The Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway-
Answering the Call to Teach

A Regents Collaborative for Secondary Teacher Preparation

• Do you have a talent and passion for helping today’s teens reach their potential?
• Do you have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution?
• Do you have a minimum of 5 years post-baccalaureate work experience?

The Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway (ITILP) is designed to help talented professionals answer the call to teach by attaining a secondary (grades 7-12) teaching license, usually in a high-needs content area. ITILP allows the participant to be a salaried probationary teacher in an accredited secondary Iowa school, on a temporary license (Teacher Intern License), for one year from date of issuance.

Earning a teaching license requires successful completion of two components: 1) the professional licensure courses and 2) the content area endorsement courses. The professional licensure courses are taught in ITILP. The endorsement courses must be completed prior to the internship year and outside the ITILP. Endorsements are approved by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE).

The ITILP consists of 24 total credit hours of coursework. Eighteen credit hours of coursework and 60 hours of field experience in Iowa schools are completed prior to the internship year. Courses are taken online at night and face-to-face on specified Saturdays during the fall, spring, and May terms. Summer terms may include additional face-to-face days of coursework, but most of it is completed online in late afternoons/evenings. The remaining six credit hours of course work (seminars) are completed online and face-to-face during the internship year.

Upon successful completion of the internship year and all program and course requirements, performances, and assessments, the candidate is recommended for the second year of the two-year Initial Teaching License.

Internship Experience (Resident Teaching)
Endorsement Areas
Goals of the Program
Eligibility
Requirements
Time and Schedule
Program of Studies-Snapshot
Admission Process - Step by Step
Projected Intern License Pathway Costs

Internship Experience (Resident Teaching):

The internship experience occurs during the second year of the program. The intern teaches for an entire school year on a probationary contract at a beginning teacher’s salary and benefits with full classroom responsibility. The intern teacher is supervised and assisted by a support team from a Regent university and the school district. Further, the intern is paired with a mentor and participates in a structured, regular mentoring program, in addition to completing six credits of coursework.

Intern teaching requires a one-year teaching commitment. The candidate must secure the secondary school internship in a 7-12 classroom.  Districts make the decision whether or not to hire an intern teacher.

Endorsement Areas:

All ITILP candidates must hold a core subject area endorsement (e.g.: math, sciences, Spanish, English in some school districts) prior to beginning the intern year. ITILP does NOT prepare teachers for the specialty areas such as physical education, music, art, theater, special education, counseling, and ESL. These endorsements can be added to a core endorsement but are not considered core areas by themselves. The content areas making up the field of social studies are among the most difficult in which to find internships. However, those holding the secondary endorsement "All Social Studies" may have a chance to secure an internship.

Applicants should have no more than 9 credit hours of endorsement area coursework remaining prior to submitting the application packet.

A list of secondary endorsement (subject) areas can be seen at the Board of Educational Examiners web site http://www.iowa.gov/boee/addition.html Although the eligible endorsements are listed as 5-12, the internship must be completed in 7-12 classrooms.

To gain a sense of the coursework needed to complete the endorsement area, go to http://www.iowa.gov/boee/addition.html and click on the link for the subject area you wish to teach. A form will come up showing you what categories of courses are required.

A Licensure Consultant from the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) will analyze your transcript/s to inform you of exactly which additional content courses you will need. A confirmation letter from the BOEE, stating that you have met all content course requirements, is required for your recommendation for the Intern License. The confirmation letter will be sent to both you and the ITILP. See "Admission Proces-Step by Step" for detailed procedures.

Goals of the Program:

When asked, “Who are you looking for to teach in your school?” principals and superintendents responded first and foremost that they are looking for those who can build positive relationships with students, their families, and the entire school community.

“Knowing what and how to teach only becomes relevant after the teacher has connected and established a positive relationship with the students.”  -Martin Haberman

The Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway is dedicated to prepare experienced professionals who wish to answer the call to teach Iowa’s secondary students to meet the following goal:

Intern teachers will bring their content expertise from previous work and community experience into classrooms to teach, encourage, and motivate their students toward success in work and life.

To meet this goal:

• Candidates will engage in field experiences and coursework that apply and extend their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in teaching their area of expertise.  Eighteen credit hours of coursework credit will be earned prior to the internship year.
• Candidates will experience guided connections between theory and 60 hours of field practice, tailored to meet their strengths and needs, in the context of Iowa’s initiatives for student success.
• Candidates will receive preparation that is specific to the district/community needs in which the internship occurs.
• Candidates will be eligible to teach on a probationary contract as interns for a full year, with all rights, responsibilities, salary, and benefits as regular faculty, within one year of full acceptance into the program and upon successful completion of the required licensure coursework and attaining the endorsement area.
• Interns will successfully complete 6 credit hours of coursework and participate fully in the district mentor program during the internship.
• Interns will demonstrate knowledge of how expert teachers implement the Iowa Teaching Standards to be recommended for the Initial Teaching License.
  

Eligibility:

In granting admission to the Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway, consideration is given to the scholarship, health, character, dispositions, and leadership potential of the applicant. ITILP will deny admission to those with recent unsuccessful attempts at earning a teaching license. Admission to the ITILP is a privilege rather than a right. Thus, admission is not guaranteed to all who apply.  To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• complete the “Star Teacher Pre-screener” and electronically submit results to ITILP@uni.edu.
• hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution.
• possess a minimum of 5 years of successful post-baccalaureate work experience.
• pass a basic skills test (PRAXIS I: total of 522 on three subtests (math, writing, reading), with minimums of 170 on each; or GRE: 400 on verbal (146 on version taken after November 2011) and 500 on quantitative (144 on version taken after November 2011). Minimum of 3.0 on writing if that test was taken.).
• complete the Application Packet, postmarked no later than March 15 (Includes DCI background check).
• upon request of the program, successfully interview with the ITILP Selection Committee at a designated time in May. Applicants will be notified of their admission status within a week of the interview.
  

Requirements:

After admission to the ITILP and prior to the Intern year, candidates must:

• acquire the necessary hardware to participate online (computer, camera, headphone/microphone, high-speed internet connection, Flash Player software).
• arrange necessary absences from daytime responsibilities for field experiences: a) three 8-hour days of field experience during the fall term, August - December. (At least one of the 3 days must occur in the school on a Monday or a Friday.); b) 28 contact hours during spring semester, January - April; and c) 8 contact hours during May term.
• finish the content area endorsement in the area in which licensure is sought, as a condition for recommendation for the Intern License, by July 31 prior to the internship. Content endorsements are earned outside the ITILP and confirmed by the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE).
• pass PRAXIS II content exam in the major area for which an endorsement is sought as a condition for student teaching or recommendation for the Intern License. (Exam may be taken at any time and retaken as often as needed.)
• The processes for applying for internships or student teaching positions and for applying for the Intern License or Initial License are outlined in the "Candidate Handbook," available upon admission to the program.

During the Intern Year, candidates will:

• teach for one full, paid academic year with the same rights and responsibilities as all probationary contracted teachers within the district.
• participate fully in the district/school mentor program.
• participate fully in one 3-credit-hour course (seminars) each semester, maintaining the 2.75 GPA in the intern license coursework.
• be visited and evaluated on a regular observation schedule by ITILP supervisors and/or district designee.
• be assessed quarterly by the building principal, the same as a typical first year teacher, using the Iowa Evaluator Model. A summary of each quarterly evaluation is placed on file in the ITILP Office.
• pass the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 test (#0524).
• complete all documentation for recommendation for the Iowa initial teaching license.

Recommendation for the Iowa Initial Teaching License will be made by the Iowa Intern License Pathway officials based on successful evaluations in coursework and field experiences, including intern evaluations by district administrators. Candidates who successfully complete the Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway and one additional year of teaching will be eligible for recommendation, by the building principal, for the Iowa Standard Teaching License.

Time and Schedule:

The Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway consists of 18 credit hours of course work and 60 contact hours of related field experience with secondary students prior to the internship year. Coursework topics include foundations of education, educational psychology, working with special needs children, curriculum and content methods, assessment, and classroom management and instruction, all within a context of technology for learning. All coursework occurs in the framework of meeting state initiatives and Iowa Teaching Standards. During the intern year (resident teaching), the candidate serves as the probationary teacher of record for an entire school year at beginning teacher’s salary, participates in a structured mentor program, and complete 6 credit hours of coursework.

Program of Studies-Snapshot:

All courses/seminars are offered as real-time online (synchronous) classes  and face-to-face classes. Online classes are scheduled for late afternoons or early evenings; frequency of classes depends on the length of the term. Face-to-face classes occur on Saturdays or Friday and Saturdays, depending on the  term.

Beginning May 2013, the order of courses is adjusted so that 07S:163 Pre-intern Summer II will be taught first, followed by 7S:160 in the fall.

First Class: 7S:163/EDTL:3063 Pre-intern Summer II (6 semester hour course): 

• 2013: Reserve Friday May 31, Saturday June 1, Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22 for face-to-face meetings.
• Synchronous class meetings in June: reserve 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. M-Th.
• Orientation to the program and to the technology: May 31
• 3 semester hours: focus on content specific methods: Begin class, June 1
• 3 semestrer hours: focus on classroom management and assessment

August - December: 7S:160/EDTL:3060  Pre-intern Fall (4 semester hour course)

• Technology orientation: 3rd Saturday in August, location tbd
• 3 semester hours: focus on today's schools, demands, and the requirements of today's teachers
• 1 semester hour: 24 contact hours of field experiences; focus is on observation and reflection

January-April: 7S:161/EDTL:3061  Pre-intern Spring (4 semester hour course; prerequisite: 7S:160/EDTL:3060)

• 3 semester hours: focus on teaching methods, classroom management, and lesson design
• 1 semester hour: 28 contact hours of field experiences; focus is on assisting and teaching 

May: 7S:162/EDTL:3062  Pre-intern Summer I (4 semester hours course; prerequisite 7S:161/EDTL:3061):

• 3 semester hours: focus on researching the context of learning in the community in which the internship occurs, if possible 
• 1 semester hour: 8 contact hours of field experience; focus on investigations in intern school 

August-May/June: 7S:164/EDTL:3064  Internship Experience I and II (two 3 semester hour seminars; repeat registration for spring term; prerequisite successful completion of all pre-intern courses.) 

• Serve as the probationary teacher intern, a.k.a. the Teacher of Record, in an Iowa secondary school for one academic year and receive a salary and benefits commensurate with that position
• Seminar focus on depth of previous course work, including Teacher Talk, Investigation Sessions, and Mentor Program participation.

ADMISSION PROCESS—STEP-BY-STEP:

APPLICATION PACKETS ARE ACCEPTED YEAR ROUND FOR THE NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE OF MARCH 15.

In granting admission to the Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway, consideration is given to the scholarship, health, character, dispositions, and leadership potential of the applicant. Admission to the ITILP is a privilege rather than a right. Thus, admission is not guaranteed automatically to all who apply. Admission to ITILP is denied to anyone who has made unsuccessful attempts in previous teacher licensure programs.

Follow these steps in order. For an application to be considered, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED AND ON FILE BY MARCH 15:

STEP 1:

Transcripts:
Request 2 sets of transcripts from each of your higher education institution(s). Have the transcripts sent to you.
DO NOT HAVE TRANSCRIPTS SENT TO ITILP OR the BOEE. COPY EACH TRANSCRIPT FOR YOUR RECORDS.

(Transcripts for BOEE should be sent in sealed envelopes. Transcripts for ITILP application packet may be opened for your use.)

STEP 2:

Register  for the ITILP so that you can begin your transcript analysis process.

STEP 3:

Endorsement Analysis:

To begin the endorsement evaluation process: 1) download and print Endorsement Analysis Teacher Intern Program form; 2) complete Part I and sign it; 3) send this signed form and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ITILP Office, 547 SEC, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0613.  Once the form has been signed by the ITILP Coordinator, it will be returned to you. ALL STEPS OF THIS PROCESS MUST BE FOLLOWED AS WRITTEN.

While you are waiting for the form to be returned to you, go to http://www.boee.iowa.gov/addition.html, download the form or download the form here and complete this self-analysis ("checklist").

Send the following to the BOEE (address is written on the forms): 1) "Endorsement Analysis Teacher Intern Program" form, signed by the ITILP Coordinator; 2) completed transcript self-analysis form ("checklist"), 3) official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work, and 4) a check for $60.00 to the Board of Educational Examiners.

The costs of the transcript analysis and earning the content endorsements are in addition to the costs for earning the license core courses.

STEP 4:

Complete the Star Teacher Pre-Screener by following these instructions:

1. Log on to http://www.altcert.org and follow the steps below.
   
2. Click on the Create User Account in the upper right hand corner
3. Enter your Information and Click Create User
4. Click Continue
5. Step 1 Complete Registration - Update Your Personal Information
6. Step 2 Make Purchase - Click the button that says "Click Here To Add The Star Teacher Pre-Screener To Your Cart"
7. Click the Check Out Button
8. Enter your Credit Card Information
9. Click Process My Order
   If successful:
10. Step 3 Complete Purchase - Initiate the test by clicking on the Claim Token Link Next to Your Item
11. Step 4 My Evaluations
    • Click on the Date under Star Teacher Pre-Screener. You will be redirected to a page with your token #.... .
    • Click the Token #.... and it will turn into a Ticket #....
    • Click on the Ticket #.... and it will ask if you are ready to take the test. Clicking yes will present you with a button that says, Load Questions. Click the Button to see your first question.
    • Continue answering all questions. When the test is finished, you will see a link that says Evaluate your Answers. Click that Link. You will then see a Date Link. Click that Link to see and print your results.
    • Send your results, via email, to ITILP@uni.edu

STEP 5:

GRE or PRAXIS I Exam:

If you have not passed the GRE with the required scores immediately begin the process of registering for and taking either the Graduate Record Exam or the PRAXIS I (PPST). (See Eligibility for passing scores.) PRAXIS I exams are administered on a set schedule; results often take approximately one month to receive. For testing details, go to http://www.ets.org/praxis. GRE exams are administered frequently but also take approximately one month for results. Go to http://www.uni.edu/unialc/gre.html for testing details.)

ETS now reports your scores electronically. After you have taken your test, go to the ETS web site, log in, find and save your results somewhere secure. Print off a copy to be included in your application packet. Do not forward these to the ITILP office separately from your application packet.

IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETE EITHER OF THESE TESTS IN TIME FOR SCORES TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET, COMPLETE THE "DECLARATION OF INTENT" FORM TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PACKET IN LIEU OF THE SCORES.

STEP 6:

DCI Check:

Download, print, complete, and sign the Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) background check form. Do NOT send the form to the Iowa DCI.

Attach a check for $18.00, payable to ISU.
Send the form to:
Teresa Kahler, Licensure Analyst
0133 McKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50015

NO FIELD EXPERIENCE IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT VERIFICATION OF A DCI CHECK. Carry verification of this to all field experience sites.

Your Admission Packet is considered incomplete without the DCI check completed and recorded by the ISU Licensure Analyst.

STEP 7: Submit Application Packet, postmarked no later than March 15:

Put all items listed below in ONE envelope and mail to: Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway, Coordinator, SEC 547, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

• Certified check or bank money order for $50, payable to ITILP, for processing fee. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• Completed APPLICATION FORM for the Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway.
• Original PRAXIS I or GRE scores or the "Declaration of Intent" form.
• Three Letters of Recommendation. Use the prepared Letter of Recommendation form. Letters should be placed in sealed envelopes, with signature of referent written across the seal. Place all three letters in the application packet.
• Original transcript(s) for your baccalaureate degree and all other post-baccalaureate work. Iowa Teacher Intern License Pathway staff does not accept photocopies or downloads. (Note: transcripts do not need to be in sealed envelopes for this packet.)
• Vita (resume), listing all work experiences since obtaining your BA, including the years you worked at each position.
• Personal statement: a 1-page word-processed page, addressing: 1) why you wish to teach and 2) what strengths and skills you bring to teaching.

STEP 8: Interview with Selection Committee:

• Following an evaluation of your application packet, you may be contacted for an interview with the ITILP selection committee which will occur in May. You will be notified of the dates and locations of the mandatory face-to-face interview.
• By the end of May, you will be notified in writing about your admission status with the program.
• Those who are admitted will be given instructions on how to proceed with the program.
• First class and orientation to the program and to the technology will begin May 31 for the 2013 cohort.

Projected Intern License Pathway Costs for A.Y. 2012-2013 (Subject to Change)

NOTE: candidates enrolled at the Univeristy of Iowa as graduate students will be assessed graduate tuition.

Fees:
ITILP Application fee	$50
Pre-screener fee	$20
DCI background check (for admission to ITILP)	$18
Fingerprint fee (FBI Background Check, prior to license recommendation)	$65
Praxis I or GRE (admission to Program)	$130 or $140
Praxis II (content test = $115; PLT test = $139)	$254
Outside Evaluator fees ($500 for course 2 and $1000 for internship year or student teaching semester) (Extra $250 for May term if remediation is necessary)	$1500
License Fees
Intern License	$125
Initial License	$85
Technology fee ($115.75/semester; $173.75 for 6 c.h. in course 4)	$752.50
Total projected fees:	$2956-$3016
Tuition for 2011-2012 (subject to change yearly by Board of Regents):
24 credit hours, $279/credit hour:	$6696
Projected estimated TOTAL cost (2 years):	$9800
(Estimate does not include extra costs such as texts, materials, travel to face-to-face sessions, or the cost of earning the endorsement.) Note: Tuition and fees are paid on a course-by-course basis. Projected costs WITH timeline. Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Loan Forgiveness (Those seeking financial aid: use the code for the University of Iowa on application.)  Scholarships and Grants may be available for some shortage area applicants. Secondary science and mathematics candidates may qualify for a STEM Scholarship.  Financial information for Iowa's new teachers: "I Have a Plan Iowa: Adult Learner and Job Seekers"