Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

HAA Sept. 4 Meeting Reminder

The Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will meet Sept. 4, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston, Rooms 107 A/B. 

September 4 HAA Agenda

HAA 2018-19 Meeting Schedule

Date	Time	Location	Guest Speaker
Sept. 4, 2018	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	Ryan Wise
Oct. 2, 2018	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Brad Waid
Nov. 6, 2018	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Shannon Suldo
Dec. 4, 2018	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD
Jan. 8, 2019	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Anthony Muhammad
Feb. 5, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD
March 5, 2019	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Trevor Ragan
April 2, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	Kevin Honeycutt
May 7, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD

Superintendents, Bookmark This Google Site to Stay Current on HAA Meetings

The Heartland Administrators Association (HAA) meets on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Bookmark the HAA Google Site to easily access meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, registration and information on important initiatives.

Meet the New Superintendents

We would like to introduce you to some new faces. Below are some of the new superintendents starting this year in districts in Heartland AEA's service area. Continue watching the Administrator Connection for more new faces.

Mickolyn Clapper
Baxter Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree in biology with a secondary teaching endorsement -- Iowa State
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies -- Iowa State
Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership -- Drake University

What is your past work experience?
I began my career teaching science at Colfax-Mingo. I also worked at Colo-NESCO where I taught science and also was the athletic director. I have spent the last seven years in leadership working as elementary assistant principal and principal as well as special education director at Colo-Nesco and Nevada.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I have lived in Baxter for the last 22 years. This is the community where my children go to school and my husband farms. This district is very special to me as it was also the district in which I did my graduate research. My dissertation was a case study about open enrollment and I studied the Baxter Community and School District.

What is your vision for your district?
I want to continue the great work that has been done before me so I intend to pursue the district mission, teaching for today and tomorrow, one student at a time. We have a focus on three things: personalized learning, guaranteed and viable curriculum, and relationship building. Baxter schools are truly the heart of the community and my goal is to foster relationships between the school and the community to continue to strengthen both of them.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel and spend time relaxing with my family. I also enjoy reading and running marathons.

Kevin Lein
Carroll Community School District

What is your education background?
Undergraduate degrees -- University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Mount Marty College
Graduate degree --University of South Dakota
Doctoral degree -- College of Saint Mary

What is your past work experience?
Middle School and Elementary School teacher - Gayville-Volin and Mitchell Public Schools
Education Professor, Coach and Department Chair - Dakota Wesleyan University and Mount Marty College
Professor, Coach and Athletic Director - College of Saint Mary
Middle School, High School Principal and Coach - Hanson Community Schools
High School Principal - Harrisburg High School
Regional Administrator - Prairie Lakes AEA

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Carroll is a vibrant and supportive community with a history of success and unlimited potential. The resources and committed staff provide a solid foundation from which to employ the most contemporary approaches to allow Carroll students the highest degree of service to their futures.

What is your vision for your district?
That the Carroll diploma means students have been engaged to become their very best selves and are prepared for every eventuality and possibility.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Family, faith and sports-related activities.

Jim Walker
Colo-Nesco Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Briar Cliff College
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University
Superintendent Specialist Certificate -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
I spent most of my career in Nevada, with my last eight years as superintendent before retiring in 2013. Before that I was the assistant principal for three years and then became the middle school principal for 26 years before moving into the superintendent position. My teaching and coaching career began at Granville-Spalding for three years. In retirement I have been working for the Iowa SAM’s program as a data collector and Time Change Coach.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Since my retirement, I wanted to stay involved in education, but not on a full-time basis and did that through the SAM’s program. The opportunity arose that Colo-Nesco was looking for a part-time superintendent. This position seemed like a fit for me because of its closeness to Nevada. Further, I was acquainted with many of the community members.

What is your vision for your district?
To work as a partner with the board, staff and community as they grow into being a team focusing on the educational needs of its students. I want to help develop this strong team atmosphere as the district meets the challenges of being a small rural school.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I love spending time with our grandkids and traveling especially to Maine and Europe. I also love following major league baseball particularly the New York Yankees.

Sharon Dentlinger
Interstate 35 Community School District

What is your education background?Bachelor’s degree -- Western Illinois University
Master’s degree -- Western Illinois UniversityMaster’s degree -- Drake UniversitySuperintendent Certificate -- University of Northern Iowa

What is your past work experience?
I was the Director of Curriculum at the Burlington Community School District for the past four years. Prior to that, I worked as the Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Sioux City and served as elementary principal for Kuemper Catholic Schools. I spent the years prior to my administrative roles as a high school history and English teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?For the past 23 years, I have lived in rural communities. The support for schools in small towns is hard to match anywhere. I knew when I first came to the Interstate 35 Schools the community supports the schools and wants students to thrive. The pride in education displayed in New Virginia, St. Charles and Truro is why I am excited to be a Roadrunner.

What is your vision for your district?
To work with the communities and stakeholders to continue the strong tradition of learning. I will work to expand learning opportunities to students and look for ways to continue to strengthen the relationships between the schools and the communities we serve.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy visiting my kids and watching their sporting events. I also spend time reading. When I am feeling like a challenge, I play golf.

Laura Kacer
Johnston Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Grand View UniversityMaster’s degree -- Drake UniversityDoctorate degree -- Drake UniversityCertified Professional Human Capital Leader in Education

What is your past work experience?
I was the Executive Director of Human Resources for Johnston Community School District for the past three years. Prior to that I was the 8th and 9th grade middle school principal in Johnston. I have also held various leadership roles within the Des Moines Public School District, included positions as principal, vice principal, dean of students and middle school math teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Serving as the interim superintendent this year is a great opportunity for me to broaden my leadership skills and help the district continue to move forward with our important initiatives. I welcome the chance to meet various stakeholders and create lasting relationships with families and our community members.

What is your vision for your district?
I am excited about the ability to partner with the school board members and administrators in the district to provide thoughtful leadership. Over the course of the past few years, we have worked collaboratively with many stakeholders to develop our “Portrait of a Learner.” As a team, we are excited about the opportunity to use this work our lens for evaluating and implementing change intended to positively impact student achievement for all students in Johnston.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My twin daughters will be graduating from ISU in December. That will leave plenty of time for my husband and I to explore the beautiful landscapes of Iowa either on our bikes or quick day trips on the weekends.

Pam Dodge
Ogden Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Iowa State University
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University
Certified Superintendent -- Iowa State University
Doctorate degree -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
Nine years as classroom teacher -- Grand Community Schools, Boxholm, Iowa
Six years as principal -- North Polk Community Schools
Two years as assistant principal -- Ankeny Schools
Three years as Executive Director -- K12 Special Programs, Ankeny
Eight years as principal -- Ankeny Schools

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
The community of Ogden has a long history of supporting educational opportunities for students. Building relationships with the community and the school district are priorities that align with my values and skills as an administrative leader so Ogden is a great fit for the next steps in my leadership journey. Ogden values student achievement and success, they take pride in their facilities and the district has forged strong partnerships with the community. All these things make the Ogden Community School District a great place to live, learn and grow.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to ensure Ogden CSD continues to develop and deliver high quality educational programming to all students ensuring students have the skills necessary to pursue their passions and meet tomorrow’s opportunities. My vision is to use strategic planning to ensure goals that align to our needs financially, educationally, and in regard to facilities and the overall safety of our students and the community.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my husband Mark, of 32 years and we enjoy traveling, riding motorcycles, attending sporting events, doing home projects and spending time with our two college age boys, our extended family and our friends.

Lance Ridgely
West Central Valley Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Iowa State University
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
My wife and I started as teachers in southwest Iowa with the Corning Schools. I served as a Social Studies instructor and did some coaching as well. After working on my master’s degree we moved to Earlham in 1999 and have lived there since. I served the Earlham district as Middle School Principal, Curriculum Director and Technology Coordinator for 11 years, leaving in 2010 to work with Northwest Evaluation Association as a Professional Development Consultant. After working with NWEA for two years I was chosen to lead the Westwood School District as Superintendent and PK-3 Principal in Sloan, Iowa in the summer of 2012. Summer of 2014 I moved to the Clarke Schools (Osceola) as their Curriculum Director. After a year at Clarke, the East Union (Afton) superintendency opened and I was chosen to lead there until earning the West Central Valley post.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I've lived in the area my whole life and am familiar with the communities that make up the WCV district, and from an outsider’s perspective I've seen great potential! Dr. Arnold did a wonderful job of turning things around financially and with facilities so I'm taking over a district that is ready to move forward. We're in a prime location, near the metro and far enough away for the quiet life more and more people are looking for. Our communities have a great deal of pride and all represent themselves well.

What is your vision for your district?
We will strive for excellence in the classroom, arena, arts and community. Since achieving excellence is a journey and not a destination we will be working to learn from our past shortcomings and improve on them, learning from the past but not dwelling in it. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the people of our different communities, the teachers and the students of the West Central Valley District. I believe we can do great things, Go Wildcats!

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?Currently our hobbies are home-building as we are completing a new home with enough bedrooms and living spaces to accommodate our five sons when they are all home. Other than that, my wife Angie and I occupy our time through home improvement projects, attending the boys’ different events, and traveling when time allows.

You Are Invited to Share Your District K-12 Online Learning Needs in This Brief Survey

The Iowa legislature has tasked the AEAs to convene a work group that is made up of representation from the Iowa Department of Education, Community Colleges and school districts. This group is examining K-12 online learning opportunities to make recommendations to the legislature on Oct. 15 for:

• Identifying the current offerings for and needs of districts
• Identifying areas for efficiencies via partnerships between the aforementioned stakeholder groups
• Identifying measures for quality assurance

To take advantage of this opportunity, the work group has created a short needs-assessment survey about the current needs districts have regarding K-12 online learning opportunities. We encourage anyone involved with programmatic decisions regarding online learning to complete the survey. This might include superintendents, building principals, curriculum and technology directors, school counselors, and many other staff members. Each district is different.

The survey can be found at http://survey.aealearningonline.org and will be open until Sept. 7. Please forward this information to other individuals within the district so that we may hear from everyone.

Your input will have a direct effect on legislative recommendations, as well as future actions from the statewide system. For questions about the survey or the current work group, contact Evan Abbey, Program Director for AEA Learning Online, eabbey@aealearningonline.org, (800) 255-0405 ext. 14511.

Make Sure You Are in Compliance With These Required Trainings for Iowa Educators and District Staff

While school districts in Iowa can set their own staff training requirements, there are some important statewide mandated trainings that need to be included in district plans. Online trainings from AEA Learning Online are easy to deliver and monitor and are an efficient use of teacher time, as they can be flexibly taken. In addition, AEA Learning Online has over 100 other professional development trainings in areas as diverse as classroom management, technology integration, instructional strategies and more! If you have questions about how your district can make better use of trainings and whether it is in compliance with various mandates, contact AEA Learning Online. By not participating in mandatory trainings, your district could face significant financial penalties and accreditation issues.

If You’re Looking for IPI Sessions, We Have Them!

Instructional Practices Inventory Level 1 Workshop
The IPI workshop will begin with an overview of the IPI categories and the protocols for data collection. Detailed practice in the recognition of the IPI categories and consistent application of the data collection protocols enable each participant to develop both validity and reliability in the process. The skill development begins with written scenarios to develop basic understanding of the protocols for data collection and the instructional activities that fit each category. The workshop then transitions to a local school to make observations in classroom settings. All observations are discussed with peers and with the trainer.

Date: Oct. 2, 2018
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Saydel Community School District, 5740 NE 14th Street, Des Moines
Register at this link

Instructional Practices Inventory Technology Workshop
During the workshop, participants will develop the skills to document student engagement through the use of technology and learn how to use the profiles to engage faculty in collaborative learning conversations about engagement, instructional change, technology integration and school-wide instructional goals.

Date: Oct. 4, 2018
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: To be announced
Register at this link

Updated Statewide AEA Special Education Procedures Manual Now Available

Linked in this article are the Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual (July 1, 2018 with July 23, 2018 corrections) and Release Notes (July 1, 2018 with July 23, 2018 corrections).

These are posted on the Iowa IDEA website as well as on the Heartland AEA website under Special Education Services > Guidance Documents. They are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website, in addition to their permanent location under the IEP drop down menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

Nominate Your Favorite Teacher for the 2019 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award

Do you know a STEM teacher that goes above and beyond to engage their students both in and out of the classroom? Nominations are now open for the 2019 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries.

The fifth-year of this award, offered by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, celebrates PreK-12 teachers whose leadership and dedication to STEM in Iowa increases students’ interest and awareness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. One teacher from each of the six STEM regions will receive $1,500 for personal use, along with an additional $1,500 to be used in their classroom.

Deadline for nominations is Oct. 9, and recipients will be announced in January 2019.

The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. Visit www.stemaward.fluidreview.com to submit a nomination and learn more.