Iowa Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Iowa

So you want to earn your Iowa Teacher Certification? Let's take a look at the step by step instructions:

Traditional Approach for the Iowa Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an Iowa Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Pass your Praxis I Test of Basic Skills or CAAP Exam. Also, you’ll need to take your Praxis II Content Test (subject area)
4. Requirements for Teaching Endorsements
5. 160 days of experiences within last 5 years
6. Call (515) 281-3245 for a fingerprint package
7. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $85 & $50 check/money order payable to Bd. Of Educational Examiners
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
   • Also, include copies of all test scores
   • Mail to:
     Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
     Grimes State Office Building
     Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146
     (515) 281-3245
8. Do you want to renew your Iowa Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Iowa Teacher Certification

Alternatively, you can earn the Teacher Intern License to teach in Iowa. This will allow you to start teaching before you complete your teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. 3+ years of experience in a related occupation
3. Subject matter requirements
4. Finish an introductory teacher intern program at an accredited college or university
5. Apply for an Iowa teaching job

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