Admission into Program

Selection committee. A student seeking admission to the Iowa State University Educator Preparation Program must be accepted by a selection committee for the specific licensure area the student seeks to enter. Factors considered in evaluating applications (in addition to the specific requirements) may include scholarship, interest in teaching, character, interpersonal skills, and physical and mental health. These factors are reviewed at the three decision points throughout the program. Major concerns will result in dismissal from Teacher Education.

Confirmation. Recommendations by selection committees must be confirmed by the Educator Preparation Coordinating Council before admission is granted.

Students must be admitted into the program to be able to student teach and to register for certain courses. Admission to the Educator Preparation Program is on a rolling basis (anytime throughout the year, including the summer). It may take up to 8 weeks for processing.

Students can apply as soon as they have completed 9 credits at ISU with a GPA of 2.5 or above and meet all of the requirements for admission. For typical (non-transfer students) the ideal time to apply is at the end of freshman year. This allows students to register for courses such as CI 280, CI 406, and CI426.

Accelerated graduate programs. Students in accelerated graduate programs must be fully admitted by mid-semester prior to their planned student teaching semester.

Students who are pursuing an initial teaching license incur costs that exceed tuition. The following are some additional fees that students may have to pay:

Background Checks

State Level Background Check: $18.00

National Level Background Check (ECE and El Ed majors only): $28.00

FBI/BOEE National Level Background Check (at the time of licensure): $65.00

Licensure Application

Application for licensure: $85.00

Official transcript required by the Board of Educational Examiners at licensure: $16.00

Praxis Exams

Praxis 1 (combined test): $135

Praxis 2 Pedagogy Exam: $135 (approximately)

Praxis 2 Content Exam: $135 (approximately)

Clinical Experiences

The following fees are for an honorarium for the cooperating teacher and for supervision in most licensure areas.

Level 1: $0

Level 2: $25

Level 3: $125

Level 4 (Student Teaching for 16 weeks): $520.00

Students may be traveling up to one hour a way from Ames and will have to pay for transportation as well.

For all three decision points (admission, student teaching and licensure) incomplete grades are not considered acceptable passing grades.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the director of equal opportunity and diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, 515-294-7612.