If you completed an approved Teacher Preparation Program at The University of Iowa, this Institution is your recommending institution for purposes of acquiring licensure/certification in other states.  Frequently out-of-state applications include a section requesting information and a signature from their recommending institution.  In all cases, regardless of whose signature is requested for verification, these applications should be sent to:

In some cases, the application specifies where the material should be returned and in what manner (return to applicant, return in a sealed envelope, etc.).  If no direction is provided, please include a note with the application indicating your preference.  Illinois requires completion of a "State Approved Program Verification Form".  This form is typically returned to the Regional Superintendent's Office provided on the form, unless otherwise directed by the applicant.

If you need an official transcript to accompany your application, this request should be made through the Transcript Office in the Registrar's Office.  Information on this procedure is available at (www.uiowa.edu/registrar). 

MOINKSA.  This is an agreement that Iowa has with the surrounding states of Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, and Arkansas.  It is possible that other surrounding states may soon join in this agreement.  Simply stated, if you hold a regular teaching license in Iowa, you should be able to accept employment in one of these states with full knowledge that a two-year exchange license/certificate will be issued.  Since this is not a reciprocity agreement, it is possible and anticipated that applicants may have some deficiencies to overcome before receiving that state's full license/certificate.  These deficiencies may be satisfied during the period covered by the exchange license.  This agreement does not apply to substitute licenses. 

NCATE.  The University of Iowa is no longer NCATE accredited. This accreditation was dropped following the May, 1992 semester. If you completed a program prior to that time, verification can be provided that you completed an NCATE accredited program. 

It is not unusual to receive notification from State Departments that you have deficiencies to satisfy for regular licensure/certification.  Most of the time a conditional or provisional license/certificate will be issued giving you time to satisfy the deficiencies.  If you question any of the deficiencies noted by a particular State Department, please contact Lynn McMorris (lynn-mcmorris@uiowa.edu) or (319) 335-5358 to discuss the possibility of providing documentation that a particular requirement has been satisfied. 

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