Hundreds of Tennessee teachers have seen their teaching licenses suspended or revoked over the last several years.
There are around 65,000 teachers statewide, according to the latest state data available. The State Board of Education tracks the latest disciplinary actions, updating a rolling spreadsheet after its meetings, which typically happen quarterly. From January 2021 until late August 2026, a total of 124 teachers had their licenses revoked. Another 166 faced license suspensions. Only two got their licenses restored.
The state board has the power to deny, suspend and revoke Tennessee teaching licenses and also to formally reprimand teachers. However, it's up to district leaders to report teachers to the state board and decide whether a teacher keeps
their job or not. Teachers can also be reported by parents, members of the public and others.
Widely speaking, teachers can face discipline for the following issues, according to a presentation by the board:
- Inappropriate communication
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Criminal offenses or convictions that are felonies or involve a child
- Breaching test security
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Negligence
- Other "good cause" reasons detailed in the Tennessee Teacher Code of Ethics
Teachers also have multiple ways to appeal disciplinary actions. More information on teaching licenses and reporting and disciplinary rules can be found at TN.gov/SBE/licensure.
Curious to see who has been disciplined? We took a look back through teaching license suspensions and revocations over the last several years. Use the searchable table below to see more. You can also look up individual teachers by name and license number at TDOE.TnCompass.org/Public/Search.
See which TN teachers had licenses revoked in the last five years
See which TN teachers faced license suspension
Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: See which TN teachers had their licenses revoked, suspended
