Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Tied to business.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,350 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Education~Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $55,350, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Iowa earn 12% below the national median of $63,000. Iowa ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$55,350Hourly estimate
$26.6112% below national median
Difference: -$7,650
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $55,350 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $59,860 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $76,170 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,140 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,140 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $50,380 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152813611
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,600 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,340 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $54,720 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Iowa?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Iowa?
Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Iowa is $55,350. Salaries range from $44,020 (10th percentile) to $72,410 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Iowa earn 12% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $55,350.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 1,820 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Education / Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Review agency details at https://boee.iowa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.