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.

White woman stands at front of crowd

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. 

Three people sitting at a table.

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.

News

Amira Nash teaching

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

Dyslexia Asynchronous Opportunities

Tuesday, August 27, 8:00am to Friday, November 15, 2024 11:59pm
TLC students in the Dyslexia and IS tracks are now able to receive TLC Credit by completing asynchronous workshops offered through the Iowa Reading Research Center.

Using Classroom Technology to Support All Students and Skills for Learning

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Virtual
Please register here.  BTLC Credit: IS, SEBMH, UI REACH Presenter(s): Mary Ball, Scanlan GA, MA, LPSC, Couple and Family Therapy PhD Student  Description: Technology can be utilized to help students build greater connections and address developmental and social gaps which naturally complement skills for learning (SFL) practices and themes. This workshop will briefly review key concepts of SFL, illustrate how SFL and classroom technology intersect and support all students, especially students...

The Pedagogies of Teaching, Learning, and Assessing for Global Perspectives

Thursday, October 10, 2024 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Virtual
Please register here. BTLC Credit: IS, GO Presenter(s): Dr. EunJung Kim, Clinical Professor in Social Studies Education  Description: This workshop is MANDATORY for students in the GO Track. What are the pedagogies that drive successful learning outcomes in programs and curricula that include teaching and learning for global perspectives? What does it mean to center social-justice education to promote more inclusive spaces for teaching and learning? This workshop will examine several case...
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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.

Meet Our Staff

Kari Vogelgesang

Director, Professional Development

N120 Lindquist Center

319-335-5348

kari-vogelgesang@uiowa.edu

Amira Nash

Associate Director, Partnerships and Programs

N110 Lindquist Center

319-467-4809

amira-nash@uiowa.edu

Mariana Ruggiero Colombo

Associate Director, Professional Development and Online Programming

N110 Lindquist Center

mariana-colombo@uiowa.edu