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

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

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

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

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

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.