The State of Iowa’s public education system is considered among the best in the nation. The 327 local school districts serve more than 485,000 students in the PreK-12 levels. More than 38,000 teachers are at the frontlines of PreK-12 education, too, and their continuing success reflects the strong commitment of the state toward excellence in education. For the Class of 2021, the 90.2% graduation rate is solid proof of it.
The Hawkeye State is also known for its strong commitment to making it an excellent place for teachers. For one thing, Iowa offers a free training program on the science of reading for all elementary school teachers. The goal is to raise the standards of literacy among elementary school students.
All teachers in Iowa must also pass the Foundations of Reading assessment, a nationally recognized test. This isn’t just another training program – it ensures literacy competency among teachers. When competent teachers are at the helm of education, students benefit in many ways.
For another thing, Governor Reynolds proposed a substantial increase in teachers’ pay. According to her proposal, the starting pay for teachers should increase by 50% (i.e., up to $50,000 per year). While it’s a $96 million investment, it’s intended to recruit and retain the best teachers. Indeed, Iowa wants to see a strong message that its teachers and educators are valuable in its growth.
The State of Iowa was also among the early adopters of the universal Education Savings (ESA) program when it passed the Students First Act in January 2023. In it, Iowa families have more choices in their children’s education.
The bottom line: Now is the best time to earn your bachelor’s degree in education to start your teaching career in the Hawkeye State. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Related:
- Best 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Programs
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- Best Online English as a Second Language Endorsement Programs
- Top Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
- Best Schools Offering Online Reading Endorsements
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Iowa
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) oversees the teaching licensure process and procedures. Note that it’s under the umbrella of the Iowa Department of Education. The BOEE also oversees the rights, responsibilities, and ethics of education practitioners.
The primary teacher licensure requirements are:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Appropriate completion of teacher program requirements, including coursework and clinical experiences
Aspiring teachers can choose from two licensure pathways:
- Traditional pathway
- Alternative pathway
For the traditional pathway, the BOEE maintains a list of colleges and universities with approved teacher preparation programs. Most offer online programs that best fit working professionals, non-traditional students, and traditional students who want the benefits of online learning. In this pathway, students attend online classes, learn content knowledge and teaching methods, and engage in student teaching for at least 14 weeks.
The alternative pathway is for professionals with a teaching-related degree. Applicants complete 12-18 credits in teaching pedagogy and work in a high school setting with an intern license. The one-year internship and more credits completed enable aspiring teachers to apply for an initial license. Morningside College and the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) offer the only state-approved programs.
The BOEE offers several types of teaching licenses, including:
- Initial Teaching License
Applicants should have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program and at least one endorsement. This is a 2-year license that allows its holder to teach at specific grade levels and endorsements.
- Temporary Initial Teaching License
The 1-year license requires an offer of employment in an Iowa district, among others. Holders can apply for a full initial teaching license after the completion of assessments. No renewal or extension is offered.
- Teacher Intern License
This is also a 1-year license issued to applicants who have completed their first internship year. Holders have authority for full teaching instruction, too.
- Standard Teaching License
The 5-year license requires completion of at least two years of successful teaching in a public school or at least three years in a private or out-of-state school.
- Master Educator Teaching License
This is also a 5-year license awarded to teachers with a master’s degree and at least five years of successful teaching experience.
Other types include:
- Regional Exchange Teaching License
- Conditional License – Class B
- Conditional License – Executive Director Decision
- Class A – Extension (Teaching)
- Class E – Emergency Extension (Teaching)
The BOEE also approves certified administrator licenses to principals and superintendents, among others.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
The best online state-approved teacher preparation programs in Iowa’s colleges and universities have selective admissions criteria. The typical admission requirements for bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Completed application form and paid application fee
- Completion of high school with minimum GPA or GED equivalent
- Official transcripts
Graduate degree programs usually require the following for admission purposes:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Curriculum vitae or professional resume
- Letters of reference or recommendation
- Statement of purpose or essays with prompts
Graduate degree programs may also require applicants to possess a valid teaching license and proof of successful teaching experience.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Iowa
- Elementary School Teachers $62,483
- Middle School Teachers $63,290
- High School Teachers $63,300
- Special Education Teachers $60,346
- Superintendents $171,098
- School Administrators $114,615
- Principals $113,557
- Assistant Principals $93,235
- Curriculum Developers $77,300
- Instructional Coordinators $72,399
Scholarships for Future Educators in Iowa
- The Teacher of Tomorrow scholarship awards $1,000 to aspiring teachers based on their academic performance and community involvement.
- The ISEA Scholarship for Future Teachers is open for junior students in education programs.
- The Teach Iowa Scholar Program awards up to $4,000 per year for up to five years to qualified Iowa teachers in designated shortage areas.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Iowa
We chose these Iowa universities for their:
- Valid regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Outstanding reputation for quality instruction, program quality, and student support services
University of Northern Iowa
UNI, a public university, offers affordable, accessible, and flexible online programs for aspiring and current teachers.
- BA in Early Childhood Education (Transfer Program)
The two-year degree completion program prepares students for the challenges and rewards of an early childhood education teaching career. Students earn the Iowa Birth-Grade 3 Inclusive Settings #1001 endorsement.
- BA in Elementary Education – Purple Pathway for Paraeducators
Students in the 2-year fully online program earn Elementary K-6 and Strategist I endorsements.
- MA in Art Education
The 30-credit program takes five semesters. Students tackle a comprehensive art education-based curriculum.
- MAE in Early Childhood Education
This is a 2-year program with a 30-credit curriculum designed for practicing licensed teachers in the pre-kindergarten to third-grade levels. Students can also earn an Iowa 262 Pre-K-K Early Childhood Special Education endorsement.
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
Students in the 48-credit program choose from four study areas: Educational Leadership – Principal and Superintendent; Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs; Curriculum and Instruction; and Director of Special Education. This is an online program with a cohort model and a three-year time-to-degree. Students from underrepresented groups may apply for the Holmes Scholarship.
Other online education programs are:
- BA in Elementary Education (Transfer Program)
- MAEd in Literacy Education
- MA in Mathematics: Community College Teaching Emphasis
- MA in Mathematics for Elementary & Middle Grades (K-8)
- MA in Mathematics: Secondary Teaching Emphasis
- MM in Music Education
- MA in Physical Education – Pedagogy
- MA in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
- MAEd in Principalship
- MA in School Library Studies
- MA in Science Education
- MA in Social Science
- MA in Teacher Leadership for International Educators
- MA in Teaching English in Secondary Schools
- MA in TESOL-Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- In-state Tuition: $9,728
- Online Education Degrees: 20
- Homepage
Buena Vista University
BVU, a private university, maintains its strong affiliations with the Presbyterian Church. If you want to save on tuition costs, you’re well-advised to earn an associate degree from a community college. Then, transfer your associate degree credits to BVU; the university maintains transfer agreements with community colleges across Iowa.
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
The 50-credit degree completion program allows students to earn at least one endorsement. Education and elementary education courses are part of the challenging curriculum.
- Bachelor’s in Secondary Education
Students choose from many specialized tracks, including English Language Arts with Teaching Licensure, All Science with Teaching Licensure, and English Language Arts for Secondary Education.
- MA in Teaching – Secondary Education
Students complete at least 35 credit hours of coursework in two years. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.
- MA Teaching – Special Education
This is a 44-credit online program with a 2-year time-to-degree. Graduates are eligible for an Initial Teaching License in K-12 Strategist II BD/LD or ID.
- MEd in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction
Students choose from four tracks. Applicants must be practicing teachers who want to become teacher leaders.
Check out these online education programs, too:
- Bachelor’s in English Language Arts for Secondary Education
- MEd in Educational Administration
- MS in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- MS in Education – Professional School Counseling
- In-state Tuition: $40,190
- Online Education Degrees: 9
- Homepage
Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Iowa State, a public land-grant research university, is at the forefront of educating Iowa’s aspiring and current teachers. The School of Education offers several online programs in education at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Here, students gain industry-ready knowledge and skills for success in P-20 education.
- Bachelor’s in Early Childcare Education and Programming
Students learn the principles and practices of early childcare education and programming with a scientific perspective. Completion of a capstone project, which demonstrates mastery of the subject, is a graduation requirement. Students can complete their practicum in their current classrooms. Up to 30 transfer credits are accepted in the non-licensure program. (Check out the on-campus Early Childcare Education major if you’re interested in a teaching license)
- MEd in Educational Administration
This is a 30-credit program with a five-semester time-to-degree. Students progress in the fully online program as a cohort and train for leadership roles in PK-12 organizations. Graduates are eligible for principal licensure in Iowa.
- MEd in Educational Technology
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Students can start during the fall, spring, or summer semesters, depending on their preference. While it’s a self-paced program, the average time-to-degree is two years. Students focus on coursework only (i.e., non-thesis program).
- MEd in Higher Education
The 30-credit program offers two sub-concentration for graduate students to choose from – either Higher Education Administration or Community College Leadership. Students can start in any semester and complete the program in two academic years and a summer semester. This is a non-thesis program.
- Ed.D. in Community College Leadership Education
Students complete a dissertation as a culminating requirement. This is a 54-credit program with a cohort learning model and a three-year time-to-degree. Students share learning experiences and discuss current issues in community college leadership.
- Ed.D. in P-12 Systems Level Leadership Education
This is also a Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) member. The curriculum features 30 credits of coursework, and 400 hours of clinical fieldwork. Students can complete the program in three years. Every student must complete a dissertation to be considered for graduation.
- In-state Tuition: $10,133
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
University of Iowa
Iowa’s College of Education offers online programs in education with a proven track record for academic excellence. Students become prepared for success in their teaching careers.
- MS in STEM Education
Students prepare for effective engagement with 21st-century learners. Aside from online courses, students also learn from leadership seminars, research opportunities, and experiential learning opportunities. The rigorous curriculum covers STEM content courses that enable students to hone their STEM teaching skills.
- MA in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency
Students learn the best principles and practices in ELL instruction, educational leadership, and cultural competency in multiethnic classrooms.
- MA in Educational Leadership
Graduates are eligible for principal licensure. Students develop advanced competencies for successful leadership of PK-12 organizations.
- In-state Tuition: $10,964
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Northwestern College
NWC, a private Christian college, offers many excellent education programs delivered via an online learning management system. Students and graduates praise the rigorous academic standards that contribute to exceptional graduate outcomes.
- BA in Early Childhood + Teaching Licensure
The program features a 67-credit challenging curriculum that takes 2.5 to 3 years. Graduates are eligible for an early childhood teaching license with an endorsement. Students gain the knowledge and skills for teaching pre-kindergarten to third-grade students in inclusive classrooms. These are general education classrooms with both typical and neurodiverse and special needs students.
- Master of Education
Students praise the flexibility of the online MEd program, a must for working professionals who want to advance their teaching careers or start a teaching career. This can be completed in two years or less, depending on your course load per semester. Graduates work in numerous settings, from two-year community colleges and four-year universities to AEAs. Many also work in corporations and nonprofit organizations.
There are eight concentrations to choose from:
- MEd in Early Childhood
- MEd in Early Childhood + Endorsement
- MEd in Educational Administration + Principal Endorsement
- MEd in Master Teacher
- MEd in Special Education
- MEd in Special Education + Endorsement
- MEd in Teacher Leadership
- MEd in Teaching History
Students start a full semester in January, May and August.
- In-state Tuition: $35,300
- Online Education Degrees: 2
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Iowa
Waldorf University
- Location: Forest City, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 8
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $24,526
- BS in Elementary Education
- BS in Secondary Education
- BA Foundations in Education
- MA in Organizational Leadership – Teacher Leader
- MEd in Instructional Design and Technology
- MEd Leadership Concentration
- MEd in Social Emotional Learning
- MEd Teaching and Learning Concentration
Dordt University
- Location: Sioux Center, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $35,960
- Master of Education
- Master of Special Education
Morningside University
- Location: Sioux City, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $36,610
- BS in Elementary Education (Degree completion)
Mount Mercy University
- Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $37,606
- MA in Education
- MS in Education
Drake University
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $50,114
- MS in Education
Upper Iowa University
- Location: Fayette, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $33,639
- MEd with Concentrations in
- Early Childhood
- Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Birth-Grade 3: Inclusive Settings
- English as a Second Language
- English as a Second Language K-12
- Instructional Strategist
- Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate (K-8 and 5-12)
- Instructional Strategist II: Behavior Disorders/Learning Disabilities K-12
- Instructional Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities K-12
- K-12 Instructional Strategist I and II
- Reading
- Reading (K-8 and 5-12)
- Reading Specialist
- Talented and Gifted (TAG)
- Teacher Leadership
Clarke University
- Location: Dubuque, IA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $39,600
- BA in Education (Accelerated)
- MA in Education with Emphasis on Instructional Leadership
