Heartland AEA Administrator Connection is Going on Summer Break

As the school year comes to a close, so does our weekly Administrator Connection. Today is our last planned weekly update until August. We’ll communicate any important information via email during the summer.

Remember, you can always stay up to date this summer with Heartland AEA and statewide AEA happenings on our social media! Be sure to follow, like and share the following sites to stay updated with the latest news and information. Wishing you a memorable and relaxing summer!

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School’s Out, Savings are in!

Kick off the summer season by stocking up on all your printing, graphics, posters, instructional materials, and more! Whether you are preparing for next school year or grabbing summer learning materials, now is the perfect time to shop and save.

Get 10% OFF on orders through the month of June! Use Promo Code: SAVE10 at checkout!

Promotion ends June 30, 2026. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Order Today!

Need to pay after July 1?
Let us know if you'd like your order to be billed/charged after July 1 and we will hold your order for billing and delivery. Add a note to your order or email creativeservices@heartlandaea.org if your order needs to be billed after July 1.

Upcoming Professional Development for Educators Working with Students with Significant Disabilities, Coming this Fall

Secondary Transition (Cohort #1, Year 1)
Aligned to the SDI Framework, this professional development initiative supports secondary school teams in diagnosing, designing, and delivering effective, specially designed instruction through the use of evidence-based practices and predictors to improve the postsecondary outcomes for learners with disabilities.

Sept. 14 & Oct. 12, 2026, Jan. 11 & March 22, 2027
Baxter High School, 202 E State, Baxter
Register at this link
No fees for participant only
Licensure Renewal - $220

Literacy for Students with Significant Disabilities
Aligned with the SDI Framework, this Professional Development initiative aims to develop and implement tools and processes that support teachers in delivering effective, specially designed instruction to improve literacy outcomes for learners with significant cognitive disabilities.

Oct. 16 & Nov. 20, 2026, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 5, April 2, April 30, May 21, June 2-3, 2027
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
No fees for participant only
Licensure Renewal - $220

Emergent and Conventional Math Combined for Students on Alternate Assessment
This course focuses on a comprehensive framework for teaching mathematical concepts to students on alternate assessment. Designed for those progressing through the Iowa Essential Elements in alignment with the Iowa Core Standards, the course emphasizes an approach that connects mathematics and literacy instruction. Teachers will explore methods for identifying whether students are at an emergent or conventional level of mathematical understanding, and receive practical strategies and routines tailored to both emergent and conventional learners. Participants will engage in hands-on mathematical activities aimed at deepening their understanding of evidence-based math practices, as well as accessing High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). This course will provide the tools needed to support meaningful math learning for students on alternate assessment.

Aug. 3-4, 6, 7, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $332
Licensure Renewal $442

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for emergent learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.

Aug. 3, 6, 7, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $249
Licensure Renewal - $304

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for conventional learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.

Aug. 3-4, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $166
Licensure Renewal - $221

Mark Your Calendar for 2026-27 Curriculum Network Meetings

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets on the first Friday of the month, September-May in the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. A virtual attendance option is available. Statewide updates are scheduled 8:30-10:30 a.m. Heartland AEA’s meeting begins 10 minutes after the statewide updates conclude and ends by noon. 

2026-27 Meeting Dates

• Sept. 4, 2026
• Oct. 2, 2026
• Nov. 6, 2026
• Dec. 4, 2026
• Jan. 7, 2027
• Feb. 5, 2027
• March 5, 2027
• April 2, 2027
• May 7, 2027

Bring Heartland AEA Professional Learning Directly to Your District

Interested in hosting Heartland AEA professional development exclusively for your district staff next year? We’d love to explore the possibilities with you. Heartland AEA offers a wide range of professional learning options, including paraeducator training, substitute authorization, and 6 Shifts in Special Education—all designed to meet district needs and schedules. To learn more or start a conversation, contact Susie Meade, Heartland AEA Chief Academic Officer.

Need Support Next Year? Heartland AEA Services Are Just a Request Away

As you continue to make plans for next year, remember your Heartland AEA Professional Service Providers are just a request away! You can utilize this District Request for Services form. Once we receive it, we will contact you to confirm and develop an action plan.