With the changes in the Child Find procedures in the state of Iowa, there are implications for general education teachers and support for interventions. We will be providing professional learning sessions in locations throughout Heartland for building principals and general education teachers. The sessions will help participants learn more about the changes of Child Find procedures and the support offered through Heartland to develop structures within general education to support general education interventions. It is recommended that principals attend with teachers (teacher leaders, BAT members, IDM team members or other general education teachers). Click here to view session times and locations.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Iowa Core Curriculum Leadership Team Training: Year Two
Heartland AEA is sponsoring a series of training sessions designed for district/school Iowa Core Leadership teams. The information presented will be new or will extend information from the leadership sessions held during the 2008-2009 school year. Click here for a flyer of dates, locations and times of Day One one-day sessions.
Heartland AEA Resources for Supporting Gifted and Talented Education
Heartland is again offering gifted and talented learning opportunities and support for administrators, curriculum staff and teachers. Fall sessions are listed below. Click on the activity number links to register, or go to the Heartland Professional Development catalog.
New GT Orientation
Activity Number: GT007192111001
When: September 15, 2009 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Room 14
Who: Teachers new to gifted and talented education in Heartland AEA area schools
This day-long session will provide an introduction to gifted and talented programming, Heartland AEA services and resources related to gifted and talented eductaion, reousrce recommendations from experienced g/t teachers and tips on surviving your first year in gifted education from those who have been there, done it and are here to talk about it.
There is no charge for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance to ensure that all participants receive materials.
Best Practices in Gifted Education: Site Visit Preparation Activity
Activity Number: GT007092111001
When: September 24, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Room 8
Who: Central Office and Building Administrators, Curriculum Directors, Directors of School Improvement/Student Services, Teachers and Coordinators of the Gifted and Talented
This session will overview elements of quality K-12 gifted and talented programming and services and will provide ideas and guidance for constructing a sound written gifted and talented plan. This session is primarily designed for schools receiving Department of Education Site Visits this year or next.
There is no charge for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance to ensure that all participants receive materials.
Gifted and Talented Table Discussion: Web 2.0 Tools in Gifted Programming
Activity Number: GT0079292111001
When: October 22, 2009 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Rooms 3 & 4
Who:Teachers of gifted and talented, administrators, program coordinators, other friends of gifted education
This hands-on session will provide the opportunity to explore Web 2.0 tools that will enhance learning for your students. If you have a favorite tool, be prepared to share. Bring your laptop, your ideas and your questions. Note: Contact Mary Schmidt at mschmidt@aea11.k12.ia.us if you do not have laptop access, and one will be provided for you.
There is no cost for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance. If there are fewer than five registrants three days prior to the session, it will be canceled.
Gifted and Talented Academy
Activity Number: GT006799991001
When: September 29 and December 8, 2009; February 23, April 13 and June 15-16, 2010
The Gifted and Talented Academy and Heartland AEA is a year-long (six-day) professional development opportunity for teams of K-12 teachers of g/t students and instructional leaders from individual districts to audit, develop and/or improve their written Comprehensive Gifted and Talented Program Plan and Programming. Teams will meet throughout the year to study their current plans, consider best practices in gifted education, analyze data and more.
Gifted and Talented Academy Year 2
Activity Number GT006992111001
When: October 13 and December 1, 2009; February 16 and April 6, 2010
Gifted education services must include curricular and instructional opportunities directed to the specific needs of gifted learners (Aiming for Excellence. NAGC, 2001). Gifted and Talented Academy Year 2 is an opportunity for Year 1 teams to extend their learning, thinking and application of comprehensive gifted and talented programming. The focus will be on curriculum and instruction, and teams will have the opportunity to identify an area of focus and develop goals for their learning using the Academy outcomes as guidelines.
Please share this information with those who would benefit from these opportunities and contact Mary Schmidt, Gifted Education Consultant, at mschmidt@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14375.
New GT Orientation
Activity Number: GT007192111001
When: September 15, 2009 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Room 14
Who: Teachers new to gifted and talented education in Heartland AEA area schools
This day-long session will provide an introduction to gifted and talented programming, Heartland AEA services and resources related to gifted and talented eductaion, reousrce recommendations from experienced g/t teachers and tips on surviving your first year in gifted education from those who have been there, done it and are here to talk about it.
There is no charge for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance to ensure that all participants receive materials.
Best Practices in Gifted Education: Site Visit Preparation Activity
Activity Number: GT007092111001
When: September 24, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Room 8
Who: Central Office and Building Administrators, Curriculum Directors, Directors of School Improvement/Student Services, Teachers and Coordinators of the Gifted and Talented
This session will overview elements of quality K-12 gifted and talented programming and services and will provide ideas and guidance for constructing a sound written gifted and talented plan. This session is primarily designed for schools receiving Department of Education Site Visits this year or next.
There is no charge for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance to ensure that all participants receive materials.
Gifted and Talented Table Discussion: Web 2.0 Tools in Gifted Programming
Activity Number: GT0079292111001
When: October 22, 2009 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Where: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive), Rooms 3 & 4
Who:Teachers of gifted and talented, administrators, program coordinators, other friends of gifted education
This hands-on session will provide the opportunity to explore Web 2.0 tools that will enhance learning for your students. If you have a favorite tool, be prepared to share. Bring your laptop, your ideas and your questions. Note: Contact Mary Schmidt at mschmidt@aea11.k12.ia.us if you do not have laptop access, and one will be provided for you.
There is no cost for this session, but attendees are asked to register in advance. If there are fewer than five registrants three days prior to the session, it will be canceled.
Gifted and Talented Academy
Activity Number: GT006799991001
When: September 29 and December 8, 2009; February 23, April 13 and June 15-16, 2010
The Gifted and Talented Academy and Heartland AEA is a year-long (six-day) professional development opportunity for teams of K-12 teachers of g/t students and instructional leaders from individual districts to audit, develop and/or improve their written Comprehensive Gifted and Talented Program Plan and Programming. Teams will meet throughout the year to study their current plans, consider best practices in gifted education, analyze data and more.
Gifted and Talented Academy Year 2
Activity Number GT006992111001
When: October 13 and December 1, 2009; February 16 and April 6, 2010
Gifted education services must include curricular and instructional opportunities directed to the specific needs of gifted learners (Aiming for Excellence. NAGC, 2001). Gifted and Talented Academy Year 2 is an opportunity for Year 1 teams to extend their learning, thinking and application of comprehensive gifted and talented programming. The focus will be on curriculum and instruction, and teams will have the opportunity to identify an area of focus and develop goals for their learning using the Academy outcomes as guidelines.
Please share this information with those who would benefit from these opportunities and contact Mary Schmidt, Gifted Education Consultant, at mschmidt@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14375.
2009-2010 HIV (STD & Pregnancy) Prevention Teacher Training
Click the following links for this Iowa Department of Education's program.
Invitation Letter
Class Schedule
Registration Form
Invitation Letter
Class Schedule
Registration Form
Be the FIRST to Receive a Rockwell Collins Grant
Rockwell Collins recognizes the value of forming positive relationships with students who will become the next generation of engineers and innovators. That is why they are teaming up with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to dramatically increase FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams throughout Iowa and across the nation.
FIRST is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that was founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. FIRST gives students the opportunity to develop the "muscle between the ears" and to gain experiences that will affect their future. Students who participate in FIRST use and reflect Gracious Professionalism, get real-world application of STEM concepts and participate in an atmosphere that encourages team building, entrepreneurship and sportsmanship.
Funding for a limited number of FLL and FTC teams in Iowa will be available through Rockwell Collins FIRST grants through August 31, 2009. The grants place a special emphasis on teams that have not participated in the past, teams that include minority students and females and teams from schools with a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch programs. Funding levels will vary and may include amounts to cover the cost of the robot kit, registration, field setup kit or a combination of items.
FLL teams are comprised of students in grades 4-8 and FRC is designed for high school students. Teams typically include 10 students, a coach and an engineering mentor.
Information and Rockwell Collins grant application is available at: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/engineering-experiences/first-grants/index.html
Information about FIRST programs is available at:
http://www.usfirst.org
Information about FLL in Iowa is available at:
http://www.isek.iastate.edu/
Information about FTC in Iowa is available at:
http://k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu/FTC-GeneralInfo.php
FIRST is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that was founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. FIRST gives students the opportunity to develop the "muscle between the ears" and to gain experiences that will affect their future. Students who participate in FIRST use and reflect Gracious Professionalism, get real-world application of STEM concepts and participate in an atmosphere that encourages team building, entrepreneurship and sportsmanship.
Funding for a limited number of FLL and FTC teams in Iowa will be available through Rockwell Collins FIRST grants through August 31, 2009. The grants place a special emphasis on teams that have not participated in the past, teams that include minority students and females and teams from schools with a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch programs. Funding levels will vary and may include amounts to cover the cost of the robot kit, registration, field setup kit or a combination of items.
FLL teams are comprised of students in grades 4-8 and FRC is designed for high school students. Teams typically include 10 students, a coach and an engineering mentor.
Information and Rockwell Collins grant application is available at: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/engineering-experiences/first-grants/index.html
Information about FIRST programs is available at:
http://www.usfirst.org
Information about FLL in Iowa is available at:
http://www.isek.iastate.edu/
Information about FTC in Iowa is available at:
http://k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu/FTC-GeneralInfo.php
Meet the New Heartland Area Superintendents
Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting next Tuesday, September 1st, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are the new superintendents starting this year in Heartland AEA's area who submitted self profiles.
Jason Ellingson, Collins-Maxwell
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Iowa State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in English Secondary Education. I completed my master's with Viterbo University in 2004. My superintendency certification was completed in 2008 through the University of Northern Iowa. I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program at UNI, focusing on curricular leadership. I plan to complete my doctorate in the fall of 2010.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was interested in continuing to move the district forward. I was the middle school principal and district curriculum director for Collins-Maxwell for three years before my promotion. I have been actively involved in developing school improvement plans, implementing board goals and challenging the district to seek new opportunities and accept new challenges. It seemed like a natural transition to the superintendent's position.
What is your vision for your district?
I have spent the summer trying to hone that very concept, and I have come to rely on something I stated to the staff two years ago, "know the leaners, grow the learners." Our district is relatively small, agricultural and close-knit. We have a fabulous opportunity to know every learner so well that we can truly help them find their path to success. We must continue to partner with other schools and institutions to make sure every student has the best opportunity to realize their goals.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, writing, watching college sports, cheering on the Cyclones and spending as much time with my family as possible.
Kathy Elliott, Panorama
What is your educational background?
After teaching English and Spanish in Guthrie Center for 10 years, I became a school administrator in 1992. The last 13 years I have worked in Spencer Schools, six years as a high school principal and seven years as an assistant superintendent. I received my undergraduate degree from Graceland University, my master's degree from ISU and my superintendent certification from UNI.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
There were several things that attracted me to the Panorama School District. The school district is thriving and growing, with a strong sense of pride in the communities it serves. The Panorama area is also growing and is an attractive place to live. Having taught in a neighboring district, I have many friends and family in the area. In many ways, it feels as though I'm coming back home.
What is your vision for your district?
I would like to see the district continue to grow and expand in the future. Always I feel it is essential to create a district-wide culture of excellence that permeates all classrooms, programs and services that serve students.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
When I can free up the time, I enjoy reading and writing. I also bike during the summer months and plan to use the Raccoon River Valley Trail system that's available in this area.
Vern Henkenius, Kuemper Catholic Schools
What is your educational background?
I have degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. I was a high school classroom teacher and coach for nine years followed by a high schoolprincipalship for six years. I moved into Central Office School Administration as a Business Manager and Assistant to the Superintendent for twenty-eight years. I have a total of 43 years of experience in education.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
At the Kuemper Catholic Schools, I am the President. I taught at Kuemper for nine years. I live in the community, as for the past 28 years I was a Central Office Administrator at the Carroll Community School and then retired. My familiarity with the community and the school were major factors in my hiring. I currently have a half time contract.
What is your vision for your district?
Our school system provides a Christ-centered environment where students grow spiritually, academically and socially so that they become responsible citizens. I need to do whatever I can to make sure students and staff are accountable for that mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I like to do gardening, lawn work and go golfing. I also like spending time with our children and grandchildren. During the winter months, we enjoy spending some time in Arizona.
Sara Keehn, United
What is your educational background?
BS - Central College
MA -Drake University
CAS - Iowa State University
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I am a rural school advocate and truly believe in what small schools can do for children. United has an excellent reputation and seems like a perfect fit for my strengths and background.
What is your vision for your district?
United will become a model for 21st century elementaries. Our 1:1 laptop initiative for grades 4-6 combined with the ability to be responsive to student needs and
changes in education set us up perfectly to do that.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Free time? With six daughters, who has free time! :)
Bradley Manard, Boone
What is your educational background?
2009-Present: Superintendent Boone, IA Community School District
1998-2009: Superintendent Solon, IA Community School District 1993-1998: Superintendent Emerson-Hubbard, NE Community School District
1990-1993: High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1988-1990: Assistant High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1977-85: Language Arts Teacher Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln, NE Public Schools
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
The opportunities at Boone are tremendously exciting, and I believe my skills and talents align quite well with the goals established by the Boone Board of Education. I am excited about the opportunity to move to a larger community of great quality and lead a district striving to provide an exceptional educational environment.
What is your vision for your district?
Within a nurturing culture focused on students achieving their capabilities, I believe all students should have an opportunity to develop a capacity for understanding. This will allow them to not only learn but be able to apply knowledge successfully to different and unique situations leading to achieving success as positive contributors to our society. This belief aligns quite well with the Boone Community School District's mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In addition to professional interests, I enjoy bicycling, playing guitar, nature and wildlife photography and writing. Most recently, the book Life Lessons of a Legend, the story of Key West's Captain Tony was released.
Dan Mart, North Polk
What is your educational background?
Certificate of Advanced Studies - Summer 2003 at Iowa State University
Superintendent Certification Administrative Endorsement - May 1999 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa
Master of Arts Degree in Teaching emphasis in Technology-Based Learning - August 1994 at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts Degree - May 21, 1989 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake,
Superintendent - Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School
I previously served as a shared superintendent and middle school principal of Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School and was involved in their fifth year of whole grade sharing.
Curriculum/Technology Director - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Business Education Instructor - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
North Polk attracted both myself and my family with the various opportunities provided to us.
Lynn Ubben, Perry
What is your educational background?
My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education/Special Education from Morningside College. I have taught various ages and levels of special education ranging from severe & profoundly handicapped students through resource (learning disabled) students. My masters degree is in Learning Disabilities and specialist in Education Administration. I have been a teacher, coach and administrator in 1A, 2A and 3A districts across the state.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was looking for a new challenge and the dynamics of the Perry district appealed to me as well as the location. After going through the interview process, it became evident that the Perry community embraces their diversity and truly cares and supports children.
My husband and I have a daughter in Ankeny and a son who will be a sophomore at UNI. We felt Perry was a good fit for our family and have really enjoyed the people.
What is your vision for your district?
I will be very busy over the next few months meeting people in the school and community and listening. We will develop/refine our vision together.
Mike Wells, Winterset
What is your educational background?
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Social Studies/Physical Education and an endorsement in coaching. I was a teacher and basketball coach at Anselmo-Merna Public Schools (Merna, Nebraska) and Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools (Elmwood, Nebraska). I received my Masters from Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, and became a principal/athletic director at Niobrara Public Schools (Niobrara, Nebraska).
In 2000, I came to Corning, Iowa as a secondary principal. I served as principal for three years and then was promoted (or maybe its demoted) to superintendent. I earned my specialist degree from UNI and have completed all but my dissertation toward my doctorate degree which I hope to finish by May of 2010. I served as superintendent for six years in Corning. I was hired as superintendent of Winterset, and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
Winterset is a great community and a wonderful school system. Dr. Scott has done a great job and I knew I would be following a class act. The location is nice for my family and the school board is progressive in their thinking, truly wanting the best for children.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to stabilize the financial condition of the district and to develop the best school system in the country.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy running marathons, fishing and scuba-diving, but most of my free time is spent with my wife, Karen, and my three wonderful children Randy (17), Emmy (15) and Beth (12).
Jason Ellingson, Collins-Maxwell
What is your educational background?I graduated from Iowa State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in English Secondary Education. I completed my master's with Viterbo University in 2004. My superintendency certification was completed in 2008 through the University of Northern Iowa. I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program at UNI, focusing on curricular leadership. I plan to complete my doctorate in the fall of 2010.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was interested in continuing to move the district forward. I was the middle school principal and district curriculum director for Collins-Maxwell for three years before my promotion. I have been actively involved in developing school improvement plans, implementing board goals and challenging the district to seek new opportunities and accept new challenges. It seemed like a natural transition to the superintendent's position.
What is your vision for your district?
I have spent the summer trying to hone that very concept, and I have come to rely on something I stated to the staff two years ago, "know the leaners, grow the learners." Our district is relatively small, agricultural and close-knit. We have a fabulous opportunity to know every learner so well that we can truly help them find their path to success. We must continue to partner with other schools and institutions to make sure every student has the best opportunity to realize their goals.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, writing, watching college sports, cheering on the Cyclones and spending as much time with my family as possible.
Kathy Elliott, Panorama
What is your educational background?After teaching English and Spanish in Guthrie Center for 10 years, I became a school administrator in 1992. The last 13 years I have worked in Spencer Schools, six years as a high school principal and seven years as an assistant superintendent. I received my undergraduate degree from Graceland University, my master's degree from ISU and my superintendent certification from UNI.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
There were several things that attracted me to the Panorama School District. The school district is thriving and growing, with a strong sense of pride in the communities it serves. The Panorama area is also growing and is an attractive place to live. Having taught in a neighboring district, I have many friends and family in the area. In many ways, it feels as though I'm coming back home.
What is your vision for your district?
I would like to see the district continue to grow and expand in the future. Always I feel it is essential to create a district-wide culture of excellence that permeates all classrooms, programs and services that serve students.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
When I can free up the time, I enjoy reading and writing. I also bike during the summer months and plan to use the Raccoon River Valley Trail system that's available in this area.
Vern Henkenius, Kuemper Catholic Schools
What is your educational background? I have degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. I was a high school classroom teacher and coach for nine years followed by a high schoolprincipalship for six years. I moved into Central Office School Administration as a Business Manager and Assistant to the Superintendent for twenty-eight years. I have a total of 43 years of experience in education.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
At the Kuemper Catholic Schools, I am the President. I taught at Kuemper for nine years. I live in the community, as for the past 28 years I was a Central Office Administrator at the Carroll Community School and then retired. My familiarity with the community and the school were major factors in my hiring. I currently have a half time contract.
What is your vision for your district?
Our school system provides a Christ-centered environment where students grow spiritually, academically and socially so that they become responsible citizens. I need to do whatever I can to make sure students and staff are accountable for that mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I like to do gardening, lawn work and go golfing. I also like spending time with our children and grandchildren. During the winter months, we enjoy spending some time in Arizona.
Sara Keehn, United
What is your educational background? BS - Central College
MA -Drake University
CAS - Iowa State University
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I am a rural school advocate and truly believe in what small schools can do for children. United has an excellent reputation and seems like a perfect fit for my strengths and background.
What is your vision for your district?
United will become a model for 21st century elementaries. Our 1:1 laptop initiative for grades 4-6 combined with the ability to be responsive to student needs and
changes in education set us up perfectly to do that.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Free time? With six daughters, who has free time! :)
Bradley Manard, Boone
What is your educational background? 2009-Present: Superintendent Boone, IA Community School District
1998-2009: Superintendent Solon, IA Community School District 1993-1998: Superintendent Emerson-Hubbard, NE Community School District
1990-1993: High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1988-1990: Assistant High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1977-85: Language Arts Teacher Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln, NE Public Schools
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
The opportunities at Boone are tremendously exciting, and I believe my skills and talents align quite well with the goals established by the Boone Board of Education. I am excited about the opportunity to move to a larger community of great quality and lead a district striving to provide an exceptional educational environment.
What is your vision for your district?
Within a nurturing culture focused on students achieving their capabilities, I believe all students should have an opportunity to develop a capacity for understanding. This will allow them to not only learn but be able to apply knowledge successfully to different and unique situations leading to achieving success as positive contributors to our society. This belief aligns quite well with the Boone Community School District's mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In addition to professional interests, I enjoy bicycling, playing guitar, nature and wildlife photography and writing. Most recently, the book Life Lessons of a Legend, the story of Key West's Captain Tony was released.
Dan Mart, North Polk
What is your educational background? Certificate of Advanced Studies - Summer 2003 at Iowa State University
Superintendent Certification Administrative Endorsement - May 1999 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa
Master of Arts Degree in Teaching emphasis in Technology-Based Learning - August 1994 at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts Degree - May 21, 1989 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake,
Superintendent - Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School
I previously served as a shared superintendent and middle school principal of Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School and was involved in their fifth year of whole grade sharing.
Curriculum/Technology Director - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Business Education Instructor - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
North Polk attracted both myself and my family with the various opportunities provided to us.
Lynn Ubben, Perry
What is your educational background? My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education/Special Education from Morningside College. I have taught various ages and levels of special education ranging from severe & profoundly handicapped students through resource (learning disabled) students. My masters degree is in Learning Disabilities and specialist in Education Administration. I have been a teacher, coach and administrator in 1A, 2A and 3A districts across the state.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was looking for a new challenge and the dynamics of the Perry district appealed to me as well as the location. After going through the interview process, it became evident that the Perry community embraces their diversity and truly cares and supports children.
My husband and I have a daughter in Ankeny and a son who will be a sophomore at UNI. We felt Perry was a good fit for our family and have really enjoyed the people.
What is your vision for your district?
I will be very busy over the next few months meeting people in the school and community and listening. We will develop/refine our vision together.
Mike Wells, Winterset
What is your educational background? I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Social Studies/Physical Education and an endorsement in coaching. I was a teacher and basketball coach at Anselmo-Merna Public Schools (Merna, Nebraska) and Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools (Elmwood, Nebraska). I received my Masters from Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, and became a principal/athletic director at Niobrara Public Schools (Niobrara, Nebraska).
In 2000, I came to Corning, Iowa as a secondary principal. I served as principal for three years and then was promoted (or maybe its demoted) to superintendent. I earned my specialist degree from UNI and have completed all but my dissertation toward my doctorate degree which I hope to finish by May of 2010. I served as superintendent for six years in Corning. I was hired as superintendent of Winterset, and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
Winterset is a great community and a wonderful school system. Dr. Scott has done a great job and I knew I would be following a class act. The location is nice for my family and the school board is progressive in their thinking, truly wanting the best for children.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to stabilize the financial condition of the district and to develop the best school system in the country.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy running marathons, fishing and scuba-diving, but most of my free time is spent with my wife, Karen, and my three wonderful children Randy (17), Emmy (15) and Beth (12).
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