Professional Development

For renewals, Iowa accepts licensure renewal credits from an approved Iowa provider such as the AEA system, ISEA, PEI, Iowa Safe Schools, MISIC, or undergraduate or graduate college credits from a regionally-accredited institution. If you choose an out-of-state program, college semester hour credits must be earned (not CEUs or staff development).
• Semester hours of college credit (graduate or undergraduate level) may be used to renew a teacher or administrator license.
• Important: Only college credit is accepted.
• Therefore, do not submit "Professional Development Units" or similarly titled units for renewal of your license. The Board in not able to accept them.
• The credits earned must be directly relevant to the applicant's educational career.
• College credits must be earned through a regionally accredited college or university

Initial Teaching License

Two years

Two renewals are available if needed. The second renewal requires proof of employment in a contracted position that will lead to the standard license. No credits required.

Convert to the standard license if you have met the experience requirement of two or three full years.

Standard Teaching License

Five years

Two years of successful teaching in an Iowa public school, or three years in an accredited private or out-of-state setting.

Complete 6 renewal credits and the mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse.

Once the requirements have been met for the master educator license, you may apply to convert from a Standard to a Master Educator license. Cannot apply to convert until one year prior to standard expiration date.

Master Teaching License

Five years

Master's degree and 5 years of teaching experience..

Complete 4 renewal credits (or 2 renewal credits if the applicant holds a doctor's or specialist's degree) and the mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse.

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