General Information about Education Programs

Teaching in Iowa

If you want to teach elementary school, middle school, or high school, or if you want to be a coach for the school district, you will need to earn the appropriate credentials. Ashford University’s on-campus education programs can help you obtain those credentials for the state of Iowa. The Iowa Department of Education accredits its teacher education program within the College of Education. 

The state of Iowa requires teachers of elementary or secondary education to hold a licensure, and all coaches must either have an endorsement or authorization. Read through the information below to find out what qualifications you need to achieve your goals.

Elementary Education and Secondary Education Licensure

To earn licensure for elementary education (grades Pre-K-K or K-8), you will complete a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in a content area. The Practitioner Preparation Handbook and the Ashford University Academic Catalog provide further details regarding program requirements.

To earn licensure for secondary education (grades 5-12), you will need to fulfill the program requirements for a Bachelor’s degree in your subject area. By completing the Education Tracks associated with these degree programs, you will fulfill Iowa state secondary education endorsement requirements.

The following are the specific endorsements, listed by area, which Ashford University offers. Please click on the degree title to learn more about program requirements.

 

 Undergraduate Majors Endorsement (State of Iowa)
Elementary Education Endorsements in:
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (K-8)
  • English/Language Arts (K-8)
  • History (K-8)
  • Instructional Strategist I (K-8)
  • Mathematics (K-8)
  • Middle School (5-8)
  • Prekindergarten, Kindergarten (PreK-K)
  • Reading (K-8)
  • Science-Basic (K-8)
  • Social Studies (K-8)
  • Teacher Elementary Classroom (K-6)
Physical Education Endorsements in:
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • Physical Education (K-8)
  • Physical Education (5-12)
Business Education Endorsements in:
  • Business General (5-12)
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • Instructional Strategist I (5-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)
Social Science Endorsements in:
  • American History (5-12)
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • Instructional Strategist I (5-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)
  • Psychology (5-12)
  • Sociology (5-12)
  • World History (5-12)
Natural Science Endorsements in:
  • Biology (5-12)
  • Chemistry (5-12)
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • General Science (5-12)
  • Instructional Strategist I (5-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)
Computer Science and Mathematics Endorsements in:
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • Instructional Strategist I (5-12)
  • Mathematics (5-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)
English and Communication Endorsements in:
  • Coaching (K-12)
  • English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • English/Language Arts (5-12)
  • Instructional Strategist I (5-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)

 

Coaching Authorization or Endorsement

The College of Education also offers coaching credentials for students who successfully complete the following courses:

  • PED 203 Exercise Physiology (1 credit)
  • PED 211 Theories & Techniques of Coaching (1 credit)
  • PED 242 Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries (2 credits)
  • PSY 104 Child & Adolescent Development (3 credits)

By completing this program with a grade of “C-“ or higher, you are eligible to earn either a Coaching Authorization or a Coaching Endorsement.

Coaching Endorsement

If you currently hold an Iowa teaching license, or if you are pursuing a degree program that leads to licensure, you will be eligible for the K-12 Coaching Endorsement. You must meet the GPA requirements of the Practitioner Preparation Program.

Coaching Authorization

If your studies do not lead to education licensure, you are eligible for the K-12 Coaching Authorization. You must hold a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the four required coaching courses. You are also responsible for submitting the appropriate application fees associated with the DCI/FBI criminal background investigation, as required by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

View Ashford University’s Title II Higher Education Act Report Card for Academic Year 2011-2012.

Education Programs