How To Become a Teacher in Iowa 2025

<p>Are you ready to become a teacher in Iowa? It can be a rewarding career path &mdash; but to get there, you have to pay attention to state requirements. Whether you want to teach elementary, middle, or high school, understanding Iowa's licensure requirements and degree options will help you navigate the process smoothly. </p> <p>If you're wondering <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teacher.html">how to become a teacher</a>, continue reading as we break down the necessary steps, providing clarity for all of the government-regulated standards. Below, you can learn about the requirements to become a teacher in Iowa. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToBecomeATeacherInIowa">Steps To Become a Teacher in Iowa</h2> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a> is through a traditional educational pathway, which always includes a bachelor's degree. More specifically, to become a teacher in Iowa, you'll need to follow the required education and certification specifications. Below, we'll cover every necessary step so you can get started on your teaching journey. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>The requirements to become a teacher in Iowa vary based on the grade level you choose. Before anything else, decide whether you want to teach elementary, middle, or high school based on your interests and goals. </p> <p>For example, if you're interested in early childhood development, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>. If you like the idea of guiding young people right before they head off to college, consider high school. </p> <p>You don't need to have a specific grade level in mind, but you should consider the general education level you'll want to teach, as this will determine your education path and what credentials you'll need to get started. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>An elementary school typically includes kindergarten through sixth grade. Instructors at this level teach multiple subjects to the same group of students. To become an elementary teacher in Iowa, you'll need a bachelor's degree in elementary education from a state-approved program, which includes coursework in reading, math, and child development. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>If you decide to teach middle school, you'll likely focus on one or two subjects, like social studies or science. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">Middle school teacher educational requirements</a> include an endorsement in a specific subject. Your teaching program will include training in adolescent development and classroom strategies tailored to this age group. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>High school teachers specialize in teaching one specific subject, such as biology, history, or Spanish. With <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">high school teacher educational requirements</a>, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a state-approved teacher preparation program. Credentials from this education program will showcase the subject you're qualified to teach to high school students. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Your major determines the subjects and grade levels you'll be qualified to teach in Iowa. If you plan to teach elementary school, you'll typically major in elementary education, which covers a broad range of topics across multiple subjects. If you're aiming for middle or high school, you'll need to major in a specific content area like English or math. </p> <p>Your major must be part of a state-approved teacher preparation program to meet licensure requirements. Choosing the right major early on helps streamline your path to certification and classroom readiness. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>All Iowa teachers must earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Your degree must include a state-approved teacher preparation program, which blends educational theory with hands-on experience. Expect coursework in instructional methods, classroom management, child or adolescent development, and assessment strategies. </p> <p>A key part of your training is student teaching. This is a full-time, supervised placement in a real classroom that lasts at least 14 weeks. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>You don't need a master's degree to teach in Iowa; however, you may want to pursue one for professional development. A graduate degree can open the door to leadership opportunities or administration roles. Additionally, some school districts may pay teachers with graduate degrees higher salaries. </p> <p>If you're looking to expand your impact in education or advance your career, pursuing an advanced degree can be a valuable step. The University of Iowa offers a fully online Master of Arts in teaching, leadership, and cultural competency. The remote nature of this program allows you to keep your current teaching position, while earning your degree. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassIowaTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Iowa Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>In Iowa, passing a general teaching exam is not typically required for licensure. To obtain an Initial Teaching License, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, including required coursework and clinical experiences. There are 29 approved colleges or universities with these types of education programs. </p> <p>However, for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, there are three state-approved alternative programs. With these teacher certification options, you'll complete a teacher internship, which allows you to get paid as a regular, full-time teacher. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>In Iowa, you have two main platforms for finding and applying to education jobs: IowaWORKS and TeachIowa. IowaWORKS is the required platform where all education job openings must be posted, making it your primary resource during your job search. TeachIowa is an optional site that can also be helpful, offering additional listings and tools to support your application process. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>As previously stated, you can choose from 29 approved schools offering a traditional pathway to becoming a teacher. An additional three options are available for anyone who already has an undergraduate degree. </p> <p>To decide which one of these programs is the right choice for you, you should consider your career goals. Some programs specialize in certain grade levels or subject areas, which can make a difference if you're targeting a specific endorsement. </p> <p>Location and program reputation matter too. If you live in a rural area, you may want to consider an online program, allowing you to stay in your current location. But above all, a well-regarded program can help you with job placement after graduation, which is why it's important to go with a school known for its high-quality academics rather than just convenience. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInIowa">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Iowa</h2> <p>Do you have questions about the requirements to become a teacher in Iowa? Below, we discuss teaching certifications, degree requirements, and more. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInIowa">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Iowa?</h3> <p>To become a licensed teacher in Iowa, you must earn a bachelor's degree from a state-approved program. This program includes coursework and a minimum of 14 weeks of full-time work experience in a real classroom. Upon completion, you can apply for an Initial Teaching License through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Department of Education's website, teachers at private schools must have the appropriate teaching license to retain employment. This means private school teachers need the same state-approved education degree that meets all certification requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIGetTeachingCertificationInIowa">How Do I Get Teaching Certification in Iowa?</h3> <p>You need to complete a state-approved college degree program, which includes student teaching experience. You'll also need to pass a background check. After this, you can apply for the Initial Teaching License, which is valid for two years. Once this expires, you're eligible for the Standard Teaching License that lasts for five years. </p> <h3 id="section---CanYouTeachInIowaWithoutATeachingDegree">Can You Teach in Iowa Without a Teaching Degree?</h3> <p>Yes, you can still teach in Iowa even if your bachelor's degree is in a non-education field. However, you will need to complete a state-approved alternative program that lasts around two years. This program includes a teaching internship, where you can retain the title of teacher and receive pay as a full-time employee. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareer">Start Your Teaching Career</h2> <p>Becoming a certified teacher in Iowa takes dedication. You'll need to find the right education program to make it happen. Start browsing approved education programs here on Learn.org. Contact all schools directly to find out more information.</p>