Frequently Asked Questions:

Teacher Licensure:

I (my daughter/my son) want to teach - how do I get a license?

The State of Iowa requires that an individual hold a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher education program in order to be licensed to teach in a public school.  Our approved Teacher Education Programs are detailed at the Program Guide Sheets link.

I heard about a license you can get by just taking summer courses - what do I have to do?  I didn't do a Teacher Education Program will this work for me?

You are likely referring to the State of Iowa Alternative license which is an initial licensure program. This institution has chosen not to offer such a curriculum.  You could add selected endorsement areas to your license during a summer session.

What teaching programs do you have at the University of Iowa?

See the Program Guide Sheets link.

How long will it take me to complete a teacher certification program?

The length of time depends up your particular situation; what courses you may have already satisfied, if you plan to enroll full-time or part-time etc.  You can determine the required number of hours by looking at the appropriate Program Guide Sheet.

Can I get a teaching certificate through UI through distance education?

Some programs may offer some courses through distance education but there is not an entire program offered through distance education.

Teacher Education Program:

How does the admission process work?

Students need to apply to the University of Iowa and to the teacher education program (dual admissions) and submit all necessary materials for one of our deadlines - October 15 or March 15. Each program reviews applications and makes admission decisions.

See the Admission link appropriate to your goals.

How many people apply to the teacher education program and how many are admitted?

150-250 students apply for an admission deadline and between 60-70% are admitted. We have competitive admissions and even if an applicant meets the minimum requirements, it is not a guarantee of admission. Elementary Education, English and Social Studies have the highest number of applicants.

What if my application to the teacher education program is missing a reference or another required item at the time of the teacher education admission deadline ?

Each applicant is responsible for their application folder being complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for admission. Also, we do not accept faxed materials.

What grades do I need in order to be admitted to a teacher education program?

The minimum g.p.a. requirement is 2.70 however, the average gpa for students admitted to any of our programs is currently 3.05-3.20.

What if I am admitted to one program but decide I want to switch to another?

You would need to apply and be admitted to the new program. Some of your application materials would need to be resubmitted and some could be used.

If I get into the teacher education program, will I be assigned a new adviser?

Yes, you will be assigned to an adviser in the College of Education . Secondary Education students who are earning a major in their teaching field will have an adviser in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Post Baccalaureate students are advised solely in the College of Education for their teacher education program coursework planning.

What if I do not get admitted the first time?

Students are allowed to apply 3 times to the Teacher Education program and must show a significant change in their application before they reapply (better grades, new essay, new references, more volunteer hours, etc)

Can I substitute any other test for the Praxis I requirement?

If you are a post BA student or a student seeking a graduate degree, you can substitute the GRE exam.

What if I do not pass the Praxis I test the first time I take it?

You can re-take the Praxis exam.  You will not be able to apply until you have the minimum scores required for consideration of an applicant.  See the Educational Testing Service website www.ets.org for details of test retake policies .  

How do I go about finding a classroom for earning my volunteer hours?

You would need to find out from the school district office (any city or state) the procedures for volunteering in a classroom and arrange to complete the hours.

What type of person should I ask to be reference?

Each teacher education program faculty have their preferences on what constitutes a good reference. Academic references from faculty or instructors are appreciated. References which show firsthand observation of work with students are excellent.. References from your elementary or high school teachers or from personal friends or relatives are probably not optimal.

Can I do my student teaching outside of Iowa?

We have cooperative agreements with several school districts outside of Iowa and even in international schools.  You must meet certain established criteria in order to be eligible for these type of placements.

How much weight is placed on the application essay?

These essays should be carefully written as they are used in the evaluation of each applicant to determine analytical thinking, creativity and quality of writing. If all else is equal, the essay could be the difference in which applicant is chosen.

What if I am placed on academic probation? Do I lose my spot in the teacher education program?

If your semester, UI or cumulative gpa drop below a 2.70 or you earn lower than a C- in a core teacher education course, you will be placed on academic probation and given one semester to correct the problem. At the end of that probationary semester, your record will be reviewed and a decision whether to keep you in the program will be made by your program in cooperation with the Associate Dean.

Student Field Experiences

Where do we get the most detailed program information?

All students are required to take an Orientation class after admission. This class includes an overview of the program, practicum, student teaching, and services provided within the college.

Who do I talk to about Secondary practicum or student teaching questions?

The program coordinator of the respective program. See Program Advising Contacts.

Where are practicum placements made?

  Within a 30-45 minute radius of Iowa City .

How many hours do I need available to do practicum?

It varies by program; Secondary students need to consult with their program coordinator and Elementary students with Dr. Ries.

Who do I talk to about the Elementary methods practicum?

Dr. Pam Ries, Pamela-ries@uiowa.edu Practicum Director

Who do I talk to about Elementary Student Teaching?

Dr. Ellie Herman, ellen-herman@uiowa.edu Coordinator of Field Experiences

How do I find out about Scholarship opportunities?

http://www.education.uiowa.edu/scholarships/

Are there activities for Honor Students?

Yes, students with a 3.3 g.p.a. are invited to participate in the Honors Opportunity Program (HOP) through the Belin Blank Center .

How do I find out about student teaching expectations?

http://www.education.uiowa.edu/handbook/index.html

When do I apply to student teach?

You will need to attend a registration meeting one year in advance of your planned student teaching experience. Questions should be addressed to 319/335-5361.

Can I student teach in a school I attended?

You cannot complete a student teaching experience in a school you attended, or in a school where you have worked, or have family. You may, however, student teach in other buildings in a district you attended, have worked, or have family.

Where can I student teach?

Information is discussed in elementary and secondary orientation classes. However, general options include: districts within a 50-60 mile radius of Iowa City ; Rialto , CA ; Aldine , TX ; Adams County , CO ; Clark County , NV ; Chicago ; Des Moines and locations administered by The University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State ; and various International settings. There is a special approval process to be considered for these placements outside the 50-60 mile radius of campus.

Do I register for classes during student teaching?

  Yes. The course registration is a full semester load, typically, 14-16 hours (plus fees). All coursework is related to student teaching.

Once I've applied to student teach, can I change my request?

Placement choices may be revised until the semester prior to placement. The last date of change is 3 weeks into that semester.

Is transportation provided for practicum and/or student teaching?

Transportation is the responsibility of the student; however; students are encouraged to carpool.

How long is my student teaching experience?

In most cases, a full semester is 15-16 weeks; however, there are programs that involve a split assignment.

When are student teaching placements distributed?

Student teaching placement notification meetings are held during the last week of classes the semester prior to the student teaching semester.

Do students make their own field experience placements?

NO, placements are made by the Office of Student Field Experiences according to the protocol established by respective districts/schools.

When will I complete my student teaching experience?

The expectation is that student teaching will be completed during your final semester.

Graduate Programs

What graduate programs in education are offered at The University of Iowa?

The College of Education offers 46 degree programs within 27 sub areas that are administered by 4 departments in the College. The many Master's, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral programs are in a variety of fields within Education. These programs range from classroom teaching in a specific subject area to Administration and Social Foundations of Education to Rehabilitation Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology. All of our programs are detailed within the Academic Department sites .

We also have students enrolled in various non-degree programs at the Graduate level leading to teacher licensure or simply for Professional Improvement.

What is required to enter a graduate program?

Specific program requirements vary within each department and program but generally, the Graduate College requires a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all previous college coursework, an official GRE general test score, letters of recommendation and the application. Materials are reviewed by a group of faculty within the program who would make a recommendation on admission.

How hard is it to get into a graduate program?

The competitiveness of admission to our programs varies as widely as the programs. It would be best to contact the individual program to determine how many applications are generally received and what the cap is on admission to the program. In the Fall, 2004 session the college as a whole admitted about 150 new students to graduate programs. There were a total of 637 graduate level students enrolled in the Fall, 2004 session.

How long will it take me to complete a graduate program?

Requirements vary among specific programs but generally Master's program semester hour requirements range 30-67 in the College of Education . Educational Specialist (EdS) require from 60-62 s.h. and PhD programs require from 72-103 s.h. currently.

Coursework taken at the graduate level from other accredited institutions can apply if the program deems the coursework appropriate to their plan of study. We always recommend that an applicant make contact with a faculty person in the program to determine the length of study required to satisfy the program requirements.

What kind of funding is available in Graduate Programs?

Funding in the College of Education is awarded in the form of Fellowships, Scholarships and in many cases, Teaching and Research Assistantships. While programs make every effort available to them to identify funding for their graduate students the reality is that funding is not awarded to all students in the College of Education . We recommend that you contact a faculty person in the specific program that you are interested in applying to in order to determine availability of funding.

What exams are required in Graduate Programs?

All degree programs end with a Final Exam. At the master's level the comprehensive exam taken near or at the end of coursework is most generally the Final Exam. Those who choose to write a Master's Thesis would consider the thesis defense the final exam.

EdS final exams are the comprehensive exam however an EdS Research Paper is required to finalize the degree requirements.

Doctoral students write a comprehensive exam near or at the end of coursework and then enter into a maximum 5 year period of writing a thesis or dissertation research product. The dissertation research is then defended in a public meeting which serves as the Final Examination.

Sue Cline

sue-cline@uiowa.edu

319 335-5260

N310 LC

University of Iowa

Iowa City IA  52242