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As esports continues to gain momentum in K12 schools across Tennessee, an important question arises: where does it fit within the educational framework? Should it fall under Athletics, as it often does due to its competitive nature, or does it belong in Career and Technical Education (CTE), where its potential as a career pathway shines brightest?
The answer, for Tennessee schools, is clear: esports belongs under CTE departments. Here’s why this alignment is not only logical but transformative for students in our state.
Beyond the Pro Gamer Myth: Career Opportunities in Esports
The idea of becoming a professional gamer may capture the imaginations of many students, but the reality is stark. According to industry statistics, less than .1% of gamers go on to compete professionally. This figure pales in comparison to the wealth of career opportunities esports can offer outside the competitive arena.
The esports industry is thriving, with global revenues projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025 (Newzoo). The ecosystem around esports includes roles in:
Game Design and Development
Broadcasting and Production
Marketing and Event Management
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Coaching and Team Management
These fields align perfectly with the objectives of Tennessee's CTE programs, which aim to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers in industries critical to the state's economy.
Esports in CTE: Unlocking Certification Opportunities
One of the greatest advantages of placing esports under CTE is the access to industry-recognized certifications that prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing fields of technology, media, and gaming. Tennessee schools can empower students with certifications that open doors to exciting industries, including:
Game Development: Certifications in platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine give students the technical knowledge to design, develop, and test video games. Game development is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and esports programs can inspire students to become creators, not just players.
Web Development: Through certifications such as HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals or Certified Web Professional (CWP), students can gain the skills to build websites, manage online communities, and support esports organizations with digital platforms.
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects): Content creation is integral to esports. From designing team logos to editing highlight reels, Adobe certifications equip students to take on roles in graphic design, video production, and animation.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ and Networking+: Esports relies heavily on technology infrastructure. These certifications prepare students for careers in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity—fields in high demand across Tennessee.
Event Planning and Management: Certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) help students develop the organizational skills needed to host tournaments, manage large-scale events, and oversee logistics for esports teams.
Esports Coaching and Team Management Certifications: Programs offered through programs like The Tennessee Academic Esports League prepare students for roles in team development, strategy, and player support.
Broadcasting and Production Certifications in tools like OBS Studio, Adobe Premiere, and After Effects prepare students to handle live-streaming, video editing, and esports event production. Students can gain practical experience as casters, analysts, or behind-the-scenes producers, critical roles in an industry with a rapidly growing need for content creators and media professionals.
These certifications are invaluable in a state where only 59.6% of high school graduates enroll in college, and many others enter the workforce directly (Tennessee Department of Education). Esports, as part of a CTE program, empowers students to graduate with job-ready skills that don’t require a four-year degree.
The CTE Advantage: Workforce Development in Tennessee
In Tennessee, workforce development is a priority, with sectors such as technology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing in need of skilled workers. Esports integrates seamlessly into this vision:
Technology Skills: Players and support staff alike gain proficiency in networking, computer maintenance, and software.
Soft Skills: Teamwork, communication, and leadership—skills honed in esports—are highly valued across industries.
Entrepreneurship: Students learn to manage teams, market events, and even create their own gaming businesses.
Why Esports May Not Fit in Athletics
While esports competitions share similarities with traditional sports, such as teamwork, strategy, and discipline, the differences are significant.
Physical Activity: Athletics programs focus on physical fitness and sportsmanship through physical exertion, while esports centers on cognitive skills and technical expertise.
Career Pathways: Athletics departments rarely offer pathways to careers beyond sports, whereas esports opens doors to a multitude of industries.
Resource Allocation: CTE programs are better equipped to provide the technology and infrastructure needed for esports, such as high-performance PCs, networking, and software.
By placing esports under Athletics, schools risk framing it solely as a recreational activity rather than a tool for career preparation.
CTE Programs Create Equity in Esports
Esports in CTE programs also helps bridge the equity gap. Not all students are athletes, and not all have access to high-quality technology at home. By offering esports within CTE, Tennessee schools can provide a level playing field, giving every student the chance to explore their interests and talents in a supportive environment.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
As Tennessee aims to strengthen its workforce, it’s essential to recognize the role esports can play in preparing students for 21st-century careers. The Tennessee Academic Esports League is paving the way, offering models for how esports can transform education.
Conclusion: Esports as a Game-Changer for Tennessee CTE
By aligning esports with CTE programs, Tennessee schools can unlock the full potential of this emerging field. Esports becomes more than a game; it becomes a gateway to meaningful careers, equipping students with the skills, certifications, and experiences they need to succeed in college or the workforce.
For administrators and educators, the decision is clear: esports should not just be about playing—it should be about preparing students for the future. Let’s place it where it belongs—in the hands of CTE departments, where it can truly change lives.
Learn more about building esports programs in Tennessee:
Explore career pathways at U.S. Academic Esports League
Dive into CTE initiatives at Tennessee Department of Education.
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