How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Iowa: A Clear, Updated Guide

If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Iowa, you’re stepping into a flexible, meaningful role that schools across the state rely on—from big districts in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, to smaller rural districts. Whether you’re exploring a new career path, re-entering the workforce, or looking for schedule-friendly work, substitute teaching offers a chance to support students without long-term commitments.

This guide walks you through what substitute teaching looks like in Iowa, what the state requires, how district policies factor in, and how a training program like Certified Sub can help you feel prepared and confident the day you walk into a classroom.

Why Substitute Teaching Appeals to Many in Iowa

  • Substitute teaching provides a balance of flexibility and structure. You can decide when you work and how often — ideal for those who need part-time, flexible, or seasonal work.
  • Each assignment brings a new classroom, new students, and new routines — good for people who enjoy variety and change.
  • Demand is high: Iowa schools consistently need substitutes to cover for absent teachers. That means many opportunities throughout the school year.
  • For many districts, substitute teaching offers a clear way to contribute meaningfully without committing to a full-time teaching career.

What It Takes to Become a Substitute Teacher in Iowa

In Iowa, there are two main pathways to qualify for substitute teaching: a full substitute license, or a substitute authorization — depending on your background and the type of subbing you intend to do. 

Substitute License (for long-term or full authority substitute work)

  • This is intended for individuals who already hold (or are eligible to hold) a regular Iowa teaching license. 
  • With a substitute license, you can substitute in any PK-12 subject or grade level, and are eligible for long-term assignments (up to 90 days per assignment in a school year). 
  • Substitute licenses are valid for five years. 
  • Renewal requires either documented teaching/subbing experience (or other licensure work) or a renewal-credit course. 
  • Additional requirement: “mandatory reporter” training (child-abuse reporting) is required. 

Substitute Authorization (for those without a teaching license)

  • If you do not have a full teacher license — but you have at least 60 semester hours (or an associate’s degree) from a regionally-accredited college/university — you can apply for a substitute authorization. 
  • You must complete an approved Substitute Authorization course (offered by Iowa’s Area Education Agencies or a participating college). 
  • The authorization is valid for five years. 
  • This path allows you to substitute teach PK-12 — but with limits: you cannot serve as a long-term substitute, and you’re typically limited to 10 consecutive days in a 30-day period in the same assignment. 
  • As with license-holders: background check and fingerprinting (via the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners) is required. 

Background Check & Reporter Training

All new substitute applicants — license or authorization — must undergo a fingerprint-based background check through the state’s process.
Additionally, “mandatory reporter” training for child-abuse reporting is required. 

What the Application Process Typically Looks Like in Iowa

Although details vary by district, the general process across Iowa tends to follow these steps:

  1. Choose your pathway — either apply for a substitute license (if already licensed) or the substitute authorization (if not).
  2. Complete required coursework, if pursuing substitute authorization: complete the statewide Substitute Authorization course through an AEA or approved provider. 
  3. Submit application through the state via the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE). 
  4. Finish fingerprinting and background check. 
  5. Complete mandatory reporter training. 
  6. Apply to school districts for substitute positions. Districts may have their own additional requirements (e.g., application forms, W-4, I-9, proof of eligibility or transcripts) before subs can be assigned. 
  7. Once approved and on a district’s substitute roster, begin accepting assignments.

Because Iowa is regulated at the state level (via BoEE + Iowa Department of Education), many districts across the state follow similar rules — but it’s always wise to double-check each district’s website for district-specific paperwork or policies.

How Certified Sub Can Help Prepare Substitutes in Iowa

Even when you meet the eligibility requirements, stepping into a classroom as a substitute can be a challenge — especially if you haven’t taught before. That’s where Certified Sub can make a big difference.

Certified Sub provides practical, classroom-ready training designed for substitute teachers — whether you’re brand new or coming in without formal teaching experience.

With self-paced modules, substitutes learn to:

  • set up routines quickly when they enter a new classroom
  • manage student behavior effectively
  • deliver lessons even when left only brief plans
  • keep students engaged
  • use fallback lessons and emergency filler activities
  • navigate common substitute teaching challenges like missing plans, transitions, behavioral issues

Because many districts in Iowa do not require or provide extensive substitute-training, Certified Sub helps fill that gap. A well-prepared substitute leads to smoother days, better student experience, and more positive outcomes — benefiting both the substitute and the school community.

Whether you’re coming in under a substitute license or a substitute authorization, Certified Sub gives you practical tools, confidence, and a system for success.

Your Next Step

If substitute teaching in Iowa sounds like a good fit for you — the next step is to decide which pathway works best (license vs. authorization), complete any required coursework, apply through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and then reach out to Iowa school districts about openings.

Ready to get trained and classroom-ready?

Explore the full library of substitute teacher training courses here:
👉 https://www.certifiedsub.org/courses/