Coaching for Iowa K-12 Schools

Coaching in Iowa (paid or volunteer) requires a valid authorization or endorsement. Coaching Authorization can be obtained by successful completion  required courses, and includes the minimum 55 hours required by the Board of Educational Examiners.

After successful completion of the class, all the forms (application for coaching authorization, transcripts, all background check forms) and the required fees should be sent to the Board of Educational Examiners as a complete package.

The background check forms that must be submitted with the Application for Coaching includes a waiver, fingerprint card and fingerprinting instructions, and instruction for criminal history record check procedures. These forms can be obtained by contacting the Board of Educational Examiners at 515-281-3483.

Class Options:

DMACC Coaching Authorization Courses – In-Person – DMACC LINK
Kirkwood Community College – Online – Kirkwood LINK
Additional information can be found here, https://educate.iowa.gov/board-educational-examiners

Coaching Authorization Renewal Requirements

There are 5 required items to activate/renew a coaching authorization.

  1. CPR Class – $15 – https://shopcpr.heart.org/heartsaver-cpr-aed-online
  2. Concussion Course – FREE – https://nfhslearn.com/courses/concussion-in-sports-2
  3. Mandatory Reporter & Dependent Adult Abuse Certificate –  https://dhs.iowa.gov/child-welfare/mandatoryreporter
  4. NFHS Video or Workshop (different from concussion) – FREE
  5. Rules Video (any) – FREE (on varsity bound)
  6. *Or if you have “evidence” of attending a professional development, such as a coaching clinic or conference. A receipt or registration report will work as evidence, you will need to upload in the system. 

Once someone has all of these, they apply online at the BOEE, using their login information, pay a small fee, and wait about 2 weeks for the BOEE to send a new license.