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 AEA Winter Break and Van Delivery Schedule

Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public from Dec. 25 - Jan. 1. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: through Dec. 21
• No van delivery: Dec. 22 - Jan. 1
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 2, 2024

Heartland Administrators’ Association Jan. 2 Meeting is Via Zoom

Since this is the first day back for many school districts following winter break, the Jan. 2 HAA meeting will be held entirely via Zoom. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. Superintendents have received a calendar invitation with links to the Zoom meeting and agenda.

Register Now: One day at the Capitol—three organizations—one unified voice for public education

The AEAs, IASB and SAI are uniting for the 2024 Day on the Hill! With three events across two days, along with two pre-training webinars, you will be well equipped to advocate for public schools and student success!

Advocacy and Alignment Workshop: Feb. 12
Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston

This evening event on Feb. 12 will include a panel discussion with legislators and educational lobbyists on how to best engage with legislators. Panelists will provide up-to-date legislative insights in advance of the next day's Day on the Hill event. All attendees are invited to stay for a hosted dinner after the presentation. Thank you to the AEAs for hosting.

5 p.m. Name Tags/Registration
5:30–6:30 p.m. Legislative Panel Presentation
6:30 p.m. Dinner


Day On the Hill: Feb. 13
State Historical Building and Iowa State Capitol
600 E Locust St, Des Moines

Join us on Feb. 13 for a session on talking points, key issues and logistical information for advocating at the Capitol.

The morning training will include:

• Welcome remarks
• Lobbyist panel featuring Katie Walton (AEAs), Emily Piper (IASB), and Dave Daughton (SAI) with key points to make with your legislators
• SAI Leadership Director Dana Schon on managing controversial discussions/issues
• IASB Government Relations Director Michelle Johnson with logistical information on navigating the Capitol, how to request a meeting with your legislator, and committee and subcommittee schedules
• Closing/send-off

Following this hour-long training, you’ll head to the Capitol to meet and network with legislators in the rotunda.

Student feature! School districts across Iowa have been invited to showcase innovative programs and initiatives. Be sure to stop by their displays and support these students and staff!

Training Agenda
8 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
9 a.m. Advocacy Briefing/Training
10:30 a.m. Travel to the Capitol
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Advocate at the Capitol*
2–3 p.m. Return from the Capitol*

*Please note that there will be a shuttle available for those who are unable to walk to the Capitol, and in case of inclement weather. The Historical Building is a short distance from the Capitol and an easy walk!

REGISTER HERE

Fee: $45 for members. Fee includes continental breakfast and snacks on Feb. 13, materials and transportation to and from the Capitol. Special thanks to Iowa’s AEAs for hosting the workshop and dinner on Feb. 12.

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.

March 4, 2024
1 - 4 p.m.
Iowa State Alumni Center

To encourage your participation in this worthwhile event, Heartland AEA will cover the cost of your district/school's $75 Career Fair registration fee.

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!

Registration
Registration takes place through Iowa State's CyHire system. To log in 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 2024" link under "Attend Events" to complete the registration form.

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 before 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!

December and January Future Ready Network Features Work-Based Learning and DCAP

The Dec. 21 Future Ready Network will have time devoted to Work-Based and Authentic Learning. View the agenda here. Participants can join in person in the Heartland AEA REC, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, or via zoom at this link. Several districts will present about their Work-Based Learning programs and how they use the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning to manage their projects in the morning. The afternoon workshop from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. is for district Work-Based Learning leaders who are interested in becoming a district project board manager in the Clearinghouse. If you are interested in becoming a Clearinghouse project board manager for your district, please complete this survey.

The Jan. 18 Future Ready Network will be a DCAP Workshop from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will be face-to-face ONLY in two central Iowa locations:

• Heartland AEA, 602 Visions Parkway, Adel
• Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines

District DCAP Teams can join the DCAP Workshop to network and hear from other districts about their DCAP implementation. 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. Please complete the registration link to let us know if you plan to attend and the location you prefer by Jan. 5. DCAP plans are due to the RPP by March 29, 2024.

From Weeding Tools to Award-Winning Libraries: The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter Has It All!

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

• Weeding Tools and Resources
• More New Titles in Learn360
• 21st Century Model School Library Award
• Professional Reading

Chapter 102 Investigation Training for Elementary and Secondary Principals and Superintendents

Heartland AEA is hosting two Chapter 102 Investigation training sessions led by Ahlers and Cooney, P.C. One session is specifically for secondary principals and superintendents, while the other is tailored for elementary principals. Registration is required as space is limited. Participation is free of charge.

Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Secondary Principals and Superintendents (Course #226258)
Dec. 18, 2023
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Elementary Principals (Course #226259)
Jan. 11, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Section 504 Workshop - Back by Popular Demand

Looking to increase your knowledge of the Section 504 requirements, or to enhance your district's Section 504 processes and procedures? We have the workshop for you! This Section 504 Workshop is intended for school/district teams who would like to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Section 504 educational regulations. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their learning through scenarios and will also have the opportunity to analyze their current district/school Section 504 processes and procedures.

Feb. 8, 2024
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames
Register here

Upcoming Professional Learning Sessions Focus on Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The Heartland AEA Significant Disabilities Leadership team has revamped the Site it maintains with links and resources for those who serve students with significant disabilities. The Site has a new organizational structure and includes new tools and resources, such as a page for transition and one for behavior. The Team is also offering the following classes for the second semester.

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16, 17 and 25, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
registration link

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16 and 26, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
registration link

Conventional Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 3 and 15, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link

Emergent Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 2 and 8, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link