IOWA
STATE RESOURCES

Iowa requires all educators to hold at least an bachelor's degree. Information can be found here: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educator-quality/become-educator 

There is currently no required testing for educator candidates. Previously, candidates were required to complete a Praxis exam.

• Step 1: Complete a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution

• Step 2: Complete all:

  • Teacher preparation program requirements

  • Participate in a supervised clinical experience in PK-12 schools

  • Student teach for 14 weeks

• Step 3: Complete a background check and fingerprinting

• Step 4: Submit your application

More information can be found here: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educator-quality/become-educator 

There are three alternative license programs through an internship pathway. Information on this pathway can be found here: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educator-quality/practitioner-preparation 

The Iowa Department of Education maintains a list of approved educator preparation programs: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educator-quality/become-educator 

• Iowa Council for Exceptional Children - https://iowa.exceptionalchildren.org/ 

• Iowa State Education Association Aspiring Educators - https://www.isea.org/about-isea/our-members/aspiring-educators 

• • • Teach Iowa Scholar Program - https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/financial-aid/loan-repayment/teach-iowa-scholar-program 

    • ISEA Scholarships - https://www.isea.org/about-isea/isea-awards-scholarships/isea-scholarships 

    • PEIF Scholarships - https://peiowa.org/foundation/scholarships/ 

• TEACH Grant - https://financialaid.iastate.edu/types-of-aid/grants/teach-grant/ 

• Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) Grant Program - https://workforce.iowa.gov/apprenticeship/funding/tpra