Iowa Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Iowa minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$88
Daily Rate (avg)
Iowa Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Since 2019, Iowa requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Previously, a lesser credential was accepted, but updated regulations raised the minimum education standard. Official transcripts verifying degree completion must be submitted with the application.
Background Check
Iowa mandates a comprehensive criminal background check for all substitute teacher applicants, including fingerprinting through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. The background check must be completed before a Substitute Authorization can be issued. Results are reviewed by the Board of Educational Examiners.
Age Requirements
Applicants for substitute teaching in Iowa must be at least 21 years of age. This requirement is tied to the bachelor's degree mandate and ensures candidates have sufficient maturity and academic preparation for the classroom.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a Substitute Authorization through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) online portal. The application requires submission of official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the applicable fee. Processing times vary, and applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the school year.
Substitute Authorization
Iowa issues a Substitute Authorization credential through the BoEE that permits holders to serve as substitute teachers in any Iowa school district. The authorization is valid for five years and is renewable. Holders of a valid Iowa teaching license do not need a separate Substitute Authorization.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
There is no state-mandated training requirement for substitute teachers in Iowa. Most districts provide a brief orientation covering school policies, emergency procedures, and expectations for classroom management. Some districts may offer or require additional professional development opportunities.
References
The Iowa BoEE application may require professional or character references as part of the authorization process. Typically, two to three references from individuals who can attest to the applicant's character and suitability for working with children are requested. References from former employers or educators are preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Substitute Authorization page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Iowa
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Iowa's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Iowa, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Iowa
$88
Avg Daily Rate
$28,000
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Iowa are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Iowa Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.