Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Iowa.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners provides endorsement to qualified applicants for PK-12 School principal and Superintendent titles.

Academic Obligations

School principal:

You must possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and successfully complete a series of courses and experiences either in that degree program or outside of that degree program.

Superintendent:

You must possess a specialist (doctorate) degree or equivalent, such as a master’s degree plus at least 30 semester hours of graduate study beyond a master’s degree.

You must also demonstrate knowledge of the skills listed above under School principal.

Assessments

No Assessments are necessary for either type of administrative endorsement.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

School principal:

• Possess at least 3 years of teaching experience in grades PK-12
• You must successfully complete planned field experiences in elementary and secondary school administration as part of your education administrator preparation program

Superintendent:

• Possess at least 3 years of experience as a building school principal or other PK-12 education administrator position
• You must successfully complete a practicum in PK-12 school administration

Document and Application Requirements

Utilize the correct application for your situation (either Application for Administrative Licensure – Iowa Institution if you have graduated from an Iowa institution, or Out of State Application for Education Administrator Exchange Licensure if you graduated from a non-Iowa institution). Include the correct fees, and have your institution fill out Section II of the application. If you are an out-of-state applicant, complete the experience authentication form in the packet. Send l all application forms and info to: Board of Educational Examiners, Licensure, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0147

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

State Contacts

For additional info on education administrator preparation programs/courses in Iowa, contact the officials at the institutions that offer these programs.

For info on administrative licensure, make contact with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners at 515-281-3245.