BASE-TN Grant

WHAT IS BASE-TN?

Become A Special Educator in Tennessee Teaching Program is a program that provides financial support for persons who meet eligibility criteria and desire to earn an initial Tennessee teaching license in Special Education. This support involves a commitment to teach students with disabilities, ages birth through 21, in a Tennessee public school two years for each academic year of financial support received.  One academic year of financial support consists of 30 semester hours or the equivalent.

The BASE-TN Teaching Program is a forgivable loan program that will pay tuition for courses required for a teaching license in Special Education.


WHO QUALIFIES?

Individuals who want to earn a Tennessee Teaching license and teach in Tennessee in Modified and/or Comprehensive Special Education.  There are two groups of candidates who are eligible to apply for BASE-TN:

  • Priority I: Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than Special Education and desire to obtain a license to teach in special education.
  • Priority II: Individuals currently employed as an educational assistant in a Special Education classroom and have already completed a minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework or have earned an associate degree.

BASE-TN awards are competitive.  Application for BASE-TN funding does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship.

WHAT TYPE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

The BASE-TN grant will pay tuition for courses required for a teaching license in Special Education.  Students will pay for miscellaneous fees (technology, registration, parking) and textbooks.  Upon completion of the program, participants must teach in Special Education in a Tennessee public school two years for every 30 hours of financial support provided.


HOW DO I APPLY?

  1. Complete a BASE-TN application.  Applications may be downloaded at the following sites:                         www.state.tn.us/education/speced/                                                                                                                 www.k12.tn.us/BASE-TN                                                                                                                               www.fhu.edu/academics/colleges/education/index.aspx
  2. Submit four (4) letters of recommendation, transcripts, and letter of intent.
  3. Proof of admission to Freed-Hardeman University.  Post-baccalaureate students should apply to the graduate school.  Educational assistants with at least 60 college credit hours should apply as undergraduates.
  4. Planned program of studies signed by your assigned FHU Special Education advisor.
  5. Timeline depicting semesters you will complete each course on your program of studies (developed with your advisor).
  6. Student Service Agreement (to be notarized after the applicant has been selected for BASE-TN participation).


WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Applications for those who wish to begin:

  • Summer Term are due by May 18
  • Fall Term are due by August 12
  • Spring Term are due by January 6

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr. Karen L. Cypress
Associate Professor
Director of Graduate Studies in Education/Memphis 
BASE-TN

Freed-Hardeman University (Memphis)
5565 Shelby Oaks Drive
Memphis, TN 38134

Phone: 901-383-8972
Fax: 901-383-6507