How to Be a Substitute Teacher in Iowa: Requirements & Certification

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification Renewal Period</b> </td><td> 5 years validity for substitute license</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Requirements for Renewal</b> </td><td> At least 30 days of substitute teaching, one year of teaching experience, or one renewal credit</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Iowa Substitute Teacher Average Annual Salary (2017)</b> </td><td> $29,520*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2020)</b> </td><td> 8% increase (for teacher assistants nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p><h3 id="section---TeacherEducationPrograms">Teacher Education Programs</h3><p>An Iowa teaching license allows applicants to work as substitute teachers. One of the mandatory requirements for this license is to complete a teacher education program from an accredited school. These programs are available on both a graduate and undergraduate level, allowing students to certify in a range of teaching specializations (such as teaching on a kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school level, in areas such as English, mathematics, physical education, among many others). </p><p>Admissions into these programs may differ between graduate and undergraduate degrees. Undergraduates will typically need a minimum GPA of 3.0, while those applying for a graduate program commonly need to provide passing scores on the Praxis Core exam, a passing cumulative GPA (varies between institutions), and transcripts from previous educational institutions. </p><p>A bachelor's degree is the minimum necessary education. </p><h3 id="section---SubstituteTeacherLicense">Substitute Teacher License</h3><p>If one has fulfilled a teacher education program but does not have an Iowa teaching license, an individual can apply for a substitute license. This license is valid for five years and can be renewed an unlimited amount of times. Someone with this certification can substitute in any capacity that a teacher with an Iowa license can. Individuals can also apply for this license if they have an out-of-state teaching license. </p><h3 id="section---SubstituteAuthorization">Substitute Authorization</h3><p>For those who wish to substitute teach in Iowa schools, but currently don't hold a teaching license, a substitute authorization is available. This allows one to substitute at an educational institution (from kindergarten to grade 12), with some limitations. </p><p>To be considered eligible for a substitute authorization certificate, one must hold a 4-year college or university degree, must be at least 21 years old, has passed a criminal background check, and has completed the Substitute Authorization Program from an Area Education Agency (AEA). </p><h3 id="section---RenewingYourLicense">Renewing Your License</h3><p>To renew your substitute teaching license, you are required to meet one of the necessary criteria below: </p><ul><li>Evidence of at least 30 days of substitute teaching during your term </li><li>Completion of an eligible course at an accredited community college, college, or university </li><li>Completion of course provided by a board-approved local or area education agency </li><li>Completion of an approved Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Training program within the last five years </li></ul><p>Extensions are provided by the IBEE, should the individual require more time to meet the necessary renewal requirements.</p>