Professor lecturing to group in large classroom

Baker Teacher Leader Center

The Linda R. Baker Teacher Leader Center is a comprehensive professional development center and professional learning commons designed to create the next generation of 21st century teachers, leaders, scholars and innovators.

The Teacher Leader Center adds value and vitality to the teacher education experience and enhances the marketability of our professional students and scholars through unique programs that are highly relevant to today’s education.

Young woman works with elementary student

Teacher Leader Certificate

The Teacher Leader Certificate is a series of competencies and experiences in the areas of assessment, technology, diversity and community engagement offered through workshops, and community partnerships to encourage strong classroom leadership skills among teacher education students.

Professional Development

Teachers can earn Iowa Licensure Renewal Credit through relevant, research and evidence-based professional development workshops and courses.

_{*University of Iowa Alumni receive a 10% discount on all professional development courses and workshops offered through the Baker Teacher Leader Center.}

College of Education students teaching a class in Thailand

Global Education Initiatives

The College of Education is known for its engagement across the globe. This dedication to studying abroad is exemplified through research, collaborative international teaching experiences, and community service.

Educator Wellness Video Podcast Series

The Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and the Baker Teacher Leader Center are proud to offer the 2022-2023 Educator Wellness Video Podcast Series. Featuring national wellness experts, the 8-part series is designed to enrich personal wellness dimensions, translating into healthier social-emotional-behavioral health practices in the PreK-12 schools. Earn one free Iowa Licensure Renewal Credit if you attend all eight!

Students in a classroom listening to a presentation

Partnerships and Programs

From regional collaborations with Iowa school districts to innovative global academic opportunities, our robust programs and partnerships provide support and programming for students interested in exploring education as a future career.

News

U.S. Department of Education grant addresses teacher shortage, diversifies workforce

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Natalie Dunlap

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the UI College of Education a $1.26 million grant for a program that will partner with Iowa school districts, community colleges, and community partners. The program will support 40 high quality elementary teachers through coursework and field experiences, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts, a teaching license, and a K12 ESL endorsement in Iowa.

Illustration of alumna and donor, Linda R. Baker

A tribute to Linda Baker

Monday, January 8, 2024

Linda R. Baker, College of Education alumna and passionate supporter of education, died Dec. 27 at age 77. Her legacy lives on in the many profound and positive contributions she and her husband Dale have made over the years. The Baker Teacher Leader Center in the UI College of Education is named in her honor.

Upcoming BTLC Events

The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India

Thursday, April 18, 2024 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This is being advertised by the BTLC! Please view the description for how to register. TLC Credit: IS, GO Presenters: Dr. Shailaja Paik, Charles P. Taft Distinguished Professor of History and associate faculty in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Asian Studies at the University of Cincinnati Description: Dr. Paik will discuss her book The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India which offers the first social and intellectual history of Dalit performance of...

Trauma-Informed Learning Environments and Tier 2 Responses

Thursday, April 18, 2024 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Virtual

Please register here. TLC Credit: IS, SEBMH, REACH Presenter: Lisa Cushatt, LMSW, Executive Director of Iowa ACEs 360 Description: There is no one-size fits all approach in education. Much like how educators adapt to different learning needs, our education environments must similarly adapt to support students who have or are experiencing trauma. This learning session will focus on more advanced trauma informed classroom practices and discuss Tier 2 responses in the learning environment...

safeTALK

Friday, April 19, 2024 12:30pm to 4:30pm

Lindquist Center

Please register here. TLC Credit (2): IS, SEBMH Presenter: Ashley Rila, PhD, Research & Training Project Coordinator; Samara Harms, Graduate Research Assistant Description: safeTALK prepares people to be more alert to suicide and to help persons with thoughts of suicide make safe connections. The intervention goal is that persons with thoughts of suicide connect with someone who will help them keep safe from suicide and access further support. Learning Objectives: 1) Describe the role of an...

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Do you identify as a BIPOC student?

For resources, community events, and offerings, visit: Supporting BIPOC Students

Mission and Vision

The Baker Teacher Leader Center (BTLC) strives to offer evidence-based and innovative professional development and career advancement experiences, for both pre – and in-service educators, helping to advance our profession in ways that will affect positive change in our communities across the nation. We aspire to collaborate with content area experts and leaders to solve issues related to the field of education.