Steps to becoming a teacher in Iowa
- Iowa Teacher Certification Procedure:
-
Download and complete section I of the out-of-state application
-
Enclose Official Transcripts of all college credits you have received.
-
Provide a processing fee of $85 and an issuance fee of $60. Made payable to the "Iowa Board of Educational Examiners"
-
Enclose a photocopy of a valid teaching license
-
Request a fingerprint card by calling (515)281-3245 and leaving your name and address. A fingerprint packet will the sent the same or following business day.
- Send completed fingerprint cards, waiver and a $52 background check fee.
-
Verify Teaching Experience:
- None is required for the Initial Iowa License
- 3 years is required for the Standard Teacher License
- 5 years and a Master's degree is required for the Master Teacher License
- You may use the form attached to the out-of-state application form or enclose a letter from an administrator from your employing school district.
-
If you have fewer than 3 years of teaching experience, you will need to provide verification of passing the Iowa state mandated tests (A copy of your test scores is fine).
The following are requirements and materials you will need to complete and send to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners:
Send materials to this address:
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Grimes State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146
Grimes State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146
Or call for more information at (515) 281-3245.
Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.
Search for Teacher Education
Article of the Month
First year trials...
Do you remember walking through the front doors of your school on your first day as a teacher? Well, I sure do. A few teenagers were strolling the halls, but most hadn’t arrived yet. Eager with anticipation, I hardly slept a wink... Read More...