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 Administrators' Association Meeting Reminder Feb. 7

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Feb. 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston.

We have a special line-up of speakers from some of Iowa’s state activity associations and the AEA Authentic Learning Initiative. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

• Jean Berger, Executive Director, Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union
• Stacy Hansen, Executive Director, Iowa High School Speech Association
• Todd Tharp, Assistant Director, Iowa High School Athletic Association
• Laura Williams, Iowa AEA Learning Online, Authentic Learning, 21st Century Learning Specialist/Work-based Learning Coordinator

Save the dates for the March and April HAA meetings
March 7

• With Brooks Harper, Passionately Preparing the Next Generation

April 4

• Timothy Kanold, Ph.D., Solution Tree, Educator Wellness

May 2

• Ann Lebo, Ed.D., Executive Director, Iowa Department of Education

Meetings are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Lunch to immediately follow. View the speaker series flyer to learn more.

Save the Date: Educator Renewal for Student Achievement Workshop with Timothy Kanold, April 4

Based on the combined research-affirmed works of Dr. Timothy Kanold and Dr. Tina Boogren and their 2021 title, Educator Wellness, this timely workshop will help focus your time, energy, routines and actions on strategies to avoid the physical, emotional and relational burnout that educators often face.

Educator Renewal for Student Achievement
April 4
12:30 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

1. Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
2. Prioritize routines for your physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness
3. Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
4. Utilize a robust self-rating protocol to identify wellness routines
5. Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
6. Reflect on your current wellness story to reconnect to your “why” and a greater purpose as an educator

Our daily wellness and well-being as educators can be elusive. There is a fine line between being busy while living a well-managed life and being hurried into a stress-filled life on the brink of emotional and physical exhaustion. Participating in an active process toward achieving a positive state of good health and well-being provides a pathway for overcoming obstacles to a fulfilling life as an educator.

Registration Fees Covered for Districts to Recruit Quality Educators at Annual ISU Teacher Education Career Fair

Heartland AEA is once again excited to offer our districts an opportunity to participate in an event that will assist you in recruiting quality educators to your district -- the annual Iowa State University School of Education Teacher Education Career Fair! The Fair is open to the public and is predicted to host 250+ students in multiple content areas. To encourage your participation in this worthwhile event, Heartland AEA will cover the cost of your district/school's $75 Career Fair registration fee.

March 6, 2023
1 - 4 p.m.
Iowa State Alumni Center

Registration for the Career Fair is open!
You will register for the event on your own, designating that you're a Heartland AEA area district. ISU will invoice Heartland AEA for all applicable registration fees. Please note that space is limited, and it fills up quickly!

Register Before Feb. 20
Registration takes place through Iowa State's CyHire system. To login or create a new account, visit the CyHire website. If you don't remember your password, click on "Forgot Password" and enter your email address. On your CyHire homepage, click on the "Teacher Education Career Fair - Spring 2023" link under "Attend Events" to complete the registration form. Registration closes on Feb. 20.

Career Fair Details
Registration includes lunch for two, a 6' skirted table, Wi-Fi, electricity (upon request), parking and unloading/set-up assistance. Lunch will be provided prior to set up. There is a limit of two recruiters per booth, at one time. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the date of registration.

Mock Interviews
On the morning of the Career Fair, we will provide professional development sessions, including mock interviews, for our current student teachers. Consider participating in our mock interview session to provide tips and suggestions to upcoming graduates. An option to sign up is included in your registration.

On-Site Interviews
You may sign up to conduct on-campus interviews with students you meet immediately following the fair. If you select this option, ISU will provide a blank interview schedule for you to fill at the fair.

Questions?
For more information about the fair, visit the ISU Teacher Education Career Fair website. If you have any questions, contact CHS Career Services, Teacher Education Services, tecareerfair@iastate.edu or (515) 294-7559.

We hope you will consider participating in this great event -- not only for your district but for students getting ready to begin their careers serving our schools and students!

Explore the Latest in Digital Learning with Heartland AEA: Google Arts & Culture, AI in the Classroom, and More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter:

• Google Arts & Culture
• AI in the Classroom
• Heart of Innovation Webinar Series
• STEM Grants Now Available
• Black History Month Resources
• Graduate & License Renewal Options

Unveiling the Latest Literacy Innovations: Heartland AEA Newsletter February 2023

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter:

• Iowa Department of Education: MTSS Updates - Winter Window
• Ode to MOY
• Learning Ally
• The Truth About Reading
• Science or Snake Oil
• Learning Bit By Bit
• How to Provide Meaningful Feedback: Teachers Guide
• What Can I Do With All These Predictable Books?

Are You Wondering How to Support a Youth Developing Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Illness or Experiencing an Emotional Crisis?

Two separate sessions of Youth Mental Health First Aid are available to assist any school staff member to develop those skills. Participants can choose to attend the session on Feb. 27 or April 6.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling: rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration
Choose one date to attend:

Feb. 27 registration

or

April 6 registration

Explore the History and Elegance of Terrace Hill: Iowa Governor's Residence Offers Free Field Trip Tours for Students

Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor's Residence and National Historic Landmark, is a great destination for school and class field trips. School group tours are scheduled during regular touring hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and are free for students. School groups receive one free adult admission per 10 students. Admission is $5 (cash or check) per additional adult guest. During the guided tour, guests see the Carriage House, the first and second floors of the Residence decorated to reflect the late 1880s lifestyle, and the historic gardens. Contact Claire Sowder, Communications & Events Coordinator at Claire.sowder@governor.iowa.gov or (515) 281-7205 to schedule a school group tour.

Winter 2023 School Leader Update: Key Dates and Announcements for Iowa Educators

The Winter 2023 issue of the Iowa Department of Education’s School Leader Update is now available.