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

 

Join Us for A Workshop with Timothy Kanold to Support Physical, Emotional and Relational Wellness

If you are a teacher, teacher leader, building leader or HR professional, this event is for you.

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
1 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3DLnbb8
There is no cost to attend.

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

• Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
• Prioritize routines for physical, mental, emotional and social wellness
• Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
• Utilize a robust rating protocol to identify wellness routines
• Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
• 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.

Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting Reminder March 7

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

College and workforce readiness speaker Brooks Harper will present, Passionately Preparing the Next Generation.

"It is time to revitalize, recharge and be impassioned in your profession! Re-energize your faculty and staff and let Brooks adjust the lens by which they view their roles and excite them about the tremendous opportunities their positions provide every day. Brooks will discuss the power of gratitude, value development, investing in others and avoiding burnout; increasing your team’s morale and ability to provide passionate performance."

Save these dates for the upcoming HAA Spring Speaker Series!
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.

UNI Leadership Camp 1.3 with Special Education Focus, Coming in July

License Renewal Credit – 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 (approved for evaluator renewal). This workshop builds the knowledge and skills needed to grow as Educational Leaders in support of effective evaluation processes specifically of special education programming. District and Area Education Agency (AEA) level leaders need to have a comprehensive understanding of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) to set the direction for school improvement, positively impact student learning, promote the growth of their staff, build board support, initiate and sustain change, and align community support and commitment to professional learning.

The workshop provides an opportunity for practicing leaders to engage in dialogue with colleagues around the Iowa Standards for School Leaders, special education programming, and aligned evidence. Facilitated conversation using research-based protocols will be used to explore the standards, engage in reflection relative to impact of the standards and to develop an action plan for personal growth. This flier has additional details and information regarding assignments.

Leadership Camp 1.3 with Special Education Focus
July 24-25, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Instructor: Susan Etscheidt, Professor, Special Education, susan.etscheidt@uni.edu / (319) 273-3279

Registration
Enroll online at online.uni.edu/enroll. When adding the course, search the Class Number in the ‘keyword/search key’ field. Class Number will be provided by the instructor at the workshop.
Participants: 40

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

Iowa ALN Virtual Student Expo - There's still time!

You are invited! Iowa Authentic Learning Network Virtual Student Expo on Feb. 22! Register at no cost at this link: https://2023iowaauthenticlearningne.sched.com/.

Upon registering, participants can explore the agenda via SCHED. We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.

Students, educators and partners come together to network and share their stories about:

• Engaging in authentic projects
• Supporting authentic learning programming
• Sharing what it's like to work on solving real problems