Teacher Education Program: Student Resources
Applying for the Teacher Education Program
Admittance into the Teacher Education Program is not automatic. You have to apply, typically in your sophomore year, but first you need to complete EDU 215 and two other 200-level courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
PROGRAM RESOURCESPROGRAM APPLICATION
Your degree tracks vary depending on what grade level you want to teach:
- Major in elementary education
- Certification program in secondary education (middle or high school)
- K-12 certification program for music, art, or physical education majors
Learning outcomes
As a future educator, you’ll soon learn to develop learning goals and outcomes for your students as you develop your curriculum. Here is what is expected of program graduates:
- Elementary education majors are prepared for Iowa licensure in grades K-6 and licensure in other states is easily attainable upon program completion.
- Secondary education students will meet the teacher licensure requirements for the State of Iowa in multiple endorsement areas and the coursework readily applies to other states.
- Your coursework prepares you for graduate work in education-related fields, such as school counseling, education policy, reading specialists, and instructional design.
Planning your course progression
- Complete EDU 215 and two additional 200-level education course (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240) in your first two years
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher when applying
- Declare your major as an elementary education major by filing a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar (including certification track if applicable: K-12 or 5-12) and apply to the Teacher Education Program in your sophomore year
- Complete the degree requirements as outlined in the course catalog for the elementary education major, including completion of your student teaching
- Complete the teacher licensure steps required in the state you want to teach in
As a secondary education student, you won’t major in secondary education. You’ll major in the subject area you want to teach and work toward certification in that area.
- Complete EDU 215 and at least two additional 200-level education courses (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240) in your first two years
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the admission deadline
- Declare your major in the subject area you want to teach by filing a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar. Include both your teaching major and “Secondary Education” on your declaration card and apply to the Teacher Education Program in your sophomore year.
- Complete the degree requirements as outlined in the course catalog for both your subject area major and the teacher education requirements in that subject area, including completion of your student teaching.
- Complete the teacher licensure steps required in the state you want to teach in
As a student pursuing K-12 teaching in music, art, or physical education you’ll major in the subject area you want to teach and work toward K-12 certification in that area.
- Complete EDU 215 and at least two additional 200-level education courses (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240) in your first two years
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher when you apply
- Declare your major in the subject area you want to teach by filing a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar. Include both your teaching major (Music Education, Physical Education, or Studio Art) and “K-12 Certification” on your declaration card and apply to the Teacher Education Program in your sophomore year
- Complete the degree requirements as outlined in the course catalog for both your subject area major and the teacher education requirements for certification in that subject area, including completion of your student teaching.
See your education advisor to discuss the degree requirements for each endorsement area.
K-6 endorsements
- K-6 Elementary education
- K-6 Art
- K-6 English/Language arts
- K-6 History
- K-6 Mathematics
- K-6 Music
- K-6 Physical education
- K-6 Science
Grades 5-12 endorsements
- Social studies
- English
- Foreign language*
- Science*
- Math*
Check with your education advisor to check on specific endorsement options.
*These are teacher shortage areas.
Grades K-12 endorsements
- Physical education
- Music
- Art
Coaching endorsement
- K-12 athletic coach