Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Stipend Program

The Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Stipend Program is administered through the Iowa Department of Education as part of its broader teacher professional development initiatives. The program is designed to support Iowa educators who have completed a specialized endorsement focused on dyslexia instruction. This endorsement, approved by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners in collaboration with the Iowa Reading Research Center, requires 18 credit hours over approximately 1.5 years and is intended to strengthen educator expertise in supporting students with dyslexia. The stipend program was authorized through state legislation, specifically HF 890, passed during the 2024 legislative session, which created a one-time financial incentive for qualified educators. The primary purpose of the program is to incentivize and recognize educators who have obtained the Iowa Dyslexia Specialist endorsement and are actively applying that expertise in educational settings. The funding is structured as a one-time stipend of up to 2000 dollars per eligible applicant. However, because the program is dependent on annual legislative appropriations, the actual award amount may be prorated if the number of qualified applicants exceeds available funding. This introduces variability in award size, though the stated maximum remains fixed. Eligibility is strictly limited to individuals who meet a defined set of criteria. Applicants must have completed a recognized dyslexia specialist endorsement program and have that endorsement officially listed on their Iowa Board of Educational Examiners license. They must also have at least three years of post-baccalaureate teaching experience in a K-12 setting and be currently employed by an Iowa educational institution in a role that supports students with dyslexia. Additionally, applicants must not have previously received funding from the state for this endorsement. A critical requirement includes verification from the applicant’s employer, confirming that all eligibility conditions have been met. The application process requires several components to be submitted through the WebGrants system. Applicants must provide a completed application form, a signed supervisor acknowledgment (either via official letterhead or institutional email), and a completed W-9 financial form. The W-9 is required because the stipend is treated as taxable income and must be reported accordingly. Failure to submit complete documentation, including the supervisor verification and financial form, will result in disqualification if not corrected by the specified processing deadline. The timeline for the program includes an application deadline of June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation must be corrected by July 10, 2026, or they will be deemed ineligible for that cycle. The opportunity is designated as recurring, meaning it is expected to be offered annually, contingent on continued legislative funding. The award announcement date is not explicitly provided, but processing occurs shortly after the correction deadline. Program administration is overseen by a designated program officer, who serves as the primary contact for inquiries. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all eligibility and documentation requirements are fully met prior to submission, as incomplete applications cannot be processed. The program emphasizes compliance with all administrative requirements, including financial disclosures and employer validation, to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds.

Ensure supervisor documentation is complete and submitted on time; verify endorsement is listed on licensure before applying; submit all financial forms to avoid disqualification