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

 

CANCELED: Heartland Administrators’ Meeting on Feb. 6

Instead: Plan to Attend Day on the Hill, Feb. 12-13

There will be no Feb. 6 Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting. Superintendents are encouraged to attend the Day on the Hill - Feb. 12-13. View details and registration here. The next regular HAA meeting will be held on March 5.

Register Today: 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!

You will love what’s in our Creative Services Newsletter

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Creative Services newsletter:

• Create Materials for Upcoming School Events
• Student Sight Word Practice
• High Volume Orders Printed Quickly and Inexpensively
• Our Favorite Custom Designs

Join Us Every Month for Curriculum Network and Huddles

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

• 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.

February Future Ready Workshop: Utilizing Your Career Information System

February’s Future Ready Network will focus on Utilizing Your Career Information Systems. During our Feb. 15, 8:30 - 11 a.m. session, we will discuss utilizing CIS within the DCAP, breakout to network with other districts using common CIS and have access to a variety of CIS reps to learn more. Visit the Heartland AEA Future Ready Website for other Future Ready opportunities across the state including STEM Best, Recordings, Career Exploration Events and more!

Texthelp Lunch & Learn Series Continues for New and Experienced Educators

Join the Texthelp team and seasoned educators for practical insights into enhancing reading support and fostering inclusive learning on Wednesdays in January. Whether you’re new or experienced, these sessions offer valuable strategies to transform your teaching approach. Connect, learn and empower your students with us! More information and registration can be found in this document. Pass this along to other educators!

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter: Decoding the Reading Rope, Parent Resources and More

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter:

1. The Reading Rope: Key Ideas Behind the Metaphor
2. Parent Resources
3. Research Corner
4. Professional Learning Opportunities
5. Book Study Resources

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.
Huxley Learning Center, Huxley, IA

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.

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

Iowa Dept. of Education Offers Specialized Training for Educators: EVAAS Roster Verification

The Iowa Department of Education is offering additional training tailored specifically for School Administrators and Teachers. The training, Roster Verification How to for School Admins and Teachers, Account Management Support, is designed to introduce administrators to the essential EVAAS Roster Verification tool. Following the webinar, administrators can sign up for in-person training sessions.

Save the Date
March 20, 2024
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames, IA

Registration: Registration details will be communicated directly by the Iowa Department of Education.