Teacher Licensure State Requirements - Iowa

Become a Teacher or Administrator in Iowa

If you are passionate about helping others learn, enrolling in a teacher licensure program is an excellent way to apply your skills.

Before becoming a licensed teacher or administrator in Iowa, you must meet all of Iowa's certification requirements (for those who have attended out-of-state educational prep programs), including:

• Graduation from a bachelor’s degree program offered by a regionally accredited college or university.
• Completion of an out-of-state approved/NCATE-accredited teacher education program (see Utah certification requirements).
• Standard teaching license awarded by another state’s department of education.
• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
• Completion of a required background check.
• Passing scores on the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test.
• Passing scores on all of the required Praxis II content exams and pedagogy exams.
• Candidates seeking subsequent licensure from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners must contact that Board (515/281-5849; http://www.boee.iowa.gov/) for licensure requirements in Iowa.

Note: Successful completion of WGU’s program(s) of educator preparation does not qualify you for initial educator licensure by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners until you receive the Standard teaching license, or as applicable, administrators license awarded by Utah’s department of education.

WGU will assist candidates in: understanding the requirements of the Utah licensing board prior to the completion of a WGU program of educator preparation; and contacting the Utah licensing board.

Beginning September 2015, Iowa will require Elementary Education teacher candidates to have at least two different grade levels for pre-clinical experiences: one primary and one intermediate.

Note: Listed requirements are current and are subject to change at any time, even during enrollment.

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