Requirements - First Issuance
- Completion of a full state of Iowa approved teacher preparation program for college semester hour credit including meeting at least one of the endorsement requirements.
- Mandatory reporter training for child abuse.
Term
2 years
Authority
Full teaching instruction within grade levels and endorsements listed on the license. Also holds substitute authority including long-term subbing.
Renewals
Two renewals are available if needed. The second (and final) renewal requires proof of employment in a contracted position that will lead to the standard license. No credits required. Mandatory reporter training for child abuse is required.
Extension
Applicants who will meet the experience requirement within one year.
Applicants who have already met the experience requirement, but need one final year to meet the Iowa teaching standard.
Conversion
Convert to the standard license after meeting the required teaching experience: two full years of successful teaching in an Iowa public school, or three full years in an accredited nonpublic school, an out-of-state school, or a combination of these settings totaling three years. Do not apply until all experience requirements have been completed.
Directions Documents
- Apply for an Initial Teaching License and Recommended by an Iowa Teacher Preparation Program (235.87 KB) .pdf
- Apply for an Initial Teaching License for Out-of-State Teacher Preparation Programs or Reciprocity (242.29 KB) .pdf
- Apply for an Extension of an Initial Teaching License (210.22 KB) .pdf
- Convert an Initial Teaching License to a Standard Teaching License (211.2 KB) .pdf
- Renew an Initial Teaching License (200.66 KB) .pdf
Other Information
Due to the limited number of renewals, it is best to let this license type expire if not teaching in a setting that will lead to the standard license. The license can be renewed or extended at a later date.