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 Customer Satisfaction Survey Open through October 30

Love AEA services? Have suggestions for improvement?

Either way, we want your input! Participate in the Iowa AEA customer survey through Oct. 30.

Click here to take the survey.

Please share with your staff and families.

Your feedback matters! Your responses are completely anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential, so please be as open and honest as possible. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Questions? Contact Jenny Philpot at Hanover Research. Thank you for your participation!

Plan to Attend: Heartland Administrators' Association Nov. 7

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Nov. 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. This will be an in-person meeting with lunch provided. The agenda features a legislative update with guest panelists Margaret Buckton, Dave Daughton, Emily Piper and Kate Walton, an update on Artificial Intelligence from Amy Wichman, and partnership updates.

Save the Date: Advocacy Day on the Hill
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Day on the Hill to advocate for Iowa students. This year's Day on the Hill will be hosted collaboratively with the Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, and Iowa's Area Education Agencies.

Day on the Hill
Save the Dates: Feb. 12-13, 2024
Feb. 12 Legislative Advocacy Briefing: This event will bring together school board members, administrators and partners from across Iowa to gain up-to-date legislative insights, and will briefly summarize how to best engage with legislators. A panel of legislators will discuss the session and answer questions.

Feb. 13 Day on the Hill: Join your colleagues from around the state for a day promoting public education in Iowa. In the morning, educational lobbyists will share the three things to communicate with legislators and tips on how to handle confrontational situations. Later that morning, attendees will go to the Capitol to celebrate public education and meet with legislators. Representatives from districts and AEAs from around the state are encouraged to attend to showcase their positive stories.

Save these dates for these two upcoming webinars in 2024 designed to help educational leaders

Deeper Dive into the Issues with AEA, IASB and SAI lobbyists
Jan. 30: Noon-1:00 p.m.

State of the Budget and the Impact on AEAs with Finance experts from AEA and IASB
Feb. 7: Noon-1:00 p.m.

More details coming!

Ignite Thoughtful Conversations with Our New AI Education Documents

Whether you're a teacher, administrator or a passionate advocate for our learners, these AI docs are designed to steer you in the right direction. If you’re just starting your AI journey, these documents are your gateway to understanding Artificial Intelligence.

AI Policy Considerations
As AI becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, it’s imperative for districts to think about how they want to address policies and use around them. This document is intended to help guide conversations as districts move forward in this work.

What is AI/Prompts
This document provides an introduction to AI, including its various forms and applications. It also includes sample prompts and discussion topics to engage teachers and students in AI-related conversations.

Next Week’s AI Topics:

• AI for Educator Productivity
• Modeling AI in the Classroom

If you would like more information, contact a member of the Heartland AEA Computer Science Team.

Join Us Every Month for Curriculum Network!

Join us on the first Friday of each month at 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. for updates and networking with other curriculum directors. Connect at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center or via Zoom.

Statewide updates: https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/s/921776193
Heartland AEA updates: https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/97524379201

Network Dates

• Nov. 3, 2023
• Dec. 1, 2023
• Jan. 5, 2024
• Feb. 2, 2024
• Mar. 1, 2024
• Apr. 5, 2024
• May 3, 2024

NEW! Join us for “Huddles” This will be an informal time to connect with colleagues and collaborate on questions, projects and problems of practice. The 3rd Friday of each month from 8:00-8:30 a.m. via Zoom at this link: https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/8376018864.

See You at the Next Future Ready Network on Nov. 16

Join your local colleagues to learn and share about all things Future Ready! Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meets next on Nov. 16. Learn about:

• What’s New with FAFSA and Financial Aid
• Review of the FAFSA changes for 2024-25
• Advising students 8-12 in FAFSA Process
• Financial Aid options

Mark Your Calendar: Future Ready Network Meetings

When: Third Thursday of the month from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Where: Hybrid Option in person at the AEA or join via Zoom

Who: Administrators, Counselors, WBL Teachers/Coordinators, Secondary Teachers and Leadership Team Members, and AEA Staff

Visit the Heartland Future Ready Website to stay up to date on news, resources, past network Zoom recordings and more! For more information, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@heartlandaea.org.

Calling all Principals! We have a Networking Group Just for You

Principal Alliance Meeting: Nov. 30, 2023

The Principal Alliance Lasting Leadership Series will focus on current practices in the field of leadership and principalship. Join your colleagues on the last weekday of the month from 9-10 a.m. for thematic whole group and small group discussions centered on current problems of practice. Additional resources will be shared to support the topics. Visit the Iowa’s AEAs website for meeting dates.

Training Dates Announced for Intro to Restorative Practices & Using Circles Effectively

The two-day course will provide participants with knowledge of the key concepts of restorative practices; an opportunity to reflect on how restorative practices may impact their professional and personal lives; practice in applying strategies from the restorative practices continuum; and an understanding of how to facilitate circles effectively and for different purposes.

Day 1: Introduction to Restorative Practices
Day 2: Using Circles Effectively

Date
Section #318005 - Jan. 22-23, 2024 Heartland AEA Adel Office
Section #318006 - Jan. 22-23, 2024 Heartland AEA Ames Office
Section #318022 - Apr. 11-12, 2024 Heartland AEA Johnston REC

Recommended Audience
PK-12 teachers, administrators, school counselors, instructional coaches, at-risk staff, school leadership teams and AEA staff

Registration
License renewal credit is available
Register at this link

Heartland AEA to Offer Trauma-Informed Classrooms Training on Nov. 10

Heartland AEA is offering a learning opportunity on Nov. 10, facilitated by Melissa Crowl, a special education consultant who supports the HEART Classrooms and has agency-wide allocation for therapeutic programming. This training is intended for early childhood educators, general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, and/or support staff.

The training, titled "Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Creating a Safe Learning Environment," will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, located at 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. To register, visit this link: HL - Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Creating a Safe Learning Environment, (Course # 205668).

During the training, attendees will learn strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes emotional safety and resilience among students. The course will cover a range of topics, including:

• building and sustaining relationships
• classroom culture
• the impact of trauma
• student empowerment

Participants will gain an applicable framework for creating a trauma-informed classroom, from brain science and self-regulation to preparing students for learning.

This training is an excellent opportunity for educators and support staff to learn how to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

School Culture Workshop on Nov. 14: Increasing Belonging, Well-Being and Engagement

Heartland AEA will be hosting a School Culture Workshop, facilitated by Character Strong, on Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Stoney Creek Hotel, 5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston. Participants will learn about, and begin to apply, an instructional framework that promotes powerful relationship-building and helps students find value in their learning. The cost of the workshop is $349/person. However, Character Strong is offering a buy one - get one free discount. If you have a team that would like to attend, register via this link. After clicking on the link, click on "Register Now." Then choose the Des Moines, IA - Nov. 14 training in the dropdown menu. Enter the discount code CSVIP1, and Character Strong will apply your BOGO free discount when invoicing the district.

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

 

Save the Date: Heartland Administrators' Association Nov. 7

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Nov. 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. This will be an in-person meeting with lunch provided. The agenda features a legislative update with guest panelists Margaret Buckton, Dave Daughton, Emily Piper and Kate Walton, an update on Artificial Intelligence from Amy Wichman, and partnership updates.

Save the Date: Advocacy Day on the Hill

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Day on the Hill to advocate for Iowa students. This year's Day on the Hill will be hosted collaboratively with the Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, and Iowa's Area Education Agencies.

Day on the Hill
Feb. 12 & 13, 2024

Feb. 12: Educational leaders are invited to attend a legislative advocacy briefing. This event will bring together school board members, administrators and partners from across Iowa to gain up-to-date legislative insights, and will briefly summarize how to best engage with legislators. A panel of legislators will discuss the session and answer questions.

Feb. 13: Join your colleagues from around the state for a day promoting public education in Iowa. In the morning, educational lobbyists will share the three things to communicate with legislators and tips on how to handle confrontational situations. Later that morning, attendees will go to the Capitol to celebrate public education and meet with legislators. Representatives from districts and AEAs from around the state are encouraged to attend to showcase their positive stories.

Also, please save the date for these two upcoming webinars in 2024 designed to help educational leaders:

Deeper Dive into the Issues with AEA, IASB and SAI lobbyists
Jan. 30: Noon-1:00 p.m.

State of the Budget and the Impact on AEAs with Finance experts from AEA and IASB
Feb. 7: Noon-1:00 p.m.

Watch for more details on these events later this fall.

AEA Survey Launches This Month

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEA) will be launching a survey to local school administrators and teachers to better understand stakeholder awareness of and satisfaction with AEA services. We hope that you will participate in this survey, as your feedback is critical to ensuring that Iowa’s AEAs continue to provide quality services to local schools.

The AEA system has partnered with Hanover Research to administer and analyze this survey. Hanover Research is an independent market research firm based in Washington, D.C., and is in no way affiliated with any other entity or organization. All responses are completely anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential, so we are encouraging our district partners to be as open and honest as possible.

Please watch for an email in the next week with a link you can forward to your staff.

Save the Date: Curriculum Network Huddle Oct. 20

The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Huddle will be held on Oct. 20 at 8:00 a.m. Join Zoom Meeting

Empower Your Educational Leadership with EdTech Training

Earn Evaluator Approval in this Innovative Course

This course will engage educational leaders in four modules:

1. purposeful and productive alignment with digital technology tools
2. engagement for adult learners
3. methods and tools for evaluation
4. feel empowered and confident using digital technology tools

Participants will explore topics such as:

• Google workspace
• Artificial Intelligence
• New and Emerging EdTech Tools
• Connections to the Iowa Core

Training length
Training is two full days and includes time to create resources that you can use tomorrow!

Location
Heartland AEA
Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Drive
Johnston, Iowa

Cost
This training is provided at no cost to participants. License renewal cost is $35.

Availability
Go to the course web page to learn about available dates and times of the course. Course number 203354

For More Information

Contact the Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultants at haeatech@heartlandaea.org

Heartland AEA's Digital Learning Newsletter - Summer Summit Recap, AI Insights and More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter:

• Heart of Innovation Summer Summit Recap + Fall Course Series
• Matt Miller - AI Discussions You Need to Have (Web Recording)
• Pear Deck and Seesaw Updates
• ITEC Fall Conference
• Upcoming Fall Technology Courses from Heartland AEA

Navigating ESL and Diversity Support: A Wealth of Resources in the Heartland AEA Newsletter

The Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity newsletter provides a list of resources to support your work with English Learners and their families. You will find resources at the federal, state and Heartland AEA levels included, as well as a video from West Des Moines Public Schools that shares their approach to interpretation and translation needs in their district. Don't hesitate to contact your Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity consultant if you would like to explore opportunities to invest in professional learning with your educators now and in the future!

October Future Ready Network Meeting: District Career Guidance Plan Workshop

The October Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be a District Career and Academic Plan Workshop. Districts are encouraged to bring members of their District Career Guidance Team to review their plans and explore the trends with feedback to continue to improve opportunities for all students.

The morning will include information about updates regarding the DCAP and the afternoon will be saved for work time with your team. We will review feedback from the DCAP rubrics and utilize resources and tools to revise and refine your DCAP plans. Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic and Career Planning from the Department of Education, will share additional requirements about ICAP reporting. See agenda here.

Oct. 19, 2023
Network time: 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Work time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

If you plan to attend, please register your district and note the location you plan to attend (Johnston CSD Admin Office; and AEA offices in Adel, Ames, Indianola, Newton, Carroll) or via Zoom.

If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. A detailed email to participants will be coming soon. 

Iowa K-12 Teachers, Students Invited to Sign Up for Statewide Design Challenge

The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning and the Home Builders Association of Iowa are pleased to host the Build Iowa’s Future design challenge for Iowa’s school districts, accredited nonpublic schools and related before- and after-school programming. A set of three awards – $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place – will be made to schools in each of the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade bands for projects scored and selected by reviewers. Prize money may be used for school WBL activities. Elementary and middle school students may participate by constructing a model home using materials such as toy plastic construction bricks, wood blocks and a variety of other materials of their choice. Submit your form letter of your intent to participate by no later than Oct. 20. Learn more about the challenge here.

Authentic Learning Bootcamp to Support Future Ready Work

This workshop will help educators understand the most important features to implement authentic learning opportunities:

• project design
• classroom facilitation
• assessment in an authentic environment
• working with community partners
• the pedagogical shift required

The workshop emphasizes immersive experiences for participants--to learn authentic learning by engaging in it--as well as networking opportunities to engage in collaborative discussion. Participants will explore best practices from around the state, including Iowa STEM BEST models, and learn how to get started!

Nov. 13
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Registration
Refer to this Authentic Learning Bootcamp flier for registration links.

Iowa ALN + STEM Digital Networking Party to be Held on Oct. 11

The Authentic Learning Network + STEM Digital Network Parties for the year will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining, click here. We hope to see you then! Authentic Learning Network Site

Exciting Updates in the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter:

• Soundzabound
• New Learn360 Videos
• Sept. 28 TL Conference Registration
• Constitution Day Resources
• Decodable Readers--Coming Soon!

Elevate Your Leadership: Statewide Principal Alliance Meeting on Oct. 31

The Principal Alliance Lasting Leadership Series will focus on current practices in the field of leadership and principalship. Join your colleagues on the last weekday of the month from 9-10 a.m. for thematic whole group and small group discussions centered on current problems of practice. Additional resources will be shared to support the topics. Visit the Iowa’s AEAs website for more information and meeting dates.

Training Dates Announced for Intro to Restorative Practices & Using Circles Effectively

The two-day course will provide participants with:

• Knowledge of the key concepts of restorative practices
• An opportunity to reflect on how restorative practices may impact their professional and personal lives
• Practice in applying strategies from the restorative practices continuum
• An understanding of how to facilitate circles effectively and for different purposes

Day 1: Introduction to Restorative Practices
Participants will learn fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff and families in a restorative way. Topics include:

• Setting high expectations while being supportive
• Providing direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability
• Learning about effective methods to resolve common conflicts

Day 2: Using Circles Effectively
Participants will learn how to facilitate circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and a supportive and inclusive school culture. Circles may be used proactively to build community and engage during instruction or to resolve social problems and respond when harm occurs.

Training Dates
Section #318004 - Oct. 12-13, 2023 Heartland AEA Newton Office
Section #318005 - Jan. 22-23, 2024 Heartland AEA Adel Office
Section #318006 - Jan. 22-23, 2024 Heartland AEA Ames Office
Section #318022 - Apr. 11-12, 2024 Heartland AEA Johnston REC

License Renewal Credit is available.

Register at this link

Connect and Share at Coffee & Conversations - Heartland AEA's Online Parent Support Group

Heartland AEA’s Family and Educator Partnership invites you to our online parent support group!

Parents are encouraged to come enjoy the company, support and conversation from other parents of children with special needs.

Dates:
Oct. 26, 2023
Nov. 30, 2023
Jan. 25, 2024
Feb. 29, 2024
March 28, 2024
April 25, 2024
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Join by Zoom at https://bit.ly/44w0z8S (no registration required)

Nominate an Outstanding Iowa STEM Teacher!

Every day, exceptional STEM educators across the state are helping prepare students for exciting, high-demand careers. Their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics is shaping the future through generations of Iowans.

Does that sound like a teacher you know? Nominate them today for the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries!

Now in its 10th year, this award recognizes leadership and dedication that increases student interest in, and awareness of, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The award is given to one licensed, full-time PreK-12 teacher from each of Iowa’s six STEM regions. For this award, a full-time teacher is defined as an educator who spends at least 75% of their working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly, minimum) in the classroom—both virtually and in-person – interacting with students. Recipients receive $1,500 for their classroom, along with an additional $1,500 for personal use.

The deadline to complete nominations is Oct. 10. Recipients will be announced in January 2024.

The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. Visit https://www.iowastem.org/teacheraward-application to learn more and submit your nomination.

Virtual STEM BEST Sessions Help Prep for Next Award Applications

Virtual sessions that introduce concepts of a STEM BEST Program proposal and connect participants with ongoing resources to support new authentic learning opportunities for school and business partnerships.

Iowa STEM in partnership with Iowa's AEAs, are working together to provide six mini-sessions through October and early November or a 1-day session to share information and STEM BEST design support to help local school districts in applying for the next round of STEM BEST Awards (see more information about STEM BEST below or explore the website). Register Here