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 engagement comes in the form of 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!

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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.

Upcoming BTLC Events

Making Future STEAM Educators: An Introduction to Makerspace Tools, Technologies, and Teaching

Monday, September 25, 2023 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Lindquist Center

Register here. TLC Credit: STEAM Presenter(s): Kay Ramey, Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology, Darrell Currington, Makerspace Facilitator Description: This workshop track will engage students in hands-on learning with makerspace tools and technologies. The goal of the workshop is to increase students’ comfort with and understanding of STEAM (science, technology tools, technologies, arts/design, and math) tools and practices and equip them with pedagogical...

Academic Acceleration: An Introduction

Monday, September 25, 2023 5:30pm to 6:45pm

Virtual

Register here. TLC Credit: IS, AATD Presenter(s): Ann Shoplik, Administrator, Belin-Blank Center Description: What is academic acceleration and who might benefit? Acceleration is the best-researched educational programming option for academically talented (gifted) students, yet it is not used often because many educators have not had the opportunity to learn about it. We also worry about the social impact of moving a student up. Research tells us that acceleration is a good option to consider...

Making Future STEAM Educators: An Introduction to Makerspace Tools, Technologies, and Teaching

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Lindquist Center

Register here. TLC Credit: STEAM Presenter(s): Kay Ramey, Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology, Darrell Currington, Makerspace Facilitator Description: In this workshop, students will participate in a hands-on, "quick-fire" STEAM activity and get an introduction to what STEAM is, why it's important, and how to facilitate it in their classrooms. We will also provide an overview of what will be involved in the other workshops in the STEAM track and discuss the...

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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.