This year the state has determined that it is MANDATORY for all teachers who have students taking the Alternate Assessment to go through training. The link is now open to begin this process. Directions for logging in to the training were sent to District Assessment Coordinators and are listed below. The training should take about 45 minutes.
To Complete IAA Online Training:
1. Go to http://training.aeapdonline.org
2. Login (or register into the system if not logged in before)
3. Select the course catalog from the menu in the upper left
4. Select the Iowa Alternate Assessment Training from the menu and click on the register button
5. Verify district information and begin the training
This training is also open for administrators and other personnel who support the educational programming of student with significant disabilities.
Please contact Emily.thatcher@iowa.gov if you require technical assistance.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Superintendents: September 3 HAA Meeting
Click here for the September HAA agenda for next week’s meeting. The meeting will be held from 9:00-11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3 (the day after Labor Day) in Rooms 13 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). Click here for a draft of meeting topics for this year.
Curriculum Network: September 6 Meeting
Go to the Curriculum Network Google Site to find the Curriculum Network agenda and handouts for next week’s meeting. The meeting will be held on Friday, September 6 in Rooms 13 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive) and will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Assessing Academic Rigor Course for Fall 2013
The last fall course for Assessing Academic Rigor will begin September 19 and run through November 12. This course is required for school administrators and other educational leaders responsible for evaluating educators who are renewing their licenses. Details for the course are below.
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 10, 22 & Nov. 12, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: AD013992111402
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 10, 22 & Nov. 12, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: AD013992111402
FRIENDS Workshop for Students Who Stutter
FRIENDS (National Association for Young People Who Stutter), the Stuttering Foundation, Heartland AEA and the UI Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center is sponsoring a one-day workshop for children who stutter, their families and speech-language pathologists. The workshop will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center.
The workshop format includes presentations, small discussion groups, panel presentations and group activities. Children, teens, siblings, parents and speech-language pathologists attend sessions that are geared specifically to their needs, but an additional focus is on shared activities that help everyone gain different perspectives about stuttering. Adults who stutter will also be invited to share their stories and experiences with participants.
There will be ASHA accredited CEUs offered to speech-language pathologists, and the price can’t be beat ($60.00 for .5 CEUs; special discounted rate of $25.00 for SLPs who register to attend with a child and his/her family). Registration is free.
Click here for a brochure that can be distributed to interested parents, teachers and students.
The workshop format includes presentations, small discussion groups, panel presentations and group activities. Children, teens, siblings, parents and speech-language pathologists attend sessions that are geared specifically to their needs, but an additional focus is on shared activities that help everyone gain different perspectives about stuttering. Adults who stutter will also be invited to share their stories and experiences with participants.
There will be ASHA accredited CEUs offered to speech-language pathologists, and the price can’t be beat ($60.00 for .5 CEUs; special discounted rate of $25.00 for SLPs who register to attend with a child and his/her family). Registration is free.
Click here for a brochure that can be distributed to interested parents, teachers and students.
Anti-Bullying Course, Sept 19-20
The news is consistently full of stories of bullying and harassment in schools, the workplace and the community. In 2007, the Iowa Safe Schools Bill was passed in an effort to make our schools a safer place. Heartland AEA is hosting a two-day course, September 19-20, which will examine the current state of bullying in Iowa and the country as well as the legislation and reporting requirements for educators in Iowa. Woven throughout the course will be examples in best practice for bullying prevention.
**Participants will be required to make arrangements to view the movie “Bully” on their own time between the sessions.
Click here to register or register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog and put activity number IN055192111401 in the correct field.
**Participants will be required to make arrangements to view the movie “Bully” on their own time between the sessions.
Click here to register or register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog and put activity number IN055192111401 in the correct field.
No Course Proposals Processed From Aug. 31 to Sept. 15
This is a busy time of year for planning professional learning opportunities for educators. If you are completing a course proposal for your staff’s learning, please be aware that there will be no course proposals processed from August 31-September 15, so please turn your proposals in prior to that time or they will need to wait until after September 15. Please also remember that course proposals MUST be submitted PRIOR to the learning experience. If you have any questions, contact Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant, at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Department of Education Launches Competency-Based Education Grant Application
In 2012 Senate File 2284 approved competency-based education (CBE). This year House File 215 provided $100,000 to be used as grants to districts/schools participating in a collaborative effort toward CBE pathways for their students and a framework toward statewide implementation.
District/schools awarded these grants will become the Iowa CBE Collaborative. The Collaborative will engage in collaborative inquiry to investigate, develop, and implement competency-based educational pathways for their students and create a framework to guide the statewide implementation of competency-based education.
Applications are being accepted through Friday, September 27 for districts and accredited non public schools interested in becoming part of the Iowa CBE Collaborative.
Application documents are available at http://tinyurl.com/IA-CBE-Application.
If you have questions, please contact the Sandra Dop, Director of the Iowa CBE Collaborative, at Sandra.Dop@iowa.gov.
District/schools awarded these grants will become the Iowa CBE Collaborative. The Collaborative will engage in collaborative inquiry to investigate, develop, and implement competency-based educational pathways for their students and create a framework to guide the statewide implementation of competency-based education.
Applications are being accepted through Friday, September 27 for districts and accredited non public schools interested in becoming part of the Iowa CBE Collaborative.
Application documents are available at http://tinyurl.com/IA-CBE-Application.
If you have questions, please contact the Sandra Dop, Director of the Iowa CBE Collaborative, at Sandra.Dop@iowa.gov.
September 2013 Each & Every Child Newsletter
Click here to for a link to the September 2013 edition of the Each & Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education. The e-newsletter is designed to enhance communication between parents and teachers. This issue features how a family and teachers from Tripoli worked through their differences over educating a boy with special needs. Please forward it to your parents in your district and use the stories as opportunities for discussion.
Grant Wood AEA to Host McNulty Workshop
Dr. Brian McNulty will be coming to Grant Wood AEA on September 17 to lead a learning session entitled Creating a Laser Like Focus on Student Achievement. Dr. McNulty is the Vice President of Leadership Development for the Leadership & Learning Center founded by Doug Reeves. Not only is he one of the leading authorities in the development of continuous improvement frameworks based on data and inquiry, but he is also a very engaging speaker.
McNulty's session will focus on establishing and/or enhancing teacher-based teams that use data to improve teaching and learning and ensure that all learners achieve at high levels. For school administrators who are actively engaged in the work of professional learning communities (collaborative teams), this session will be extremely relevant. For those schools who are just beginning to establish a PLC like culture, this session will provide a great "jump start" to their journey.
Participation in this session is designed for district/building administrators as well as teachers who are serving in a leadership role. Click here for a flyer with workshop details. Register here.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
McNulty's session will focus on establishing and/or enhancing teacher-based teams that use data to improve teaching and learning and ensure that all learners achieve at high levels. For school administrators who are actively engaged in the work of professional learning communities (collaborative teams), this session will be extremely relevant. For those schools who are just beginning to establish a PLC like culture, this session will provide a great "jump start" to their journey.
Participation in this session is designed for district/building administrators as well as teachers who are serving in a leadership role. Click here for a flyer with workshop details. Register here.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit Video Contest Now Open
To learn more, visit https://preventbullying.iowa.gov/.
The rules for the contest are posted under “video contest” and all
videos must be submitted by October 10. There will be cash prizes
awarded to the top three videos.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
“Walk the Talk” Bully Prevention Walk, Sept. 28
Bullying is not just a SCHOOL problem, or STUDENT problem. Bullying is an ADULT problem, a NEIGHBORHOOD problem, a CHURCH problem and a COMMUNITY problem. Over 13 million American kids will be bullied this year, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the nation. (The Bully Project)
The 2nd Annual “Walk the Talk” Bully Prevention Walk will take place on Saturday, September 28 at Principal Park in Des Moines. Families are invited to come learn more about bullying/suicide prevention and resources available. Click here for a flyer that can be distributed to interested parents, teachers and students.
Learn more about the annual walk at http://www.walkthetalkiowa.org/.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
The 2nd Annual “Walk the Talk” Bully Prevention Walk will take place on Saturday, September 28 at Principal Park in Des Moines. Families are invited to come learn more about bullying/suicide prevention and resources available. Click here for a flyer that can be distributed to interested parents, teachers and students.
Learn more about the annual walk at http://www.walkthetalkiowa.org/.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Interested in Joining Learning Forward?
Iowa’s Learning Forward chapter membership is only $25 per year. Click here to see an informational brochure with a membership form.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Heartland AEA to Host Johnston Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 10
Heartland AEA will host Johnston-area business professionals at a Johnston Chamber of Commerce "Breakfast Before Business" event on September 10 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at our Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive. If you are in the area, please join us for a light breakfast and conversation.
Meet the New Heartland Area Superintendents
Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, September 3, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are superintendents new to Heartland AEA's area who submitted profiles.
Mr. Bryce Amos, Carlisle
Education
Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education – University of Northern Iowa
Masters in Education in Administration & Supervision – University of Houston
Education Specialist Degree in Education Leadership – Drake University
Past work experience
Taught middle school Texas and US History in Houston, Texas
Administrative Intern and Assistant Principal at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas
Dean of Students at West Briar MS in Houston, Texas
Principal at Pershing MS in Houston, Texas
Executive Director of Learning Services and Secondary Schools for Des Moines Public Schools
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Carlisle is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and schools. The district has a very cohesive school board that is supportive, the administrative team is experienced and the staff members are dedicated to student learning. I wanted to be part of that tradition and work in a district that is poised and ready to take student and staff learning to the next level.
What is your vision for your district?
Carlisle has an established, shared mission, vision and goals for the district. These will drive our work in becoming one of the highest performing professional learning communities in the state. We will continue to ensure that all of our students are college and career ready when they graduate and move on to the next level.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I have two kids ages 9 and 11, and my wife is a school administrator so we use most of our “free time” doing family activities. However, I do try to find time to play golf and have become an avid runner this past year with a goal of running a half-marathon in the next year. I am a big supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes
and the Houston Texans.
Dr. Jeff Craig, Interstate 35
Education
B.S. Ed. - Northern Illinois University
M. Ed - Loyola University, Chicago
Ed. D - University of Illinois
Past work experience
Principal - Oswego East High School 2008-13
Principal - Rich East High School 2004-08
Principal - Davenport Central High School 2002-04
Assistant Principal - CHSD 218 2001-02
Dean of Students - CHSD 218 1994-01
Industrial Tech Teacher - CHSD 218 1993-94
Alternative Ed Teacher - Ottumwa Schools 1991-93
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
This is a district whose needs matched my skill sets while providing a climate and culture for growth and excellence. After 11 years as a principal of large, comprehensive high schools, the opportunity and my desire to transition to the next level aligned.
What is your vision for your district?
To provide a leadership model that develops greater leadership capacity among staff and administration and to generate a unifying culture within the school community and our communities that support us.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy golf, fun reading, exercising and completing home projects.
Mr. Steve Gray, Nevada
Education
Ed D @ UNI (May 2014?)
CAS @ ISU (2006)
MA @ UNI (1998)
BA @ UNI (1994)
Past work experience
1994-98, Teacher/Coach – Cedar Falls; 1998-08, MS Principal – Oskaloosa; 2008-13 Superintendent & Principal – Janesville; Current Superintendent – Nevada
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position in your current district?
The Nevada District is comprised of a supportive community base. The district’s attention to infrastructure, diverse academic programming, and technological resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility, all suggested a progressive vision. Furthermore, the location and area resources offer unlimited potential for unique collaboration and innovative student opportunity. Finally, my own core values and administrative leadership experiences appeared to be closely aligned to the desired characteristics identified by the Nevada Board for this position.
What is your vision for your district?
To seek continual improvement for the children of Nevada in all that we do; to continually seek the leap from good to great and unlock the unlimited potential that Nevada has to offer. I believe we can take individual student opportunity and achievement to new heights, model character for our students and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate, and enhance the leadership capacity among our staff and students.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My wife Jill and I spend most of our time at some type of youth activity, whether it be for my own children, Ellie and Easton, or those within the district. We enjoy sports, music, books, and travel.
Mr. Tracy Hook, Saydel
Education
William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Ia. BA Industrial Technology
Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, Mo. MS Secondary Administration
Iowa State University, Ames, Ia. Certificate of Advanced Studies/Superintendency
Past Work Experience
Secondary Industrial Technology at Dunlap, Iowa 1982-86
Secondary Industrial Technology at Corning, Iowa, 1986-1996
7-12 Principal at Twin Cedars of Bussey, Iowa, 1996-97
7-12 Principal at SEW, Liberty Center, 1997-2002
9-12 Principal at Saydel, Des Moines, Iowa, 2002-2013
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent at your district?
Saydel is committed to implementing the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) professional development model. This professional development model allows Saydel to be a leader in the state education reform recently passed by the Iowa Legislature. This is an extremely exciting professional development model that includes master teachers, mentor teachers, ongoing professional development and instructionally focused accountability. I see myself as a natural fit to continue leading and supporting this education reform in our district.
Saydel is a progressive district with many educational initiatives as well as great facilities. Recent construction has included renovations at our elementary and middle school as well as a state-of-the-art auditorium, high school gymnasium, stadium upgrades, new weight room and planned renovations of high school administrative offices and a new maintenance building. These are just a few of the great things we have done in this district that align with all of the above goals of improving student achievement, enhancing culture and image and maximizing district resources. This is a great school district!
What is your vision for the district?
I believe engaging the district staff in work that is relevant and important to student growth. Our vision is for 100% of our students to graduate, 100% are college and career ready and 100% are prepared to be productive global citizens. This is our vision for Challenge 2018.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
A good morning jog is something I do to collect my thoughts and stay in good physical condition. I love to ride our Harley Davidson, drive the Corvette and spend time with my wife, daughter, son-in-law and my two precious grandsons, Hayden & Hudson.
Mr. Rob Olsen, Glidden-Ralston
Education
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with majors in Elementary Education and Middle School Education. I received my Master’s degree in educational leadership at Illinois State University and received my Specialist degree in Superintendency at UNI.
Past work experience
I started my education career teaching 3rd grade in Pekin, IL. I moved back to Iowa as a principal in Mount Ayr and then moved to Colorado Springs where I was elementary principal for 3 years. I returned to Iowa once again and was the elementary principal in Okoboji for 6 years before becoming superintendent in Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston.
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
It has been a goal of mine to become a superintendent and have a larger impact on education. I was very selective in applying for an excellent position as superintendent. Both Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have great student achievement and are very stable financially. Both school districts have excellent traditions and expectations for their staff and students. I wanted to work and live in a small school district where we could work together to make a big difference for the students.
What is your vision for your district?
Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have excellent traditions and I look forward to continuing those traditions as well as moving forward as education changes in the state of Iowa. When people ask me where I am superintendent, I am excited to tell them about the Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston School Districts and the community. The 1:1 technology initiative is very exciting for the students and staff at Glidden-Ralston. I have been working in a 1:1 environment for the past few years and look forward to being a part of the transition at Glidden-Ralston.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
As a family we enjoy spending time outdoors, riding bikes, camping, gardening, hunting, fishing and visiting family. We have a black lab, who enjoys hunting, named Bentley and 2 cats named Rosie and Muffy.
Dr. Lisa Remy, West Des Moines
Education
Doctor of Educational Administration – University of Northern Iowa (2009)
Superintendent Certification – University of Northern Iowa (2004)
Secondary Principal Certification - University of Northern Iowa (2000)
Master of Arts – Spanish Teaching – University of Northern Iowa (1997)
Bachelor of Arts – University of Northern Iowa (1989)
Past Work Experience
2006-2013 Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, West Des Moines CSD
2002-2006 Junior High Principal, Indian Hills Junior High, West Des Moines CSD
2000-2002 Associate Principal, Valley High School, West Des Moines CSD
1998-2000 High School Principal, Hudson Community School, Hudson, Iowa
1997-1998 Administrative Assistant, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA
1989-1998 Spanish Instructor, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Prior to accepting the interim superintendent position, I served as the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the district. I have been fortunate to work in many parts of our organization. I believe in our district’s vision and want to help move that vision forward. I believe we have dedicated staff and look forward to working with them to serve the students of the West Des Moines Community School District.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to provide a quality education for all students. This can be done through effective instruction for all students which will require a focus and a commitment to working together in order to increase student performance. In partnership, West Des Moines CSD teachers, administrators, staff, board and our families can create that educational journey by nurturing and inspiring each child in our district toward his or her life’s journey.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, walking, lake activities and spending time with family.
Mr. Tom Wood, Martensdale-St Marys
Education
BA in Elementary Education from Simpson College
MSE from Drake
Ed. S. from Drake
Past work experience
Elementary teacher/coach: Ballard CSD, 1996-2001
Elementary teacher/coach: Madrid CSD, 2001-2004
Elementary teacher: Norwalk CSD, 2004-2007
Elementary Principal/Technology Coordinator: Martensdale-St. Marys CSD, 2007-2013
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Martensdale-St. Marys has wonderful students, supportive parents and great teachers. This is an opportunity to remain a part of a really special district. I have had the chance to work in the role of elementary principal and now expand that role to include superintendent. I could not ask for a better place to be.
What is your vision for your district?
MSTM has the slogan, "Small Community...Huge Results!" I would like to maintain and build on the excellent academic and activities success that has become an expectation in this community. We are a student-centered district that is committed to continual improvement, so this vision and goal is attainable.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family which includes my wife, Denise, and our two daughters, Maggie (9) and Grace (11). We like attending school events as well as their varied activities. I am a sports fan with a strong interest in baseball. I also spend a great deal of time outdoors hunting and fishing.
Mr. Bryce Amos, Carlisle
EducationBachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education – University of Northern Iowa
Masters in Education in Administration & Supervision – University of Houston
Education Specialist Degree in Education Leadership – Drake University
Past work experience
Taught middle school Texas and US History in Houston, Texas
Administrative Intern and Assistant Principal at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas
Dean of Students at West Briar MS in Houston, Texas
Principal at Pershing MS in Houston, Texas
Executive Director of Learning Services and Secondary Schools for Des Moines Public Schools
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Carlisle is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and schools. The district has a very cohesive school board that is supportive, the administrative team is experienced and the staff members are dedicated to student learning. I wanted to be part of that tradition and work in a district that is poised and ready to take student and staff learning to the next level.
What is your vision for your district?
Carlisle has an established, shared mission, vision and goals for the district. These will drive our work in becoming one of the highest performing professional learning communities in the state. We will continue to ensure that all of our students are college and career ready when they graduate and move on to the next level.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I have two kids ages 9 and 11, and my wife is a school administrator so we use most of our “free time” doing family activities. However, I do try to find time to play golf and have become an avid runner this past year with a goal of running a half-marathon in the next year. I am a big supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes
and the Houston Texans.
Dr. Jeff Craig, Interstate 35
EducationB.S. Ed. - Northern Illinois University
M. Ed - Loyola University, Chicago
Ed. D - University of Illinois
Past work experience
Principal - Oswego East High School 2008-13
Principal - Rich East High School 2004-08
Principal - Davenport Central High School 2002-04
Assistant Principal - CHSD 218 2001-02
Dean of Students - CHSD 218 1994-01
Industrial Tech Teacher - CHSD 218 1993-94
Alternative Ed Teacher - Ottumwa Schools 1991-93
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
This is a district whose needs matched my skill sets while providing a climate and culture for growth and excellence. After 11 years as a principal of large, comprehensive high schools, the opportunity and my desire to transition to the next level aligned.
What is your vision for your district?
To provide a leadership model that develops greater leadership capacity among staff and administration and to generate a unifying culture within the school community and our communities that support us.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy golf, fun reading, exercising and completing home projects.
Mr. Steve Gray, Nevada
EducationEd D @ UNI (May 2014?)
CAS @ ISU (2006)
MA @ UNI (1998)
BA @ UNI (1994)
Past work experience
1994-98, Teacher/Coach – Cedar Falls; 1998-08, MS Principal – Oskaloosa; 2008-13 Superintendent & Principal – Janesville; Current Superintendent – Nevada
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position in your current district?
The Nevada District is comprised of a supportive community base. The district’s attention to infrastructure, diverse academic programming, and technological resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility, all suggested a progressive vision. Furthermore, the location and area resources offer unlimited potential for unique collaboration and innovative student opportunity. Finally, my own core values and administrative leadership experiences appeared to be closely aligned to the desired characteristics identified by the Nevada Board for this position.
What is your vision for your district?
To seek continual improvement for the children of Nevada in all that we do; to continually seek the leap from good to great and unlock the unlimited potential that Nevada has to offer. I believe we can take individual student opportunity and achievement to new heights, model character for our students and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate, and enhance the leadership capacity among our staff and students.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My wife Jill and I spend most of our time at some type of youth activity, whether it be for my own children, Ellie and Easton, or those within the district. We enjoy sports, music, books, and travel.
Mr. Tracy Hook, Saydel
EducationWilliam Penn University, Oskaloosa, Ia. BA Industrial Technology
Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, Mo. MS Secondary Administration
Iowa State University, Ames, Ia. Certificate of Advanced Studies/Superintendency
Past Work Experience
Secondary Industrial Technology at Dunlap, Iowa 1982-86
Secondary Industrial Technology at Corning, Iowa, 1986-1996
7-12 Principal at Twin Cedars of Bussey, Iowa, 1996-97
7-12 Principal at SEW, Liberty Center, 1997-2002
9-12 Principal at Saydel, Des Moines, Iowa, 2002-2013
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent at your district?
Saydel is committed to implementing the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) professional development model. This professional development model allows Saydel to be a leader in the state education reform recently passed by the Iowa Legislature. This is an extremely exciting professional development model that includes master teachers, mentor teachers, ongoing professional development and instructionally focused accountability. I see myself as a natural fit to continue leading and supporting this education reform in our district.
Saydel is a progressive district with many educational initiatives as well as great facilities. Recent construction has included renovations at our elementary and middle school as well as a state-of-the-art auditorium, high school gymnasium, stadium upgrades, new weight room and planned renovations of high school administrative offices and a new maintenance building. These are just a few of the great things we have done in this district that align with all of the above goals of improving student achievement, enhancing culture and image and maximizing district resources. This is a great school district!
What is your vision for the district?
I believe engaging the district staff in work that is relevant and important to student growth. Our vision is for 100% of our students to graduate, 100% are college and career ready and 100% are prepared to be productive global citizens. This is our vision for Challenge 2018.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
A good morning jog is something I do to collect my thoughts and stay in good physical condition. I love to ride our Harley Davidson, drive the Corvette and spend time with my wife, daughter, son-in-law and my two precious grandsons, Hayden & Hudson.
Mr. Rob Olsen, Glidden-Ralston
EducationI graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with majors in Elementary Education and Middle School Education. I received my Master’s degree in educational leadership at Illinois State University and received my Specialist degree in Superintendency at UNI.
Past work experience
I started my education career teaching 3rd grade in Pekin, IL. I moved back to Iowa as a principal in Mount Ayr and then moved to Colorado Springs where I was elementary principal for 3 years. I returned to Iowa once again and was the elementary principal in Okoboji for 6 years before becoming superintendent in Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston.
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
It has been a goal of mine to become a superintendent and have a larger impact on education. I was very selective in applying for an excellent position as superintendent. Both Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have great student achievement and are very stable financially. Both school districts have excellent traditions and expectations for their staff and students. I wanted to work and live in a small school district where we could work together to make a big difference for the students.
What is your vision for your district?
Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have excellent traditions and I look forward to continuing those traditions as well as moving forward as education changes in the state of Iowa. When people ask me where I am superintendent, I am excited to tell them about the Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston School Districts and the community. The 1:1 technology initiative is very exciting for the students and staff at Glidden-Ralston. I have been working in a 1:1 environment for the past few years and look forward to being a part of the transition at Glidden-Ralston.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
As a family we enjoy spending time outdoors, riding bikes, camping, gardening, hunting, fishing and visiting family. We have a black lab, who enjoys hunting, named Bentley and 2 cats named Rosie and Muffy.
Dr. Lisa Remy, West Des Moines
Education Doctor of Educational Administration – University of Northern Iowa (2009)
Superintendent Certification – University of Northern Iowa (2004)
Secondary Principal Certification - University of Northern Iowa (2000)
Master of Arts – Spanish Teaching – University of Northern Iowa (1997)
Bachelor of Arts – University of Northern Iowa (1989)
Past Work Experience
2006-2013 Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, West Des Moines CSD
2002-2006 Junior High Principal, Indian Hills Junior High, West Des Moines CSD
2000-2002 Associate Principal, Valley High School, West Des Moines CSD
1998-2000 High School Principal, Hudson Community School, Hudson, Iowa
1997-1998 Administrative Assistant, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA
1989-1998 Spanish Instructor, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Prior to accepting the interim superintendent position, I served as the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the district. I have been fortunate to work in many parts of our organization. I believe in our district’s vision and want to help move that vision forward. I believe we have dedicated staff and look forward to working with them to serve the students of the West Des Moines Community School District.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to provide a quality education for all students. This can be done through effective instruction for all students which will require a focus and a commitment to working together in order to increase student performance. In partnership, West Des Moines CSD teachers, administrators, staff, board and our families can create that educational journey by nurturing and inspiring each child in our district toward his or her life’s journey.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, walking, lake activities and spending time with family.
Mr. Tom Wood, Martensdale-St Marys
Education
BA in Elementary Education from Simpson College
MSE from Drake
Ed. S. from Drake
Past work experience
Elementary teacher/coach: Ballard CSD, 1996-2001
Elementary teacher/coach: Madrid CSD, 2001-2004
Elementary teacher: Norwalk CSD, 2004-2007
Elementary Principal/Technology Coordinator: Martensdale-St. Marys CSD, 2007-2013
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Martensdale-St. Marys has wonderful students, supportive parents and great teachers. This is an opportunity to remain a part of a really special district. I have had the chance to work in the role of elementary principal and now expand that role to include superintendent. I could not ask for a better place to be.
What is your vision for your district?
MSTM has the slogan, "Small Community...Huge Results!" I would like to maintain and build on the excellent academic and activities success that has become an expectation in this community. We are a student-centered district that is committed to continual improvement, so this vision and goal is attainable.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family which includes my wife, Denise, and our two daughters, Maggie (9) and Grace (11). We like attending school events as well as their varied activities. I am a sports fan with a strong interest in baseball. I also spend a great deal of time outdoors hunting and fishing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)