A Message From Jon Sheldahl

I want to start this Administrator Connection with a huge thank you to every educational leader in the Heartland AEA service area. I have been in education since 1982 and I can’t think of a time when teachers, kids and families were more reliant on the leadership that exists in every school district. Over the last week, I have been humbled by the selflessness and service that I have seen from all corners of the educational leader community around Heartland AEA. Thank you for being in the arena. Thank you for being a leader.

Like all of you, our Agency leaders have been working to adjust to unprecedented circumstances over the last week. Our physical offices are all closed, but we are utilizing remote workplace practices to make every effort to maintain as much service to you and your districts as possible. Our regional directors are meeting with staff and reaching out to districts to see how we can help to meet ongoing needs as well as any new needs that may be arising in response to COVID-19.

In today’s Administrator Connection you will see further information regarding special education guidance. We are also providing a collection of digital educational resources and some sample messaging that you will be able to use to help families connect to those resources. Expect to see more resources in the future, as all of the AEAs are continuing to work to provide additional educational resources in the coming days and weeks.

My message to staff this week has been three-fold:

• Take care of yourself.
• Take care of your family.
• Stay connected. Stay connected to your colleagues. Stay connected to the districts and buildings you serve.

My message to school district and school building leaders is simple: We are here. We will be here to keep you connected to guidance. We will be here to help you with resources for your teachers and families. We will be here to help you with your professional learning needs.

As I said earlier, our regional directors will be reaching out, but we need you to reach out as well. Stay connected and thanks again for all you are doing for kids and families.