Want to become a teacher in the great state of Iowa? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Iowa.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Iowa also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Iowa does not list courses or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information. 

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Iowa requires the Praxis II: Subject Exams to prove content proficiency. Indiana has an Initial certification, valid for an educator’s first 2 years, as well as Standard and Master Educator certification, both good for 5 years. Go to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBEE) website to find out more info.

Step 3: Submit an Iowa Teaching Credential Application

Have you finished your teacher education program, including student teaching, and passed the necessary assessments? If so, you may apply for an initial teaching certification in Iowa. If you graduated from an Iowa teacher certification program, use the Application for Licensure (Iowa Institution). If you are a graduate of an educator preparation program out-of-state, use the Application for Licensure (Non-Iowa Institution). Submit all of the required documentation to the Iowa Department of Education. Please allow 7-14 days for processing.