Cumberland University's School of Education is in full compliance with laws concerning the employment of individuals in Tennessee schools (pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §49-5-413). The Tennessee Board of Education's statement on this policy and frequently asked questions can be found here.

CU students who declare an education-related major MUST submit to a background check and fingerprinting procedures. This is to be done while the student is enrolled in ED 201, Education as a Profession. A second background check may be required by the host school during student teaching.

Students, click here for instructions on how to complete the background check and where to go for fingerprinting.

If a background check is returned by the TBI to the University indicating a record with the courts, the University will follow this procedure. Anyone with a felony background is INELIGIBLE for teacher licensure in the state, and therefore will be assisted in determining an appropriate major. Other rules concerning initial licensure can be found here.