Iowa Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education. There are several alternative pathways for earning teacher certification in Iowa that typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional certification in Iowa. If you do have a bachelor’s degree, read more about the options for alternative teacher licensing in Iowa below.
Table of Contents
- Iowa Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
The minimum requirement for pursuing most alternative teacher certification pathways in Iowa is a bachelor’s degree with a major in an endorsable subject. In addition, candidates must complete an alternative teacher preparation program. Alternative preparation programs can be completed in as little as one year as a graduate certificate. Candidates may also elect to pursue a master’s degree, in teaching, education, or a core subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Iowa
Prospective teachers with a bachelor’s degree who want to switch careers to teaching have many options. The typical alternative pathways to Iowa teacher licensing are outlined below, and you can find more detailed information through the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE).
Teacher Intern Program
The Teacher Intern Program, also known as the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL), allows candidates pursuing licensure in a secondary content area to teach under an intern license while pursuing teacher preparation. Candidates for this pathway first take 12-18 credit hours of teaching skills coursework. They can then apply for a Teacher Intern License to teach under a mentor for one year while continuing coursework through the RAPIL Intern Seminar. Successful completion of this program leads to an Initial Teaching License. Currently three schools offer the RAPIL program.
Temporary Career and Technical Authorization
Those interested in teaching career and technical education subjects at the secondary level may be eligible for an Iowa Temporary Career and Technical Authorization. This permit is issued to those with at least 6,000 hours of hands-on work experience but no degree in the target endorsement area, 4,000 hours plus a bachelor’s degree, or 5,000 hours plus an associate degree. Candidates need an occupational license if one is available in their endorsement area. With temporary authorization, they can teach in an approved subject. To upgrade to a professional Career Education Certificate, they must complete a teacher evaluation, a two-year mentoring program, and 24 semester hours of subject-specific teacher training. For more information, contact the BoEE.
Testing Requirements for Iowa Alternative Certification
Since 2022, educators who completed a state-approved teacher preparation program in Iowa are not required to take professional skills or content area exams to qualify for a license. For more details, consult the BoEE.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Experienced teachers with an out-of-state certificate can obtain Iowa teacher certification via reciprocity. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Teachers who completed a traditional, state-approved program with at least three years of teaching experience may be exempt from state testing. If the Board finds any deficiencies, candidates can apply for a provisional Iowa teaching license, called a Regional Exchange Teaching License. This license is valid for two years while they complete the required qualifications. For more information, review our teacher certification reciprocity resource or contact the BoEE.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Iowa
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the IDOE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $30,321 |
| Iowa State University | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $16,105 |
| Loras College | — | Certificate | — | — | — | $22,418 |
| Morningside University | — | Alternative, Master’s | 28 | 15 | N.Av. | $22,146 |
| Mount Mercy University | — | Certificate | — | — | — | $25,182 |
| Simpson College | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $20,457 | |
| University of Iowa | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $17,452 |
| University of Northern Iowa | — | Alternative, Certificate | — | — | — | $16,166 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Iowa based on the shortest possible time to completion. The shortest alternative certification programs are often the most affordable because they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Drake University (12 months)
- Iowa State University (12 months)
- Mount Mercy University (12 months)
Additional Resources
- Iowa Department of Education: Search teacher job postings across the state of Iowa.
- Iowa Educator Licensure: Provides detailed information and requirements on routes to licensure and approved programs.
- Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure: Guide to the main alternative certification pathway in Iowa.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Iowa Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: https://educate.iowa.gov/board-educational-examiners
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/