Licensure: Decision point 3
More information
Requirements for licensure
Applying for licensure
Out-of-state licensure
Licensure in Iowa
To teach in the State of Iowa, individuals must hold a current teaching license. The license is granted by the state, upon the recommendation of the accredited institution where the student completed an undergraduate program.
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners issues teaching licenses that are valid for specific ages or grades (such as K-6 for elementary teachers and 5-12 for secondary teachers). Endorsements on a teaching license indicate which subject areas a teacher is qualified to teach. Completion of student teaching and required coursework does not guarantee recommendation for a teaching license.
The State of Iowa operates under an approved program system. That means Iowa State University has specified to the Board of Educational Examiners the courses and experiences it believes are necessary for prospective teachers in various fields, such as history, science, music, and family and consumer sciences. Every five years, the University undergoes a state review of their more than sixty-five approved programs.
The initial license is issued to the graduates of approved teacher education programs. It is valid for two years, and it may be renewed for one additional two-year term. Any new graduate who has received a teaching contract is required to have this license.
This license is valid for five years, and it may be renewed for successive five-year periods. To obtain this license, the applicant must have met the requirements for the initial license and present evidence of two years of successful teaching experience based on a local evaluation process.
This license is valid for five years, and it may be renewed for successive five-year periods, To obtain the Master Educator’s license, the applicant must be the holder of a standard license, completed five years of teaching experience, and hold a master’s degree in one of the recognized teaching endorsement areas.
Information on Iowa licensing and/or renewal information may be obtained from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
This license is issued to the graduates of an approved teacher education program who are not teaching full-time and who wish to substitute teach. It is valid for five years and may be renewed for successive five-year periods.
Iowa law states that an applicant for teacher licensure shall be disqualified for any of the following reasons:
- The applicant has been convicted of child abuse or sexual abuse of a child.
- The applicant has been convicted of a felony.
- The applicant’s application is fraudulent.
- The applicant’s license or certification from another state is suspended or revoked.
For futher clarification of this law, contact the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners or the Iowa Administrative Code (chapters 25 and 26 on Professional Practices and Ethics).
For questions regarding adding endorsements, licensure renewal, and coaching authorization, visit the Board of Educational Examiners website or email Teresa Kahler.
The following are endorsements offered by Iowa State University:
| 100 |
Teacher–Prekindergarten through grade three, including special education |
| 101 |
Athletic Coach K-12 |
| 102 |
Teacher Elem Classroom K-6 |
| 104 |
ESL Teacher K-12 |
| 112 |
Agriculture 5-12 |
| 113 |
Art K-8 |
| 114 |
Art 5-12 |
| 119 |
English/Language Arts K-8 |
| 120 |
English/Language Arts 5-12 |
| 121 |
Chinese K-8 |
| 122 |
Chinese 5-12 |
| 123 |
French K-8 |
| 124 |
French 5-12 |
| 125 |
German K-8 |
| 126 |
German 5-12 |
| 129 |
Latin K-8 |
| 130 |
Latin 5-12 |
| 131 |
Russian K-8 |
| 132 |
Russian 5-12 |
| 133 |
Spanish K-8 |
| 134 |
Spanish 5-12 |
| 137 |
Health K-8 |
| 138 |
Health 5-12 |
| 139 |
Family and Consumer Science, general 5-12 |
| 142 |
Mathematics K-8 |
| 143 |
Mathematics 5-12 |
| 144 |
Music K-8 |
| 145 |
Music 5-12 |
| 146 |
Physical Education K-8 |
| 147 |
Physical Education 5-12 |
| 148 |
Reading K-8 |
| 149 |
Reading 5-12 |
| 150 |
Science-Basic K-8 |
| 151 |
Biology 5-12 |
| 152 |
Chemistry 5-12 |
| 153 |
Earth Science 5-12 |
| 154 |
General Science 5-12 |
| 155 |
Physical Science 5-12 |
| 156 |
Physics 5-12 |
| 157 |
American Government 5-12 |
| 158 |
American History 5-12 |
| 159 |
Anthropology 5-12 |
| 160 |
Economics 5-12 |
| 162 |
History K-8 |
| 163 |
Psychology 5-12 |
| 164 |
Social Studies K-8 |
| 165 |
Sociology 5-12 |
| 166 |
World History 5-12 |
| 168 |
Speech Comm/Theatre 5-12 |
| 171 |
Superintendent PK-12 |
| 250 |
Consultant Special Education (new) |
| 260 |
Instructional Stategist I, mild and moderate K-8 |
| 261 |
Instructional Stategist I, mild and moderate 5-12 |
| 262 |
Early Childhood Special Education PK-K |
| 263 |
Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD K-12 |
| 300 |
Agriscience/Agribusiness 5-12 |
| 303 |
Consumer/Homemaking Ed 5-12 |
| 304 |
Occupational Home Economics 5-12 |
| 305 |
Multioccupations 5-12 |
