Exchange program offers opportunities for Iowa schools to link with Spanish teachers

Where can Iowa schools find quality Spanish teachers for classrooms next fall? Think Spain.

Through the Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain Program, Iowa public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools can fill vacant Spanish and dual language teaching positions with highly qualified educators from Spain for a period of up to three years. All Spanish educators in the program have at least two years of teaching experience.

“The Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain program is such an innovative approach for Iowa and our local schools,” said Stefanie Wager, education consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. “It provides a unique experience not only for our students but also for the participating Spanish teachers.”

The exchange program is sponsored through a partnership between the Iowa Department of Education and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain. It was created to address the shortage of qualified Spanish teachers in the state and helps expose students to different cultures. The program focuses on the exchange of culture and education and offers foreign nationals with opportunities to work in and experience living in Iowa and the United States, which they can apply to their teachings back in Spain.

The Iowa Department of Education ensures that exchange visitors and their host schools abide by the program rules and requirements established by the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security. Teachers are hired in accordance with all other local policies in terms of salary scale, licensure and local system requirements.

“The Department is ready to help Iowa schools make connections with Spanish teachers through the exchange program,” Wager said. “We will provide technical assistance, orientation and training and support for this experience. We hope that schools across the state take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

The Iowa Department of Education is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 exchange program through March 15. Application materials and additional information on the program can be found on the Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain Program webpage.

Specific questions on the exchange program can be directed to Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov.