Teacher License Options

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Initial Teaching License

Teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program, an out-of-state accredited teacher preparation program, or hold a valid teaching certification from another state will apply for a New-First Iowa Teaching License. Applicants will be issued an initial teaching license.

Conditional Licensure for Professional School Counseling
OptionsDirections Document
Initial Teaching License - applicants who will be recommended by an Iowa teacher preparation program (a teacher’s first teaching license). Directions to Apply for an Initial Teaching License and Recommended by an Iowa Teacher Preparation Program (235.87 KB) .pdf
Initial Teaching License - applicants who are in an out-of-state teacher preparation program or will apply for reciprocity. Directions to Apply for an Initial Teaching License for Out-of-State Teacher Preparation Programs or Reciprocity (242.29 KB) .pdf
Extension of an Initial Teaching License - applicants need one more year to meet the requirements to convert to a standard license. Directions to Apply for an Extension of an Initial Teaching License (210.22 KB) .pdf
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Conditional Licensure

Licensed Iowa teachers who hold an initial, standard, master, or regional exchange teaching license may apply for a conditional license if they meet the requirements for the percentage of coursework completed and have been offered a position. Conditional licenses allow teachers to teach in the subject area while completing the remaining requirements.

Renewing or Converting a Professional Service License
OptionsDirections Document
Executive Director Decision - a conditional license that allows the applicant to teach in the licensed area (for one year with less than 50% of the coursework completed) while completing the endorsement. The applicant may apply for the Class B once they completed 50% of the requirements. Directions for an Executive Director Decision Conditional Teacher License (235.95 KB) .pdf
Class B - a conditional license that allows the applicant to teach in the licensed area while completing the endorsement, must have 50% of the coursework met. Directions for a Class B Conditional Teaching License (236.64 KB) .pdf
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Add an Endorsement(s) to your Existing Iowa Teaching License

Licensed Iowa teachers may add other endorsements to a current teaching license through the application process once requirements are met, either through a college recommendation or by completing state-minimum requirements.

Renewing or Converting a Professional Service License
OptionsDirections Document
Adding Endorsements to an Iowa Teaching License with an Iowa College Program that will be making the recommendation. Directions for Adding an Endorsement to an Iowa Teaching License and Recommended by an Approved Iowa Program (223.11 KB) .pdf
Adding Endorsements to an Iowa Teaching License utilizing state-minimums. Directions for Adding an Endorsement to an Iowa Teaching License Through State Minimums (223.05 KB) .pdf
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Renew or Convert a Teaching License

Teachers who need to renew their license should start the process 4-6 weeks before their license’s expiration date. Applicants can start the process up to one year in advance.  Multiple options are available depending on the applicant’s relevant experience and education.

Below are the options for renewing/converting an initial, standard, or master educator teaching license. Review the options carefully and select the one that best fits your situation.

Add an Counseling Endorsement(s) to your Existing Iowa Teaching License
OptionsDirections Document
Convert an Initial Teaching License to a Standard Teaching License - this also renews your teaching license Directions to Convert an Initial Teaching License to a Standard Teaching License (211.2 KB) .pdf
Renew an Initial Teaching License - use only if the requirements have not been met to convert from an initial to a standard. An extension may also be considered if the applicant only needs one additional year to complete the requirements. Directions to Renew an Initial Teaching License (200.66 KB) .pdf
Convert a Standard Teaching License to a Master Educator Teaching License - this also renews your teaching license Directions to Convert a Standard Teaching License to a Master Educator License (225.05 KB) .pdf
Renew a Standard Teaching License or Master Educator Teaching License - use this application if the applicant needs renewal credits and does not meet the requirements for the Advanced Degree and 10 years K-12 Experience Application. Directions to Renew a Standard or Master Educator Teaching License (216.69 KB) .pdf
Renew a Standard Teaching License or Master Educator Teaching License using an Advanced Degree  and 10 Years of  K-12 Experience - use this application if you have an advanced degree and at least 10 years K-12 experience - no renewal credits required. Directions to Renew a Standard or Master Educator License using an Advance Degree and 10 Years of K-12 Experience (210.18 KB) .pdf
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Extension for a Teaching License

Extensions are valid for one year and may be added to either a current or an expired license.  Extensions provide applicants with one year to gather the required documents for license renewal or conversion.

Renewing or Converting a Professional Service License
OptionsDirections Document
Extension to an Iowa Teaching License - applicants need one more year to meet renewal requirements. Directions for an Extension to an Iowa Teaching License (225.03 KB) .pdf
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