Marlene Strathe, Director of the School of Education
Mission and Goals
The School of Education at Iowa State University is committed to engaging in rigorous and socially meaningful research, preparing leaders and practitioners across the P-20 continuum that support rich and equitable learning opportunities for all students, and supporting public education as a cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant, and just society. We strive to be a national leader in educational theory, policy, and practice, and to honor the land-grant tradition and the broader mission of the university to serve the people of Iowa.
Undergraduate Study
The School of Education provides the professional education coursework to support the completion of the teacher education preparation program. Program completers can then be recommended for licensure in the state of Iowa. Majors offered in the School include Elementary Education (K-6), and Early Childhood Education-Unified (birth through age 8). The Early Childhood Education-Unified major is an interdepartmental program administered by the School of Education and the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Undergraduate students who are interested in teaching at the secondary level (7-12) or at the K-12 level major in a specific discipline and complete additional required coursework in the School of Education to complete the teacher education preparation program. K-12 and secondary education programs include: Agriculture Education, English Education, Family Consumer Sciences Education, Health Education, History-Social Studies Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Physical Education, Science Education (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics), and World Languages and Cultures.
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas of study may choose to pursue teacher education as a post-bachelor program. These individuals will coordinate with the department that houses their major to ensure all necessary course work is completed in their department and in the School of Education.
The School of Education offers a Learning Technologies minor available to all teacher education candidates. In order for candidates to earn this minor, they must register for the minor and complete the following sequence of courses:
| C I 201 | Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom | 3 |
| or C I 202 | Learning Technologies in the 7-12 Classroom | |
| C I 280B | Pre-Student Teaching Experience I: Learning Technologies | 1 |
| C I 302 | Principles and Practices of Learning with Technology | 3 |
| C I 407 | Principles and Practices of Distance Learning | 3 |
| C I 454 | Emerging Topics in Learning Technologies (3 modules required, 1 credit each) | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Applied Computer Programming | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Programming | ||
| Toying with Technology (C I 370X) | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
All C I courses must receive a "C" or above
The School of Education offers courses that can lead to a reading endorsement for grades K-8 or grades 5-12. Candidates seeking a K-8 reading endorsement should consult with a School of Education academic adviser. The 5-12 reading endorsement is offered collaboratively with the English Department. Candidates seeking this endorsement should consult with an adviser in the English Department. Inquiries can be sent to the Licensure Analyst in Teacher Education Services (133 MacKay) to receive a list of courses needed for an Iowa State University reading endorsement. Prerequisites for the reading endorsement courses are listed in the catalog course descriptions.
Early Childhood Education – Unified
The curriculum in Early Childhood Education – Unified prepares graduates to teach young children and work with their families. This program leads to careers working with young children (both those who are typically developing and those with special needs) from birth through age eight. Graduates may be employed by either public or private agencies or schools to teach in early childhood classrooms (preschool through 3rd grade) or in home-based programs. The program is an interdepartmental major administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education. For more information about the program, see Early Childhood Education - Unified Curriculum.
Students who enroll in the early childhood education – unified program must apply to and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrolling in advanced courses. Admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/. All early childhood education – unified candidates must meet general education requirements in order to complete the teacher education preparation program.
Early Childhood Education- Unified majors must complete this professional course sequence:
| C I 201 | Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 205 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Early Childhood and Elementary Education | 3 |
| C I 332 | Educational Psychology of Young Learners | 3 |
| C I 405 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary | 3 |
| SP ED 250 | Education of the Exceptional Learner in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Elementary Education
The undergraduate curriculum in elementary education leads to the Bachelor of Science degree.
The curriculum in elementary education is designed for candidates preparing to teach at the elementary school level. This program leads to careers in working with school-aged children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Graduates who complete the teacher education preparation program will be qualified to teach in elementary classrooms in either public or private schools. For more information about the program, see Elementary Education Curriculum.
Elementary Education majors must complete this professional course sequence:
| C I 201 | Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 205 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Early Childhood and Elementary Education | 3 |
| C I 245 | Strategies in Teaching | 3 |
| C I 332 | Educational Psychology of Young Learners | 3 |
| C I 405 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary | 3 |
| SP ED 250 | Education of the Exceptional Learner in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 3 |
| or PSYCH 230 | Developmental Psychology | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
In addition to pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, candidates are required to pursue an endorsement in at least one additional area. Candidates will be prepared to teach students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade in this area of specialization. Endorsements in the following areas are available for elementary education majors: English/language arts, English as a Second Language (ESL), health, basic science, social studies, mathematics and special education (Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-8). Additional information about endorsements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/endorsements.html
Elementary education majors must satisfy a world languages requirement for graduation. Students must complete two years of a foreign language in high school or one year of a foreign language in college.
Candidates who enroll in elementary education must apply and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrolling in advanced elementary education courses. Admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/
K-12 and Secondary Education
Students wanting to pursue K-12 or Secondary Teacher Education major in the content area in which they want to focus. In addition, coursework is taken to complete the teacher education preparation program. Program completers can then be recommended to the state of Iowa for licensure.
Candidates must apply and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrolling in advanced education courses. Admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/
K-12 and secondary education candidates must complete this professional course sequence:
| C I 202 | Learning Technologies in the 7-12 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 204 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Secondary | 3 |
| C I 333 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| C I 406 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Secondary | 3 |
| C I 426 | Principles of Secondary Education (*not all secondary education programs require this course. Check with your program coordinator and/or academic adviser.) | 3 |
| SP ED 401 | Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Graduate Study
The School of Education is comprised of two divisions: Higher Education and Teaching, Learning, Leadership, and Policy (TLLP). Within these divisions, the School offers coursework and experiences for the degrees Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, and Master of Education with a major in education. Graduate programs leading to completion of a teacher preparation program and recommendation for teacher licensure are offered in secondary science and secondary mathematics. In addition, endorsements in reading and special education can also be pursued by graduate students. Graduate students interested in educational leadership may also participate in our educator preparation programs in educational leadership. Program completers may be recommended for administrative licensure for roles as principals and superintendents. The School of Education offers graduate coursework leading to a minor for masters and doctoral students in other fields of study. Several graduate certificate programs are offered through the School of Education.
Doctoral Degree Program
Students in the School of Education may complete the Ph.D. with a major in education. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in the division of Higher Education may earn an education degree with an emphasis in either higher education administration or community college leadership. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in the division of TLLP may earn an education degree with an emphasis in one of the following areas: educational leadership, organizations, and policy; instructional technology; mathematics education; science education; literacy; special education; or social and cultural studies of education. Specific information about the requirements of and options available within the Ph.D. degree in education are available from the School office or on the School of Education Graduate Studies website.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in education are prepared to pursue careers as scholars, leaders, and administrators in various educational settings, including public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, public and private educational agencies, and corporate training settings.
Master’s Degree Programs
In the division of Higher Education, students may earn an M.Ed in education with an emphasis in either student affairs or higher education. In the division of TLLP, students may earn an M.S. or an M.Ed. in education with an emphasis in one of the following areas: educational leadership, organizations and policy; instructional technology; mathematics education; science education; literacy; special education; or social and cultural studies of education.
Specific information about the requirements of and options available within M.S. or M.Ed. degrees in education are available from the school office or on the website School of Education Graduate studies http://www.education.iastate.edu/graduate-studies.
Graduates of the master’s degree programs are prepared to pursue careers as educational leaders, higher education professionals, researchers, and advanced practitioners in colleges and universities, community colleges, public and private schools, education agencies, and informal (free-choice) education settings.
A minor is available in Curriculum and Instructional Technology at both the master’s and doctoral level. Information about the minors can be found here: http://www.education.iastate.edu/graduate-studies/gradprograms/
Other graduate programs related to education (including General Graduate Studies) may be planned for students on the basis of previous education and experiences as well as future plans and needs. For more information, students should refer to Agricultural Education and Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Kinesiology, and General Graduate Studies or to graduate level course offerings within other departments.
Graduate Teacher and Educational Leadership Programs
A Master of Arts in Teaching degree program (science education) is available to students who currently have a bachelor’s degree in a science area (or a closely related field). A teacher preparation program in mathematics education is also available to graduate students (School of Education). In these teacher preparation programs, program completers can be recommended for teacher licensure to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
Teacher preparation programs at the graduate level are also offered in Agricultural Education (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), Family and Consumer Sciences Education (College of Human Sciences), and Physical Education (College of Human Sciences). The School of Education provides the professional core education coursework for these programs. Students in a graduate teacher preparation program must complete specific courses.
Graduate level programs leading to recommendation for teaching endorsements are offered through the School of Education. Graduate students who seek a teaching endorsement in reading or special education, but do not wish to pursue a master’s degree can incorporate those courses in a professional certificate program. Endorsement programs include Instructional Strategist II: Behavior Disorders/Learning Disabilities, Reading K-8 and Reading 5-12.
The School of Education offers graduate programs for students seeking Iowa licensure as principals and superintendents. The PreLEAD (Preparation for Leadership) program is designed for working professionals and includes coursework and field experiences in a principal preparation program. Program completers can be recommended for licensure to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Students must complete the program as a Master of Education degree. A Certificate of Advanced Studies program allows students who hold a master’s degree in Educational Administration to pursue the coursework and clinical field experiences necessary to be recommended for an Iowa Superintendent or AEA Chief Administrator license.
Graduate Certificate Programs
The School of Education offers Graduate Certificate programs to allow students to enhance their skills outside of full degree programs. The Certificate programs currently offered include Applied Research Methods in the Human Sciences, Community College Teaching, Instructional Design, Literacy Coaching, Education for Social Justice, Special Education, and Superintendent Licensure (Certificate of Advanced Studies). Certificate programs require a minimum of 12 graduate credits (several require more than this) and can be earned in conjunction with a degree program. More information about graduate certificate programs can be found on the School of Education web site.
Courses:
Curriculum and Instruction (C I)
Educational Administration (EDADM)
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (EL PS)
Higher Education (HG ED)
Historical, Philosophical, and Comparative Studies in Education (H P C)
Human Sciences (H SCI)
Research and Evaluation (RESEV)
Special Education (SP ED)
Educator Preparation Program at Iowa State University
Heidi Doellinger, Director of Educator Preparation
The Educator Preparation Program at Iowa State University is a shared responsibility that spans three colleges. All students who are recommended by Iowa State University for teacher licensure must meet the requirements of the Educator Preparation Program and be recommended by their department, college, and the ISU recommending official. Students who successfully complete the requirements for any of the endorsement areas offered at ISU must demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of beginning teachers.
Undergraduate Educator Preparation Programs
An undergraduate student seeking a bachelor’s degree must be enrolled in the department in which he or she plans to major and must meet the graduation requirements of that department and college.
Currently, there are fifteen undergraduate Educator Preparation areas offered at Iowa State University. These areas and their corresponding grade levels are listed below:
Agricultural Education (grades 5-12)
Biology (grades 5-12)
Chemistry (grades 5-12)
Early Childhood Education-Unified (birth-grade 3, including special education)
Earth Science (grades 5-12)
Elementary Education (grades K-6)
English (grades 5-12)
Family and Consumer Sciences (grades 5-12)
Health Education (grades 5-12)
History-Social Sciences (grades 5-12)
Mathematics (grades 5-12)
Music (grades K-12)
Physical Education (grades K-12)
Physics (grades 5-12)
World Languages and Cultures (French, German, and Spanish) (grades 5-12)
Endorsements Areas
Students majoring in Elementary Education must complete coursework for at least one endorsement. Students in other programs may complete coursework for additional endorsements.
Minors
Students in the Educator Preparation Program may also choose to pursue a minor in Learning Technologies.
Post-Bachelor's Educator Preparation Programs
Students already holding an appropriate bachelor’s degree may complete the educators preparation program in order to be recommended for teacher licensure in any of the secondary undergraduate licensure programs. Interested students should consult with the program coordinator of the area in which they plan to specialize so that an individualized program of study can be developed.
Educator Preparation Programs for which post-bachelor candidates take undergraduate Educator Preparation courses include;
English (grades 5-12)
Health Education (grades 5-12)
History-Social Sciences (grades 5-12)
World Languages and Cultures (French, German, and Spanish) (grades 5-12)
EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Teacher Candidates must have:
- A minimum of 9 credits hours at Iowa State University with a 2.5 cumulative grade-point-average (GPA). (Student must maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA throughout the program in order to continue through the program)
- Praxis CORE scores with a minimum of 156 in Reading, 162 in Writing, and 150 in Mathematics.
- Documented completion of an Iowa State University-approved 10 hours of pre-student teaching field experience.
- A minimum of a "C" in ALL Curriculum and Instruction (C I), Human Development and Family Studies (HD FS), and Special Education (Sp Ed) courses required for licensure (pedagogy coursework).
- A minimum of a "C-" in ALL Major department courses/content courses required for teacher licensure (content coursework). (This is for courses taken from Fall 2007 forward).
- A valid criminal background check report processed by ISU's recommending official.
- An e-portfolio started and meeting the program requirements for admission to the teacher education program. NOTE: Some programs may have additional requirements. Consult the Program Coordinator.
More information about admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHER EDUCATION STANDARDS (INTASC STANDARDS)
The Learner and Learning
Standard #1: Learner Development. The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Standard #2: Learning Differences. The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Standard #3: Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Content
Standard #4: Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
Standard #5: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Instructional Practices
Standard #6: Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
Standard #7: Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Standard #8: Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Standard #8A: Technology. The teacher integrates current and emerging technology in instruction to encourage student creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. Teachers practice and advocate safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology (this standard is unique to the Iowa State University Teacher Preparation Program).
Professional Responsibility
Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
THE PROFESSIONAL CORE REQUIREMENT FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION
Undergraduate Students
Teacher candidates must complete certain studies related directly to the profession of teaching. All undergraduate candidates in the educator preparation program must take the following courses prior to student teaching, unless the student’s program area has an approved content-area course deemed to be equivalent. Areas with approved equivalents include: Agricultural Education (for CI 426), Physical Education (for CI 333, CI 401, CI 426 ) and all Secondary Sciences (for CI 426). (See program coordinator for more information).
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION-Unified
| C I 201 | Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 205 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Early Childhood and Elementary Education | 3 |
| C I 332 | Educational Psychology of Young Learners | 3 |
| C I 405 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary | 3 |
| SP ED 250 | Education of the Exceptional Learner in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION:
| C I 201 | Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 205 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Early Childhood and Elementary Education | 3 |
| C I 245 | Strategies in Teaching | 3 |
| C I 332 | Educational Psychology of Young Learners | 3 |
| C I 405 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary | 3 |
| C I 416 | Supervised Student Teaching - Elementary | 16 |
| HD FS 102 | Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | 3 |
| or PSYCH 230 | Developmental Psychology | |
| SP ED 250 | Education of the Exceptional Learner in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
K-12 AND SECONDARY EDUCATION:
| C I 202 | Learning Technologies in the 7-12 Classroom | 3 |
| C I 204 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Secondary | 3 |
| C I 333 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| C I 406 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Secondary | 3 |
| SP ED 401 | Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education | 3 |
| C I 426 | Principles of Secondary Education *Not all secondary education programs require this course. Check with program coordinator and/or academic advisor. | 3 |
| Student teaching (semester-long experience). See Program Area Coordinator for more information. | ||
Post-Bachelor’s Students
Students who hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree and seek a teaching license must complete an educator preparation program. This includes the professional education requirements listed above. The requirements can be met through course work or examination.
Master’s Students
Prospective teachers must complete certain studies related directly to the profession of teaching. All students enrolled in Master’s programs that lead to completion of an educator preparation program must take the following courses prior to student teaching, unless the student’s program area has an approved content area course deemed to be equivalent. (See Master’s Programs section below for details.)
| C I 505 | Using Technology in Learning and Teaching | 3 |
| C I 506 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Advanced | 3 |
| C I 526 | Principles of Secondary Education * Not all programs require this course. Check with program coordinator. | 3 |
| C I 529 | Educational Psychology and the Secondary Classroom | 3 |
| H P C 504 | Studies in the Foundations of Education in the United States | 3 |
| SP ED 501 | Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education | 3 |
ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO
An e-portfolio is used to showcase the teacher candidate’s understanding and implementation of the Iowa State University Educator Preparation Program Standards throughout the program. Teacher candidates should visit with their program coordinator and/or their academic advisor for information pertaining to the e-portfolio.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
The Standards for Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs (chapter 79.13(1)) requires that “candidates admitted to educator preparation program participate in field experiences including both observation and participation in teaching activities in a variety of school settings and totaling at least 80 hours' duration, with at least 10 hours occurring prior to acceptance into the program.” This requirement may be met through pre-student teaching courses (e.g., C I 280, C I 480, CI 468, C I 580) or, in certain endorsement areas, a course designated to provide an equivalent experience. For most programs, there are four levels for clinical experiences. Level 1 involves observation in local schools. Level 2 involves actively teaching in the classroom with one lesson, at minimum. Level 3 involves actively teaching in the classroom with two lessons, at minimum and being observed by a supervisor during teaching. Level 4 is student teaching and involves actively teaching for a semester-long experience where the student teacher bears primary responsibility for planning and instruction within the classroom for a minimum of four weeks during the semester. Level 2, 3 and 4 field experiences involve a course fee, which ranges from $75.00 to $450.00 and are assessed to cover the costs of supervision and placement with a cooperating teacher. Course fees are increased when student teaching nationally or internationally. For current course fees, consult the Schedule of Classes. For level 2, 3 and 4 field experiences, the student needs access to transportation because the placement may be within 60 miles of the university. The time commitment for clinical experiences ranges from 1/2 day for level 2 and 3 to the full day for level 4. Students complete a background check before initial placement in schools and other appropriate locations.
EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
In order to be recommended for a teaching license by Iowa State University, the following requirements must be met:
- Licensure area requirements. The teacher candidate must fulfill all requirements for an approved licensure area as designated by ISU and the State of Iowa, including, but not limited to, the general education requirement, the professional teacher education requirements, the clinical experiences, and the content-required courses. (Specific courses to be used for licensure may not be taken pass/not pass.)
- Official Transcript. The Board of Educational Examiners requires an official transcript from all who are recommended for teacher licensure.
- GPA. A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average is required.
- Pedagogy coursework grades. The teacher candidate must have earned a minimum grade requirement of a C in all Curriculum and Instruction (CI), Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), and Special Education (Sp Ed) courses required for licensure (pedagogy coursework).
- Content coursework grades. The teacher candidate must have earned a minimum grade requirement of a C- in department courses/content courses of the major specifically required for teacher licensure (content coursework).
- National background check. The teacher candidate must have completed a national background check processed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
- Application form. The teacher candidate must have completed the Iowa Application for Licensure form.
- Supervisor documentation. The student teaching supervisor must have provided documentation that shows the teacher candidate has successfully completed the final assessment, which indicates the teacher candidate's mastery of the skills and knowledge included in the Iowa Teaching Standards.
- Department approval. Department approval by the program coordinator must be granted.
- Registrar approval. After graduation is confirmed, the registrar reviews student records for holds before approving recommendations for licensure.
- Praxis Subject Assessments. The teacher candidate must have earned passing scores on the Praxis Subject Assessments (content) and Principles of Learning and Teaching -PLT (pedagogy) exams.
- E-portfolio. The teacher candidate must have successfully complete the program requirements for the e-portfolio.
- Attend Violent Incident Reduction Training. The teacher candidate must have attended a Violent Incident Reduction Training (VIRT) course. The VIRT course is a three hour training session that includes statistics about the rate of violent attacks in society (primarily in school settings) simulated footage of incidents, and statistics on survivals rates. It incorporates simulations and role playing that effectively empower its participants.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Undergraduate Students
Early Childhood Education – Unified
The curriculum in Early Childhood Education – Unified prepares graduates to teach young children and work with their families. This program leads to careers working with young children (both those who are typically developing and those with special needs) from birth through age eight. Graduates may be employed by either public or private agencies or schools to teach in early childhood classrooms (preschool through 3rd grade) or in home-based programs. The program is an interdepartmental major administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education. For more information about the program, see Early Childhood Education - Unified Curriculum http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/early-childhood-education.
Students who enroll in the early childhood education – unified program must apply to and be accepted into the educator preparation program prior to enrolling in advanced courses. All early childhood education – unified students must meet general education requirements in order to complete the teacher. Admission requirements can be found at http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/
Elementary Education
The undergraduate curriculum in elementary education leads to the Bachelor of Science degree.
The curriculum in elementary education is designed for students preparing to teach at the elementary school level. This program leads to careers in working with school-aged children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Graduates who complete the educator preparation program will be qualified to teach in elementary classrooms in either public or private schools. For more information about the program, see Elementary Education Curriculum: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/elementary-education
Endorsements in English/language arts, English as a Second Language (ESL), health, basic science, social studies, mathematics, and special education (Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-8) are available for elementary education students. For additional information, see http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/endorsements
Elementary education majors must satisfy a world languages requirement for graduation. Students must complete two years of a foreign language in high school or one year of a foreign language in college.
Students who enroll in elementary education must apply and be accepted into the educator preparation program prior to enrolling in advanced elementary education courses. Admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission/
K-12 and Secondary Education
K-12 and secondary educator preparation programs at Iowa State University include:
- AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
- BIOLOGY (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- CHEMISTRY (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- EARTH SCIENCES (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- ENGLISH (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION – COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES
- HEALTH EDUCATION (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES
- HISTORY – SOCIAL SCIENCES (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, HUMAN SCIENCES
- MATHEMATICS (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- MUSIC (GRADES K-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION (GRADES K-12) – COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES
- PHYSICS (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
- WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (GRADES 5-12) – COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
Students seeking recommendations for a license to teach in the secondary schools must be admitted to the educator preparation program. Admission requirements can be found at: http://www.education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-applicants/admission For specific requirements for each area of specialization, see Teacher Education and curricula for the college in which the chosen degree major is sought.
Notes:
- In order to be a program completer and be recommended by Iowa State University for teacher licensure a teacher candidate must meet the requirements of the Iowa State University Educator Preparation Education Program and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
- Each teacher candidate must meet the performance outcome standards for program completion by completing a portfolio. Each standard will be assessed in every major. Students will receive both formative and summative evaluations of their progress toward meeting these outcomes throughout their program at Iowa State University.
- A detailed explanation of the standards and assessment process may be found at http://www.education.iastate.edu/educator-preparation-resources For more information, students should contact the academic adviser in their major. Each teacher candidate will be enrolled in the department in which he or she plans to major, and must meet the graduation requirements of that department and the college in which it is situated.
Post-Bachelor’s Students
Students holding an appropriate bachelor’s degree who wish to complete a teacher preparation program in order to pursue teacher licensure must have at least one course in each of the following five general education groups identified for undergraduate students in the preceding section: Natural Sciences, Mathematics or Statistics, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Communication Skills. Individual departments preparing teachers may require additional credits in general education. (See program coordinator for more information).
REGENTS ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY TO IOWA LICENSURE
The Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure is a collaborative program involving the three Iowa Regents' universities. The program is designed for adult learners holding a baccalaureate degree with work experience who are seeking 5-12 licensure in a high needs area. For more information: https://iowateacherintern.org
Graduate Students
Each Master’s program will determine what, if any, general education requirements Master’s students must fulfill beyond a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. (See program coordinator for more information.)
GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS WITH EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM COMPLETION
Currently, there are five graduate teacher preparation programs. These programs are designed for students who do not currently hold a teaching license. The programs are listed below:
Agricultural Education (M.S.)
Family and Consumer Sciences Education (M.Ed. or M.S.)
Mathematics Education (M.Ed.)
Physical Education (M.S.)
Secondary Sciences Education (M.A.T.)
Iowa State University also offers Master’s programs for practicing teachers. The Mathematics Department offers a Masters in School Mathematics. (See Mathematics in Courses and Programs section of this catalog.) The School of Education offers a Master’s degree program and a certificate program that lead to a special education endorsement. (See Curriculum and Instruction in Courses and Programs section of this catalog.)
Graduate programs are also available for those who seek licensure in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies as PK-12 school principals or PK-12 superintendents. (See Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in Courses and Programs section of this catalog.)
Master’s Programs with Teacher Preparation
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
The Agricultural Education and Studies Department offers a Master’s of Science program that prepares Agricultural Education teachers for grades 5-12
See coordinator for program requirements.
MATHEMATICS
The School of Education offers a Master’s of Education program that prepares Mathematics teachers for grades 5-12
See coordinator for program requirements.
Physical Education
The Department of Kinesiology offers a Master’s of Science program that prepares Physical Education teachers for grades K-12.
See coordinator for program requirements.
Secondary Sciences
The School of Education offers a Master’s of Arts in Teaching program that prepares Secondary Science teachers for grades 5-12
See coordinator for program requirements.