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 Kicks Off with Erik Dominguez

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Sept. 5 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 immediately following the meeting. Agenda topics include guest speaker Erik Dominguez and updates from partners.

Guest Speaker
Erik Dominguez is a communication and confidence expert with over 25 years of experience teaching thousands of individuals from all walks of life how to speak up for themselves. As an immigrant who grew up between two cultures and mixed messages, his first-hand familiarity with communication fears fueled him to learn and share the mindsets and tools to be seen and heard.

2023-24 HAA Meeting Dates - Mark your calendars!
HAA meetings are held at Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, from 9-11:30 a.m., unless otherwise specified.

• Sept. 5, 2023
• Oct. 3, 2023
• Nov. 7, 2023
• Dec. 5, 2023
• Jan. 2, 2024 - No in person meeting. Zoom partnership updates from 9-10 a.m.
• Feb. 6, 2024
• March 5, 2024
• April 2, 2024
• May 7, 2024

Connect and Collaborate with Curriculum Colleagues

Every month, you're invited to join the Heartland AEA Curriculum Network and Huddle! You can opt for either or both of these options:

1. Curriculum Network
Date: First Friday of each month
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center or join virtually via Zoom

Sept. 1, 2023
Oct. 6, 2023 (no meeting due to BEST conference)
Nov. 3, 2023
Dec. 1, 2023
Jan. 5, 2024
Feb. 2, 2024
Mar. 1, 2024
Apr. 5, 2024
May 3, 2024

Zoom options
Statewide updates
Heartland AEA updates


2. Curriculum Huddle *NEW*
Date: Third Friday of each month, beginning Aug. 18, 2023
Time: 8-8:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual session through Zoom

This will be an informal time to connect with colleagues and collaborate on questions, projects and problems of practice.


Questions? Contact Susie Meade, Heartland AEA Chief Academic Officer

Teaching Entrepreneurship? You'll love BizInnovator Startup!

BizInnovator Startup is a curriculum toolkit and professional development program for high school business and marketing teachers that provides an accessible solution for innovation and entrepreneurship education. Iowa educators get full access to the BizInnovator Startup Curriculum Toolkit at no cost for the 2023-24 school year! Learn more at the BizInnovator website.

• With BizInnovator Startup, students practice the business and entrepreneurial skills they'll need to be career and college ready.
• Students gain knowledge in entrepreneurship and confidence in their ability to become one.
• BizInnovator Startup is made up of six customizable modules, each includes a scope and sequence, slide decks, interactive activities, web resources and assessments.
• Students engaged in BizInnovator Startup learn first hand how startups start by identifying problems, gathering data and generating viable business solutions. And, all the while students practice and develop the "soft skills" they will use throughout college and career.

Cross-State Collaborative Explores Learner-Centered Pathways

Educators in Iowa and Michigan have a unique opportunity to engage in a 12-week professional learning and design experience aimed at fostering learner-centered goals tailored to individual education environments.

Building upon the success of last year's Personalized, Competency-Based CTE Cross-State Collaborative, this initiative has expanded its scope to encompass a wider array of personalized learning approaches.

Who should join?
Teams of educators are strongly encouraged to consider joining this collaborative initiative if they are eager to explore new possibilities, learn from like-minded peers, and drive positive change in their education ecosystems. Participants can be administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, counselors, regional AEA staff, or anyone who supports school transformation.

When is it?
Sept. 20 (in person)
Oct. 31 (virtual)
Dec. 12 (in person)

How does it work?
Districts will be paired with similar districts to facilitate the exchange of feedback and ideas and promote growth along the learner-centered continuum. Participants will have opportunities for site visits to observe learning environments, engage with educators, learn from learners and connect with industry partners.

Register

View this program flyer to learn more and register.

Gifted & Talented News

Check out the Gifted & Talented newsletter from Heartland AEA! In this issue:

• Gifted Education Learning Series
• Inquiry Learning
• Annual Conference
• Monthly Networking
• Good Reads

Subscribe and forward this edition of the newsletter to colleagues who might benefit!

Iowa School Counselor Network and New Counselor Networking Sessions Announced

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies invite all school counselors and newer school counselors to join a virtual meeting each month to connect and learn from each other. New school counselors (in their 1st-5th years) now have access to specialized new counselor networking sessions as well.

Iowa School Counselor Network
2nd Friday of the Month
8:30-10 a.m.
Join via Zoom


New Counselor Networking Sessions
For 1st-5th year counselors

Sept. 8, 2023
Nov. 10, 2023
Jan. 12, 2024
March 8, 2024
May 10, 2024 from 10-10:45 a.m. (after the statewide networking sessions)

Join via Zoom

Behavior Support Community of Practice: Back by Popular Demand!

Based on feedback and district requests, the Behavior Support Community of Practice (CoP) is back for the 2023-24 school year.

Why it Matters
CoP engages in common learning, networking and collaboration to build community among individuals who hold roles such as Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Coach, Behavior Strategist, etc.

How it Works
In-person attendance is recommended for a meaningful CoP. However, a Zoom option will be offered upon request. Need a zoom link or have questions? Contact Jadie Boens, Heartland AEA Director of Social Emotional Behavior Mental Health Services.

Didn’t attend last year? No problem! If you’re interested in attending this year, complete this Google Form to be added to the distribution list.

Dates
Sept. 28, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nov. 14, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jan. 25, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Feb. 29, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m.
April 9, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May 14, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m

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