Tennessee: education overview
Average teacher salary $61,222 (2024-25), #40 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 1,900 | 540 |
| Students | 1,003,622 | 117,810 |
| Share of students | 89% | 11% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 140
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 65,781
- Public school students
- 1,003,622
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Regular districts generally serve K–12, so elementary and high school teachers normally use the same district teacher pay framework rather than separate grade-level district schedules. Tennessee sets a state minimum salary schedule and permits approved local alternatives; districts may pay above the minimum. Teachers use statutory collaborative conferencing rather than conventional collective bargaining.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: yesSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want a state minimum salary schedule with recent raises, county and city K–12 systems, and no state income tax on wages.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.