Already in the classroom? Here’s how to make your license permanent.
MTR’s Job-Embedded, Licensure-Only (JELO) Program lets you earn your teaching license while you keep teaching. You’ll get support, coaching, and a cohort behind you all year.
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If you’re currently teaching on a temporary license, you already know what the job demands. What you need now isn’t more theory. It’s a clear, supported path to making your license permanent.
That’s exactly what the MTR JELO Program is built for. You get to keep teaching while we help you grow.
17 years
MTR has been preparing excellent Memphis teachers. See our results.
30 spots
Available in Cohort 2 for both Elementary (K-5) and ESL (PK-12).
Most licensure programs ask you to take time away from the classroom to complete coursework or student teaching hours. JELO flips that. You stay in your classroom, keep your students, and build your license around the work you’re already doing.
Coursework through Lipscomb University is offered in the evenings, virtually, and during summer sessions. It’s designed to connect directly to what you’re experiencing with your students that week. Coaches give you ongoing, specific feedback on your practice. And Praxis prep is built into the program so you’re not figuring it out on your own.
"Being part of a job-embedded program has helped me grow so much faster because I'm able to immediately apply what I learn in my coursework to my daily teaching."
One of the most common frustrations teachers on temporary permits describe is feeling unsupported. You’re expected to perform at a high level, but feedback is sparse and generic. JELO is different. Instructional coaches work with you regularly to help you analyze student data, refine your lessons, and keep getting better. That’s the kind of support that actually moves the needle.
"The feedback was specific and constructive, which helped me see exactly where I could grow and what I was doing well."
What the program includes:
- Evening, virtual & summer coursework | Through MTR & Lipscomb University and tied directly to your classroom
- Instructional coaching | Regular feedback cycles, lesson reflection, and data analysis
- Praxis preparation | Structured support so you’re confident when it comes time to take your licensure exam(s)
- A cohort of peers | Up to 30 other teachers doing this alongside you to encourage, help, and bounce ideas around with
- Scholarship opportunities | Program cost is $10,000. Financial support is available on a case-by-case basis
Who this is for:
You’re a good fit if you’re currently teaching on a temporary permit in an K-5 Elementary or PK-12 ESL classroom and hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.70 GPA.
"The program's focus on professional growth, collaboration, and reflective practice helped me strengthen both my instructional skills and my personal commitment to serving students with excellence and compassion."
We are recruiting for Cohort 2 now. Spots are available, but filling quickly!
Apply or register for a virtual Q&A session on April 16.
Questions? Reach out to margie@memphistr.org.
This blog was written by Margie Christie - MTR - Job-embedded Licensure Only Administrator
Margie Christie is the Job-embedded Licensure only Administrator at Memphis Teacher Residency. She is a 17 year educator and passionate about students and communities in Memphis. When not at work, she loves the outdoors and exploring Memphis.
