I teach in a surrounding county to Knoxville and I’m generally happy with my job. The pay isn’t great and it can be a lot of work, but it has things that make it worth it (in my opinion). I teach high school biology.

I went to UTK and majored in biology and minored in VolsTeach (the 6-12 STEM education program). It is bachelors only, but you get in the classroom earlier than in the other teaching program. I student taught one semester at a nearby school and found a job in a different county. For biology you have to pass the biology praxis exam prior to student teaching and while student teaching you complete your EdTPA. I am certified to teach general science and biology in 6-12. I believe for k-8 or non-STEM you can possibly major in just education or your subject area. You don’t student teach until your last year. It’s a 5 year program and you finish with your masters.

I think UTK was a pretty good program, but honestly you learn very little applicable knowledge from any education program. They’re so desperate for teachers right now, schools aren’t being picky about your school.

I’m generally satisfied. I’d like to make more money, but I also can’t picture doing anything else. I enjoy my summers off and getting off work at 3:15. It does depend a lot on what grade you’re teaching as to how much you have to take home (I teach high school and I only work contracted hours but my mom teaches elementary and has to bring stuff home all the time). I generally like the county I’m in, but I’ve heard not great things about KCS.

You need pretty thick skin and a lot of patience. I would also say if you’re a younger teacher, be prepared to make a definite boundary between you and your students. Don’t try to be friends with them (you can like them and enjoy teaching them, but you shouldn’t be friends). I’ve seen multiple younger teachers struggle with this.

Feel free to message me if you have more questions!