Friday, May 8, 2026

Get Your Planners!

Young male student holding a student planner
Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school! Planners can help students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects.

Bonus! We're offering 10% off planners ordered by May 31. Enter the promo code PLANNER10 on the payment screen before paying for your order. Orders submitted by May 31 are guaranteed to be completed by the first day of school! Order your school's today! 

Celebrate the Class of 2026

Celebrate the Class of 2026
We can print or design items for your graduates:
  • Graduation programs and tickets
  • Senior banners and yard signs
  • Custom class posters, bookmarks, stickers and more!
Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org to discuss your project or place your order on our website.

Iowa’s AEAs Now Offer Large Print Services

New! large print services
Iowa’s AEAs now provide large print services in addition to Braille transcription and accessible print materials to support students who are blind or visually impaired and ensure access to learning.
  • Braille transcription by a certified Braillist
  • Large print & dual-format materials (Braille + print)
  • Accessible digital files with audio/visual supports
All materials are customized to meet student needs. Learn more on our website!

Now is the Time! Get Your Paraeducator Certification This Summer!

5 smiling middle school students standing together
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get your 
Paraeducator Generalist Certification, this summer is your opportunity. You must complete three core courses to apply for your certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Course I: Foundations
Choose one of the following sessions:

May 19
Register at this link

OR

June 2
Register at this link

Fee: $120


Course II: Instructional Support
Choose one of the following sessions:

June 30
Register at this link
Fee: $120

OR

July 7
Register at this link
Fee: $132


Course III: Behavioral Support
Choose one of the following sessions:

Aug 4
Register at this link

OR

Aug 11
Register at this link
$132

Quick Requirements:
  • Must be 18+ with a HS diploma/GED
  • Must be employed by or subbing in an Iowa district (or have an Iowa teacher/admin mentor)
  • Must have computer/internet access

Need Evaluator Approval? We’ve Got the Tools You Need!

Announcement
Attention school administrators! You need evaluator approval? We've got your options! Designed specifically for education leaders, these sessions provide the tools and frameworks needed to support educator growth and ensure high-quality instruction in every classroom.

Join Your Colleagues in 2026-27 for AEA-Sponsored Professional Learning Networks

Two women at a table working together
Iowa’s AEAs are once again sponsoring free network opportunities for schools and districts. Join your colleagues to increase your knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources. Information on statewide learning network opportunities is available in this document.

WATCH: District-Level Collaboration in Action

Teacher and student looking at book
What does impactful district-level collaboration look like? Check out this video shared at the Heartland AEA Superintendent Network meeting by Chief Administrator Dr. Cindy Yelick. It highlights the many examples of collaboration happening between Heartland AEA and our partner districts to improve student outcomes. Interested in leveraging these supports for your own school improvement goals? Contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director or your District Account Manager, Amy Wichman, Crista Carlile or Susie Meade to start the conversation.

2026-27 TAG Professional Learning Opportunities

Gifted Talented News
The best professional development isn't just about the content, it's about the people you meet and collaborate with! Register for a class at one of these AEA locations to learn alongside other TAG teachers while you incorporate recent legislative updates and get new ideas for curriculum. Options include Ottumwa, Cedar Falls, Johnston, and virtually. Click here to check out all the spring and fall opportunities!

Need your TAG program evaluated?
Or you'd like some professional learning or implementation support related to gifted students? Reach out to Iowa's AEAs to schedule TAG consultant support! Here's what to do:
  1. Speak with your building principal or central office administrator about your needs.
  2. Ask them to follow the process to request services from your resident AEA (this form can be completed by administrators with the authority to allocate funds).
  3. We'll be in touch from there to get calendars lined up!