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SF 2221

A bill for an act requiring the board of educational examiners to establish additional endorsements for instruction related to fine arts, mathematics, and science.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa would add high-need teaching endorsements in fine arts, math, and science (PreK–12) plus new Instructional Strategist II and activities administration authorizations, with sun

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Bill Summary · SF 2221

Summary of Senate File 2221 (SF 2221) — 2025-2026 Iowa Session

Purpose and Intent

SF 2221 proposes to expand the set of professional endorsements and authorizations available to Iowa educators through the Board of Educational Examiners. The core aim is to create additional endorsements in high-need teaching areas (fine arts, mathematics, science) for grades PreK–12, as well as new endorsements/authorizations related to instructional strategy and activities administration. The bill also sets time limits and degree requirements for these endorsements.

Key Provisions

1) New Endorsements in High-Need Teaching Areas

  • The bill requires the Board of Educational Examiners (via rules under Chapter 17A) to establish additional endorsements for instruction in:
    • Fine arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Applicable to schools serving students from prekindergarten through 12th grade (preK–12).
  • An applicant may not be granted an endorsement described in this subsection unless the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • These new endorsements would be repealed on July 1, 2030, unless extended or renewed by subsequent action.

2) New Endorsement for Instructional Strategist II (Kindergarten through 12)

  • The bill adds an additional K–12 instructional strategist II endorsement.
  • This endorsement does not require the holder to have a master’s or doctoral degree as a condition of obtaining it.

3) Activities Administration Authorization

  • The bill creates an authorization for activities administration.
  • Eligibility rule: applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any academic field.

4) General Formatting and Title

  • The act is framed as requiring the board to establish these endorsements and authorizations.
  • The title page language is revised to reflect the bill’s broader scope of endorsements and authorizations.

Who Is Affected

  • Prospective and current licensed educators in Iowa seeking endorsements in:
    • Fine arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Educators pursuing the Instructional Strategist II endorsement (K–12)
  • Individuals seeking activities administration authorization
  • The Board of Educational Examiners (agency responsible for rulemaking and credentialing under Chapter 17A)

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The new endorsements and authorizations would be established through rules implemented under Chapter 17A.
  • The high-need-area endorsements (fine arts, mathematics, science) include a sunset provision, expiring on July 1, 2030, unless renewed or extended by future legislation or actions.
  • The bill as amended (S-5213) was adopted as part of HF 2724 substitutions and underwent standard committee and floor actions during the 2025–2026 session timeline.

Practical Implications

  • Potentially expands the pool of qualified teachers in areas commonly identified as high-need within Iowa public schools.
  • Requires degree verification (bachelor’s degree or higher) for new endorsements in the specified fields.
  • Introduces a non-master’s-degree path for an Instructional Strategist II endorsement, potentially broadening pathways for experienced educators.
  • Creates accessible entry requirements for activities administration, promoting broader credentialing in student activities leadership.
  • The temporary nature of the high-need endorsements means ongoing policy review will be necessary around 2030 to determine continuation or modification.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill’s provisions are to be implemented through administrative rules (not immediate statute changes) and are contingent on regulatory action by the Board of Educational Examiners.
  • The exact scope, prerequisites, performance standards, and renewal processes for each endorsement/authorization will be defined in the forthcoming rules under Chapter 17A.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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