How to Renew or Reinstate a Teachers License in Iowa

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Your Initial Teaching License can be converted to a Standard License after two years if you meet the following conditions:

• Finalize the Application for Conversion from an Initial to a Standard License
• Enclose an application fee of $85
• Have your school administrator finish Section II of the application, confirming that you have finished the mentoring and induction program, have two full years of teaching experience, and meet or exceed the standards for Iowa teachers
• Mail all of the above info to the Board of Educational Assessmentsiners, Licensure, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0147.

Once you obtain your Standard License, it is good for 5 years. It can be renewed when you meet the following conditions:

• Finalize 6 credits during the 5-year validity period of your license. Credits have to meet one or a combination of the following prereqs:
  • Be from an accredited institution and add depth to your licensure
  • Be from an accredited institution counting towards the completion of an advanced degree
  • Be from an accredited institution and lead to completing conditions for an additional endorsement
  • Be from Iowa licensure renewal courses sanctioned by the Board of Educational Assessmentsiners
  • Up to 4 credits can be obtained by obtaining licensure from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (enclose a copy of the license)
  • One credit can be obtained for acquiring 3 points from a combination of the following activities:
    • Mentoring a student teacher for 12 or more weeks (2 points)
    • Mentoring a student-teacher for less than 12 weeks (1 point)
    • Mentoring a student-teacher for 60 contact hours (1 point)
    • Going to a teachers’ workshop with a student, you are mentoring (1 point)
    • Serving for a year or more as a member of a teacher eds program’s advisory committee (1 point)

    Teaching Certification Reinstatement

    If you let your Iowa teaching license expire, you will be charged a $25 per month late fee in addition to the $85 renewal fee to reinstate it. However, if you have not been teaching in Iowa since your license lapsed, you will not be charged a late fee. You have to also meet all of the renewal conditions above to reinstate a lapsed license. Use the application form entitled license renewal.