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Verified by IA Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, secondary school in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 19, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,780 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Education~Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $58,780, Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $69,590. Iowa ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$58,780

Hourly estimate

$28.26
16% below national median

Difference: -$10,810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,140
  • P2525th percentile$48,670
  • P50Median$58,780
  • P7575th percentile$68,400
  • P9090th percentile$75,220

State vs National Median

State: $58,780
National: $69,590

Total employment: 2,100 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Secondary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,250
#2Washington$97,820
#3New York$91,830
#4Rhode Island$89,460
#5Massachusetts$82,580

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$58,780Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$71,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$61,500Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$76,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$51,370Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$62,610Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$49,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$75,600Specific course requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$78,400Specific course requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$81,340Specific course requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$54,720Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary Schools in Iowa?

Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Iowa is $58,780. Salaries range from $45,140 (10th percentile) to $75,220 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $69,590, with a state median of $58,780.

How many Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 2,100 Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary 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, Secondary School license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.