Become a Kindergarten Teacher in Iowa

<h2 id="section---HowToEarnKindergartenTeacherCertificationInIowa">How to Earn Kindergarten Teacher Certification in Iowa</h2> <p>The majority of kindergarten teachers in Iowa teach full-day classes; however, some school districts still offer half sessions. Prospective teachers must possess a bachelor's degree and pass the necessary state certification exams. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Required Degree</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Degree Field</b></td><td>Education</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Tests</b></td><td>Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 and program-specific tests</td></tr> <tr><td><b>License Renewal Period</b></td><td>Two years for initial teaching license<br />Five years for standard teaching license</td></tr> <tr><td><b>License Renewal Requirements</b></td><td>Second renewal of initial teaching license requires proof of employment and completion of mandatory reporter training<br />Six renewal credits and mandatory reporter training for standard teaching license</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Average Salary for Kindergarten Teachers in Iowa (2018)*</b></td><td>$53,200</td></tr> <tr><td><b> Job Outlook for Teachers (2016-2026)*</b></td><td>7% (All Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---TraditionalEducationalRouteForEarningCertification">Traditional Educational Route for Earning Certification</h3> <p>The traditional route to teacher certification in Iowa is completing a bachelor's degree through an approved educator training program at an accredited school. As part of their undergraduate training, teaching candidates must complete coursework in exceptional learners and human relations. </p> <h3 id="section---IowaRequiredTeachingExams">Iowa Required Teaching Exams</h3> <p>Candidates who pursue the traditional educational route will need to pass both a basic skills test and a grade-specific test. Iowa utilizes the Praxis series administered by the Educational Testing Service. Kindergarten teaching candidates will need to earn qualifying scores on the Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6. They will have two hours to take the test, which consists of both essays and multiple-choice questions. Candidates will need to consult with their institution on the specific testing requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---IowaInitialTeachingLicense">Iowa Initial Teaching License</h3> <p>Individuals will be eligible for the first issuance of an initial teaching license after completing their bachelor's degree through an approved program. The initial license is valid for two years and can be renewed twice. If teachers need to renew their license a second time, they must provide documentation of their current position that will lead to the standard teaching license. College credits are not required for the renewal; however, teachers must complete required courses on mandatory reporter training for dependent adult abuse and child abuse. </p> <h3 id="section---IowaInitialTeachingLicenseExtension">Iowa Initial Teaching License Extension</h3> <p>Kindergarten teachers can apply for an extension of their initial teaching license if they will meet the work experience criteria within a year. Teachers who have met the experience requirement but need an additional year to meet the Iowa teaching standard can also apply for a license extension. </p> <h3 id="section---IowaStandardTeachingLicense">Iowa Standard Teaching License</h3> <p>A kindergarten teacher with an initial teaching license can covert it to a standard teaching license after working for two years in a public school district or three years in an approved private or out-of-state institution. The standard license is valid for five years. Teachers will need to earn six credits in order to renew their standard teaching license. The state will accept renewal credits earned through organizations such as Iowa Safe Schools, Professional Educators of Iowa, an Iowa area education agency, or the Iowa State Education Association. Teachers will also need to complete the mandatory reporting training for dependent adult abuse and child abuse.</p>