Thursday, March 24, 2022

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

  

Mark Your Calendars for April 5 HAA Meeting

Reminder

The next Heartland Administrator Associations' (HAA) meeting will be held on April 5. The agenda features two guest speakers: Jeff Weld, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Iowa STEM Council and Joan Bessman Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for School Library Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. The meeting will be held from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston and via Zoom.

New Regional Directors Named: Crista Carlile Coming to Region 4; Joy Wiebers Coming to Region 5

Congratulations to Crista Carlile for Being Named New Region 4 Regional Director 


Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Crista Carlile as the new regional director for Region 4. Crista, who is currently the Director of Teaching & Learning at Urbandale Schools, will replace Carlene Lodermeier, who will be retiring on June 30, 2022. As a regional director, Crista will provide coordination and leadership for the provision of AEA services to the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) and the accredited non-public schools located in district boundaries. Her additional responsibilities will include supervision of the Shelter Care Educational Program Administrator with general oversight and support to the Shelter Care Program. 

Prior to her last eight years at Urbandale, Crista held a number of leadership positions at DMPS. She spent three years as the Supervising Administrator at Central Academy, a year as the School Improvement Leader at East High School and five years as the Science Curriculum Director for the district. She began her career as a science teacher and has taught courses in anatomy, physiology and biology. She has also taught a number of adjunct courses for Drake and Grand View Universities. 

Crista holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake University, an educational administration endorsement from Viterbo University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Viterbo and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University. 

We look forward to Crista joining the Agency on July 1, 2022. 


Please Welcome Joy Wiebers to the Region 5 Regional Director Position 


Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Joy Wiebers as the new regional director for Region 5. Joy, who is currently the Executive Director of Student Services for the Johnston Schools, will replace Jerry Gruba, who will be retiring on June 30, 2022. As a regional director, Joy will provide coordination and leadership for the provision of AEA services to Region 5 district West Des Moines as well as Dowling and Sacred Heart accredited non-public schools. 

Prior to her three years as Executive Director at Johnston Schools, Joy held two other leadership positions at Johnston. She spent two years as the Director of Student Supports & Equity and five years as the principal at Summit Middle School. She also served as the Principal and School Improvement Leader at Hiatt Middle School and the Dean of Students at Garton Elementary, both in Des Moines. She began her career as a special education teacher and has taught in a K-5 resource room and in an autism cluster program. 

Joy holds a superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree from Central College. 

We look forward to Joy joining the Agency on July 1, 2022.

Plan to Attend: April 7 Future Ready Network Meeting

Important
The April Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be a blended format held in person at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, and via Zoom for those who prefer to join virtually on April 7, 2022, from 8:30-11 a.m. (note the earlier start time). Our topic next month is Post-Secondary Transition for Students with Special Needs, and we are excited to share that we have several guest speakers with lots of experience in this area. The Zoom Link for all of our network meetings is the same.

Bring Your Students to the 2022 Iowa Authentic Learning Network Virtual Student Expo on April 26

You and your students are invited to join whenever it is convenient for you, whether just for a class period or block! We will have live events throughout the day as well as “on-demand” video sessions for your convenience. Our hope is to create a day where students, educators, and business partners can network and share to promote the growth of more authentic learning opportunities for students.

Here is our tentative schedule and program guide for the day!

Please register yourself and your students (using school emails) via Eventbrite here. This registration is FREE!

If you are interested in license renewal for participating (either the same day OR at your own pace i.e self-paced learning), please register here.

Please reach out to Laura Williams at lwilliams@aealearningonline.org if you have any questions

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter - March 21, 2022

Heartland AEA one click
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital newsletter is now available. In this issue:
  • Annual Iowa School Library Survey Is Open
  • Pebble Go and PebbleGo Next Lessons and Activities
  • AEA Scout Online Module is Ready
  • Tales2Go Audiobook Collections
  • OneClick and Digital Resources--It's Free!

Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter - 3rd Quarter

Procedural fluency
The Heartland AEA Math Minutes newsletter is now available. In this issue:
  • What does being "fluent in mathematics" really mean?
  • What's New in Our Heartland AEA Library
  • Now Available at Creative Services: Concept Circles
  • I Have, You Need
  • We Need Your Input: What Summer Learning Needs Do You Have?

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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

  

Mark Your Calendars for April 5 HAA Meeting

Put this on your calendar!
The next Heartland Administrator Associations' (HAA) meeting will be held on April 5. The agenda features two guest speakers: Jeff Weld, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Iowa STEM Council and Joan Bessman Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for School Library Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. The meeting will be held from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston and via Zoom.

Plan to Attend: April 7 Future Ready Network Meeting

Reminder
The April Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be a blended format held in person at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, and via Zoom for those who prefer to join virtually on April 7, 2022, from 8:30-11 a.m. (note the earlier start time). Our topic next month is Post-Secondary Transition for Students with Special Needs, and we are excited to share that we have several guest speakers with lots of experience in this area. The Zoom Link for all of our network meetings is the same.

Friday, March 11, 2022

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

  

AEA Learning Online - Curriculum Network Update - March 2022

AEA Learning Onlien
In this issue:
  • Computer Science: Instructor-led Option
  • New Self-Paced Courses Coming
  • Elementary Newsletter
  • Authentic Learning Update: Professional Development for Teachers, and for Leaders
  • Let’s Learn Agile Scrum

Save the Date! Heart of Innovation Summer Summit, Aug. 9-10

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
License Renewal Credit Available
Completely Virtual
No Cost!

National and Regional Speakers
Internationally renowned education consultant Katie Novak will inspire us to design instruction that meets the needs of all of our students. An experienced educator, administrator, and author of 10 books, Katie is widely recognized as an expert on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive practices, multi-tiered systems, and universally designed leadership. We are excited to learn from Katie as we work to build upon our practices to promote success for all students.

As an education coach, prolific author, and in-demand speaker, Jorge Valenzuela provides sessions for educators that are inspirational, actionable, and fun. His work aims to redesign schools and classrooms by empowering educators to improve their teaching with project-based learning, computational thinking and computer science integration, STEM Education and Equity and SEL integration in lessons. His keynote will focus on embedding computation thinking in every classroom.

Edtech and learning enthusiast Jake Miller will inspire us as he shares instructional strategies and tech tools that help us achieve learning goals for our students. As a science teacher who previously worked as a tech integration specialist and a math, science, and STEM teacher, Jake brings practical advice and first-hand experience of how we can create the best learning experiences for our students. Jake shares his expertise as a regular speaker at education events, in his book, Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset, and as the host of the #EduDuctTape podcast. We’re looking forward to learning about effectively integrating technology from Jake!

Plan to Attend: April 7 Future Ready Network Meeting

Announcement
The April Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be a blended format held in person at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, and via Zoom for those who prefer to join virtually on April 7, 2022, from 8:30-11 a.m. (note the earlier start time). Our topic next month is Post-Secondary Transition for Students with Special Needs, and we are excited to share that we have several guest speakers with lots of experience in this area. The Zoom Link for all of our network meetings is the same.

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources March Newsletter is Now Available

In this issue:

  • Library Supplies and Furniture Discounts
  • SLJ Book Prices Report
  • PebbleGo and PebbleGo Next Teacher Resources
  • Tales2Go Audiobook Collections Made for You
  • Translate and Share Features in Teaching Books
  • February Top 20 Ebook Reads
  • New Video Titles
  • Tales2Go Audiobook Usage Stats

MTSS Academies Coming in June

REGISTER TODAY!
An Academy for Elementary Schools: MTSS
Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for all students and staff? The Academy is designed to provide leadership teams with the knowledge and resources to improve academic and behavior outcomes for ALL students. You will develop a common understanding of the Five Essential Components of a Multi-tiered System of Supports. In an era of accountability, Iowa schools need a school improvement framework to guide this work. Teams will focus on developing action plans to fully implement MTSS at the building level. Ongoing supports will be provided.

June 15-16, 2022
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Heartland AEA
Ames Regional Office
511 South 17th Street
Ames, Iowa

Learn more about the academy and register at this link. Course #182253


An Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools: MTSS
Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for all students and staff? The Academy is designed to provide leadership teams with the knowledge and resources to improve academic and behavior outcomes for ALL students. You will develop a common understanding of the Five Essential Components of a Multi-tiered System of Supports. In an era of accountability, Iowa schools need a school improvement framework to guide this work. Teams will focus on developing action plans to fully implement MTSS at the building level. Ongoing supports will be provided.

June 13-14, 2022
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Heartland AEA
Ames Regional Office
511 South 17th Street
Ames, Iowa

Learn more about the academy and register at this link. Course #181277

Cognitive Coaching Level One Course to be Offered Jun 27-30

Put this on your calendar!
Cognitive Coaching (Level 1) is a 4-day experience during which participants will build their communication and self-directedness through the process of becoming intentional about mediating for someone else's effectiveness. Planning and reflecting will be included. Research, modeling and practice will support learning. Cognitive Coaching is a process that supports individuals working together to improve their skills in a variety of situations.

This is an evaluator approval licensure renewal option for administrators. Beginning administrators prepared at institutions outside of Iowa or career administrators from outside of Iowa seeking Iowa administrator licensure must complete the iEvaluate 1.2 before completing other evaluator approval course options. Graduate credit is being offered for this course.

Cognitive Coaching Level One
June 27-30, 2022
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Learn more about the course and register at this link. Course #180453

UNI Leadership Camp Approved for Evaluator Renewal


UNI University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a grant called Leading and Learning with Character through the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, UNI continues to host Leadership Camps which are approved for evaluator renewal. The course focuses on the three pillars of an effective evaluation process (standards, aligned evidence and coaching conversations).

Participants consider the evaluation process through the lens of the New Iowa Leadership Standards as they collaborate with colleagues to consider how to implement the evaluation process in an authentic, meaningful manner to most fully support those they serve. The class is very engaging and interactive. Heartland AEA has hosted Leadership Camps in the past, and the feedback from participants has been exceptional.

Opportunity 1
June 8-9, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B

Opportunity 2
June 23-24, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 107A

Cost and Credit
One graduate credit needed to renew Evaluator Approval license
$75 includes one graduate credit, all materials and lunches

Registration
Contact Denise Schares to sign up. Indicate your choice of dates in your email.

Friday, March 4, 2022

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

 

Heartland AEA Digital Learning News - March 2022

Heart of Innovation keynote speakers

In this issue
of the March 2022 Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter:
  • Heart of Innovation Keynotes Announced
  • Seven Wonders of FETC
  • Google Updates
  • Seesaw Information & Resources
  • EfficienTEACH
  • Want to Earn Some Credits?

Heartland AEA Literacy News is Now Available

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter - March 2022:
  • Science of Reading - Do This Not That
  • Using Progress Monitoring Data to Evaluate Interventions
  • Read Across America
  • Literacy Tips for Parents - Share at Conferences
  • Bit by Bit - Scaffolding Up
  • Professional Learning Activities

UNI Leadership Camp Approved for Evaluator Renewal

UNI University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a grant called Leading and Learning with Character through the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, UNI continues to host Leadership Camps which are approved for evaluator renewal. The course focuses on the three pillars of an effective evaluation process (standards, aligned evidence and coaching conversations).

Participants consider the evaluation process through the lens of the New Iowa Leadership Standards as they collaborate with colleagues to consider how to implement the evaluation process in an authentic, meaningful manner to most fully support those they serve. The class is very engaging and interactive. Heartland AEA has hosted Leadership Camps in the past, and the feedback from participants has been exceptional.

Opportunity 1
June 8-9, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B

Opportunity 2
June 23-24, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 107A

Cost and Credit
One graduate credit needed to renew Evaluator Approval license
$75 includes one graduate credit, all materials and lunches

Registration
Contact Denise Schares to sign up. Indicate your choice of dates in your email.