How to Become a Teacher in Iowa

While Iowa struggles with issues of teacher pay, furloughs, and dwindling education budgets, this dynamic state offers other rewards to aspiring teachers. Rural schools, small class sizes, and strong standards can make teaching in Iowa successful and interesting. In addition, Iowa financially rewards teachers who pursue higher education.

Those interested in how to become a teacher in Iowa must earn one of three degrees, most commonly the Initial Teacher Certificate.

How to become a teacher in Iowa - traditional route for residents

Iowa has several different credentials available to aspiring teachers. They include:

• Initial Teacher Certificate:
• Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution.
• Standard Certificate:
• Meeting standards for the Initial Certificate; plus
• 2 years successful teaching.
• Master Educator Certificate:
• Hold a Standard Certificate;
• 5 years of teaching experience;
• Master's degree in endorsement area.

How to become a teacher in IA - alternative route for residents

The most common alternative route for how to become a teacher in Iowa is the Teacher Intern program for those applying to be high school teachers. Applicants to this program must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution;
• Meet the subject matter course work requirements for one of the secondary teaching endorsements;
• Have at least three years of post-baccalaureate work experience;
• Successfully complete the introductory teacher intern program at a four-year college or university approved by the State Board of Education.

How to become a teacher in IA - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Iowa does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other States. However, a teacher certificate in Iowa is available to teachers with credentials from outside of the State. Requirements for out-of-State teachers include:

• Holding a valid certificate with no disputes;
• Completing a regionally-approved teacher preparation program;
• Meeting standards for Highly Qualified in the State where the credential was issued.

How do I become a teacher in Iowa - necessary exams for residents

All aspiring teachers applying for a teacher certificate in Iowa must pass the Praxis I exam. Elementary school teachers must also pass the Praxis II, Elementary Core Subject test. Secondary teachers must pass the Praxis II in the subject area they wish to teach. All applicants may take Praxis II tests for endorsement purposes.

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Iowa?

Specific bachelor's degrees are required for secondary teachers in Iowa, as teachers must be Highly Qualified in their subject area. Aspiring secondary teachers may also hold an education degree in their desired subject area. Elementary school teachers may hold a bachelor's degree in any area including education.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Iowa?

Teacher preparation in Iowa involves all areas of education, and gives students strong backgrounds in assessment and data-driven decision making about curriculum development, classroom management, and lesson planning. Iowa rewards teachers who hold a master's degree or above, so teacher preparation programs at the master's level can be financially helpful for teachers.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Iowa?

The Initial Iowa Education Certificate is valid for 2 years, and is renewable twice without additional credits or programming needs. In order to convert to a Standard Certificate, or renew a Standard Certificate, a teacher must:

• Complete 6 semester hours of renewal coursework at an accredited institution, or
• Complete at least 2 years of teaching.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in IA?

Anyone asking "how do I become a teacher in Iowa?" may consult the following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in Iowa:

• Iowa State Board of Education

  This official site outlines essential teacher certification processes and requirements.

• Iowa Department of Education

  The official government site addressing all standards and requirements for educators.