidavit; and
(11)
Observe any other rules and regulations relative to the service of teachers that may be made by the county board of education.
(b)
It is unlawful for any teacher to keep the doors or windows of the school building locked while the pupils are assembled in the school or to permit any screens to be fastened in windows of the building that would prevent the egress of pupils in case of fire or other emergency.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 575,s 1, eff. 3/8/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 188,s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., §§ 1487a50, 1487a54; Code 1932, §§ 2339, 2343; impl. am. Acts 1963, ch. 13, § 1; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 66-68; 1977, ch. 196, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1307, 49-1310; Acts 1999, ch. 468, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 2 - TEACHERS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-201 — 49-5-209) › Section 49-5-202 - Advocacy of revolution

(a)
No person who advocates the overthrow of the American form of government or who is a member of a political party subscribing to a political faith that advocates the overthrow of the American form of government shall be employed on either a temporary or permanent basis in any school in this state financed in whole or in part with public funds.
(b)
Any person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor and shall also forfeit office.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 31; Shan. Supp., § 1487a183; Code 1932, § 2513; Acts 1947, ch. 130, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2513; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 63; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1303; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2000, ch. 710, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 2 - TEACHERS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-201 — 49-5-209) › Section 49-5-203 - Change in school organization - Teacher's rights preserved

(a)
The change in the governmental structure of a school system or institution through the process of annexation, unification, consolidation, abolition, reorganization, transfer of the control and operation of a school system or institution to a different type governmental structure, organization or administration, or creation of a city school system shall not impair, interrupt or diminish the rights and privileges of a then existing teacher; and such rights and privileges shall continue without impairment, interruption or diminution.
(b)
If the teacher becomes the employee of another school system or institution as a result of a change in the governmental structure, then the rights and privileges of the teacher shall continue without impairment, interruption or diminution as obligations of the new government, organization or administration.
(c)
"Rights and privileges," as used in this section, includes, but is not limited to, salary, pension or retirement benefits, sick leave accumulation, tenure status and contract rights, whether granted by statute, private act or governmental charter.
(d)
Prior to the change in any governmental structure or organization becoming effective, the commissioner of education shall determine that the rights and privileges protected by this section are not impaired, interrupted or diminished. In addition to the remedies available to a teacher aggrieved by a change in the governmental structure, organization or administration of a school system or institution, the commissioner is authorized to withhold state funds in the enforcement of this section.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 256,s 4, eff. 4/24/2013.
Acts 1971, ch. 254, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1316.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 2 - TEACHERS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-201 — 49-5-209) › Section 49-5-204 - Tuition reimbursement for licensing renewal courses

(a)
Any educator required to complete one (1) academic course or one (1) professional education course focusing on methodology or teaching skills as part of the license renewal process shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement for course work taken at a state-supported or a private college or university at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate that would be charged for that course work, or similar course work, at a state-supported college or university, upon successful completion of the course work and submission of a transcript to the department of education.
(b)
For purposes of this section, "educator" means any teacher, principal, supervisor or other individual required by law to hold a valid license of qualification for employment in the public schools of this state.
Acts 1986, ch. 841, § 1; 1987, ch. 26, § 2; 1987, ch. 308, § 21.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 2 - TEACHERS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES GENERALLY (§§ 49-5-201 — 49-5-209) › Section 49-5-205 - Professional leave to serve on boards or commissions

(a)
A teacher shall be allowed to use up to two (2) days of the professional leave provided for by §
49-5-711
in each year of employment to serve on boards and commissions that meet during daytime hours and to which a teacher has been appointed by a mayor, city council, county mayor or county commission. The days shall be taken at the discretion of the teacher, and the local board of education may require verification of a teacher's attendance at the meetings in all cases deemed proper by the local board.
(b)
A teacher shall be granted leave to serve on any board or commission of the state, the appointment to which is by the governor or the general assembly, without forfeiture of accumulated leave credits of any type, tenure status or other benefit.
Acts 1989, ch. 363, § 1; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2.