Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Join the Educator Renewal for Student Achievement Workshop with Dr. Timothy Kanold and Revitalize Your Well-Being in Education

If you are a teacher, teacher leader, building leader or HR professional, this event is for you.

Based on the combined research-affirmed works of Dr. Timothy Kanold and Dr. Tina Boogren and their 2021 title, Educator Wellness, this timely workshop will help focus your time, energy, routines and actions on strategies to avoid the physical, emotional and relational burnout that educators often face.

Educator Renewal for Student Achievement
April 4
1 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

View the event flyer here.

Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3DLnbb8
There is no cost to attend.

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

• Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
• Prioritize routines for physical, mental, emotional and social wellness
• Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
• Utilize a robust rating protocol to identify wellness routines
• Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
• Reflect on your current wellness story to reconnect to your “why” and a greater purpose as an educator

Our daily wellness and well-being as educators can be elusive. There is a fine line between being busy while living a well-managed life and being hurried into a stress-filled life on the brink of emotional and physical exhaustion. Participating in an active process toward achieving a positive state of good health and well-being provides a pathway for overcoming obstacles to a fulfilling life as an educator.

Heartland Administrators' Association to Host Brooks Harper for College and Workforce Readiness Talk

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on March 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

College and workforce readiness speaker Brooks Harper will present, “Passionately Preparing the Next Generation.”

It is time to revitalize, recharge and be impassioned in your profession! Re-energize your faculty and staff and let Brooks adjust the lens by which they view their roles and excite them about the tremendous opportunities their positions provide every day. Brooks will discuss the power of gratitude, value development, investing in others and avoiding burnout; increasing your team’s morale and ability to provide passionate performance.

Read more about Brooks

Watch his video!


SAVE THE DATES

April 4

• Timothy Kanold, Ph.D., Solution Tree, Educator Wellness

May 2

• Future Ready Task Force
• Recognition of Retiring Superintendents

HAA meetings are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Lunch to immediately follow. View the speaker series flyer to learn more.

ESL/Diversity Team at Heartland AEA Provides Valuable Resources for Standardized Testing Season

April showers may bring May flowers, but February brings ELPA testing season, followed by ISASP in Iowa.

Standardized testing is challenging and can present unique challenges for our students learning English and the educators who support them.

In the Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity newsletter, you will find topics related to standardized testing and resources to use when interpreting student results and planning for future assessments in our classrooms and schools. Don't hesitate to contact your Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity consultant if you would like to extend this learning to a conversation about assessing English Learners in your classroom or school.

Numbers, Tacos, Dots….Oh My!

You might be asking yourself, “What do numbers, tacos and dots have to do with Pear Deck?” Well, one of the awesome question types that Pear Deck offers is the draggable question. Believe it or not, numbers, tacos and dots are all types of draggable elements you can add to your Pear Deck slides. Can’t decide on which one you want to use? Don’t worry because you can use multiple and even change the color of each one.

Here are just a few creative ways to leverage draggable items:

• Use math symbols for students to make number equations true
• Incorporate different colored pins for students to showcase locations around the world
• Leverage a variety of colored numbers for students to sequence events
• Include multiple dots for students to identify certain parts of a speech in a sentence

This month’s tip about draggable questions might have you thinking about tacos (sorry about that) but we hope it also sparks thinking of additional ways you can engage learners and empower them to visualize their thinking.

Each month, be on the lookout for a variety of tips, tricks and testimonials shared via our newsletter, the statewide Iowa AEA website and via social media (@iowa_aea, #iowaaea, Heartland AEA Twitter).

For more information or to share your favorite Pear Deck features and ideas, check out the AEA website!

Unlocking the Benefits of Small Group Math Learning: Insights from Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter:

• Why Use Small Groups in Math?
• ChatGPT: A Powerful AI Tool for Mathematics Education
• Contextual Learning: Integrating Math and CTE to Become Future Ready
• ISASP Information
• UpcomingProfessionalLearning

Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Reminder: Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting on March 7, Featuring Brooks Harper

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on March 7 and will feature Brooks Harper, college and workforce readiness speaker. Harper will present, Passionately Preparing the Next Generation.

Passionately Preparing the Next Generation 
It is time to revitalize, recharge and be impassioned in your profession! Re-energize your faculty and staff and let Brooks adjust the lens by which they view their roles and excite them about the tremendous opportunities their positions provide every day. Brooks will discuss the power of gratitude, value development, investing in others and avoiding burnout; increasing your team’s morale and ability to provide passionate performance.

The meeting will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Save these Dates

April 4

• Timothy Kanold, Ph.D., Solution Tree, Educator Wellness

May 2

• Ann Lebo, Ed.D., Executive Director, Iowa Department of Education

Meetings are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Lunch to immediately follow. View the speaker series flyer to learn more.

Revitalize Your Well-Being: Join the Educator Renewal for Student Achievement Workshop with Dr. Timothy Kanold

Share this opportunity with your teachers, teacher leaders, building leaders and HR professionals.

Based on the combined research-affirmed works of Dr. Timothy Kanold and Dr. Tina Boogren and their 2021 title, Educator Wellness, this timely workshop will help focus your time, energy, routines and actions on strategies to avoid the physical, emotional and relational burnout that educators often face.

Educator Renewal for Student Achievement
April 4
1 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

View the event flyer here.

Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3DLnbb8
There is no cost to attend.

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

• Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
• Prioritize routines for physical, mental, emotional and social wellness
• Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
• Utilize a robust rating protocol to identify wellness routines
• Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
• Reflect on your current wellness story to reconnect to your “why” and a greater purpose as an educator

Our daily wellness and well-being as educators can be elusive. There is a fine line between being busy while living a well-managed life and being hurried into a stress-filled life on the brink of emotional and physical exhaustion. Participating in an active process toward achieving a positive state of good health and well-being provides a pathway for overcoming obstacles to a fulfilling life as an educator.

Registration Fees Covered for Districts to Recruit Quality Educators at Annual ISU Teacher Education Career Fair; Registration Closes Feb. 20

Heartland AEA is once again excited to offer our districts an opportunity to participate in an event that will assist you in recruiting quality educators to your district -- the annual Iowa State University School of Education Teacher Education Career Fair! The Fair is open to the public and is predicted to host 250+ students in multiple content areas. To encourage your participation in this worthwhile event, Heartland AEA will cover the cost of your district/school's $75 Career Fair registration fee. Registration closes Feb. 20.

March 6, 2023
1 - 4 p.m.
Iowa State Alumni Center

Register Before Feb. 20
Registration takes place through Iowa State's CyHire system. To login or create a new account, visit the CyHire website. If you don't remember your password, click on "Forgot Password" and enter your email address. On your CyHire homepage, click on the "Teacher Education Career Fair - Spring 2023" link under "Attend Events" to complete the registration form. Registration closes on Feb. 20.

You will register for the event on your own, designating that you're a Heartland AEA area district. ISU will invoice Heartland AEA for all applicable registration fees. Please note that space is limited, and it fills up quickly!

Career Fair Details
Registration includes lunch for two, a 6' skirted table, Wi-Fi, electricity (upon request), parking and unloading/set-up assistance. Lunch will be provided prior to set up. There is a limit of two recruiters per booth, at one time. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the date of registration.

Mock Interviews
On the morning of the Career Fair, we will provide professional development sessions, including mock interviews, for our current student teachers. Consider participating in our mock interview session to provide tips and suggestions to upcoming graduates. An option to sign up is included in your registration.

On-Site Interviews
You may sign up to conduct on-campus interviews with students you meet immediately following the fair. If you select this option, ISU will provide a blank interview schedule for you to fill at the fair.

Questions?
For more information about the fair, visit the ISU Teacher Education Career Fair website. If you have any questions, contact CHS Career Services, Teacher Education Services, tecareerfair@iastate.edu or (515) 294-7559.

We hope you will consider participating in this great event -- not only for your district but for students getting ready to begin their careers serving our schools and students!

Want to Know More About Supporting Students with Disabilities in Transition?

Then join the Canvas course, Promoting Successful Transition for Students with Disabilities, beginning Feb. 21, 2023! Engage in a dynamic learning environment with opportunities to discuss, network and learn from other educators across the Heartland AEA service area. Topics include quality transition assessment, Future Ready resources and educational tools to support students in transition for postsecondary living, learning and working. Zoom sessions will be held on Feb. 21 and March 21, 2023, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The remainder of the course will include asynchronous learning opportunities on Canvas. One license renewal credit is available! Registration

Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Join Us for A Workshop with Timothy Kanold to Support Physical, Emotional and Relational Wellness

If you are a teacher, teacher leader, building leader or HR professional, this event is for you.

Based on the combined research-affirmed works of Dr. Timothy Kanold and Dr. Tina Boogren and their 2021 title, Educator Wellness, this timely workshop will help focus your time, energy, routines and actions on strategies to avoid the physical, emotional and relational burnout that educators often face.

Educator Renewal for Student Achievement
April 4
1 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3DLnbb8
There is no cost to attend.

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

• Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
• Prioritize routines for physical, mental, emotional and social wellness
• Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
• Utilize a robust rating protocol to identify wellness routines
• Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
• Reflect on your current wellness story to reconnect to your “why” and a greater purpose as an educator

Our daily wellness and well-being as educators can be elusive. There is a fine line between being busy while living a well-managed life and being hurried into a stress-filled life on the brink of emotional and physical exhaustion. Participating in an active process toward achieving a positive state of good health and well-being provides a pathway for overcoming obstacles to a fulfilling life as an educator.

Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting Reminder March 7

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on March 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

College and workforce readiness speaker Brooks Harper will present, Passionately Preparing the Next Generation.

"It is time to revitalize, recharge and be impassioned in your profession! Re-energize your faculty and staff and let Brooks adjust the lens by which they view their roles and excite them about the tremendous opportunities their positions provide every day. Brooks will discuss the power of gratitude, value development, investing in others and avoiding burnout; increasing your team’s morale and ability to provide passionate performance."

Save these dates for the upcoming HAA Spring Speaker Series!
April 4

• Timothy Kanold, Ph.D., Solution Tree, Educator Wellness

May 2

• Ann Lebo, Ed.D., Executive Director, Iowa Department of Education

Meetings are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Lunch to immediately follow. View the speaker series flyer to learn more.

UNI Leadership Camp 1.3 with Special Education Focus, Coming in July

License Renewal Credit – Approved for Evaluator Renewal

The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a grant called Leading and Learning with Character through the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, UNI continues to host Leadership Camps (approved for evaluator renewal). This workshop builds the knowledge and skills needed to grow as Educational Leaders in support of effective evaluation processes specifically of special education programming. District and Area Education Agency (AEA) level leaders need to have a comprehensive understanding of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) to set the direction for school improvement, positively impact student learning, promote the growth of their staff, build board support, initiate and sustain change, and align community support and commitment to professional learning.

The workshop provides an opportunity for practicing leaders to engage in dialogue with colleagues around the Iowa Standards for School Leaders, special education programming, and aligned evidence. Facilitated conversation using research-based protocols will be used to explore the standards, engage in reflection relative to impact of the standards and to develop an action plan for personal growth. This flier has additional details and information regarding assignments.

Leadership Camp 1.3 with Special Education Focus
July 24-25, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Instructor: Susan Etscheidt, Professor, Special Education, susan.etscheidt@uni.edu / (319) 273-3279

Registration
Enroll online at online.uni.edu/enroll. When adding the course, search the Class Number in the ‘keyword/search key’ field. Class Number will be provided by the instructor at the workshop.
Participants: 40

Cost and Credit
One graduate credit needed to renew Evaluator Approval license
$75 includes one graduate credit, all materials and lunches

Iowa ALN Virtual Student Expo - There's still time!

You are invited! Iowa Authentic Learning Network Virtual Student Expo on Feb. 22! Register at no cost at this link: https://2023iowaauthenticlearningne.sched.com/.

Upon registering, participants can explore the agenda via SCHED. We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.

Students, educators and partners come together to network and share their stories about:

• Engaging in authentic projects
• Supporting authentic learning programming
• Sharing what it's like to work on solving real problems

Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting Reminder Feb. 7

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Feb. 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston.

We have a special line-up of speakers from some of Iowa’s state activity associations and the AEA Authentic Learning Initiative. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

• Jean Berger, Executive Director, Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union
• Stacy Hansen, Executive Director, Iowa High School Speech Association
• Todd Tharp, Assistant Director, Iowa High School Athletic Association
• Laura Williams, Iowa AEA Learning Online, Authentic Learning, 21st Century Learning Specialist/Work-based Learning Coordinator

Save the dates for the March and April HAA meetings
March 7

• With Brooks Harper, Passionately Preparing the Next Generation

April 4

• Timothy Kanold, Ph.D., Solution Tree, Educator Wellness

May 2

• Ann Lebo, Ed.D., Executive Director, Iowa Department of Education

Meetings are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Lunch to immediately follow. View the speaker series flyer to learn more.

Save the Date: Educator Renewal for Student Achievement Workshop with Timothy Kanold, April 4

Based on the combined research-affirmed works of Dr. Timothy Kanold and Dr. Tina Boogren and their 2021 title, Educator Wellness, this timely workshop will help focus your time, energy, routines and actions on strategies to avoid the physical, emotional and relational burnout that educators often face.

Educator Renewal for Student Achievement
April 4
12:30 - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Dr. Kanold will inspire you to:

1. Develop strategies for bringing your best self to work each day
2. Prioritize routines for your physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness
3. Examine research-affirmed strategies to avoid prolonged stress, exhaustion and burnout
4. Utilize a robust self-rating protocol to identify wellness routines
5. Learn and grow with colleagues to share wellness practices that influence student achievement
6. Reflect on your current wellness story to reconnect to your “why” and a greater purpose as an educator

Our daily wellness and well-being as educators can be elusive. There is a fine line between being busy while living a well-managed life and being hurried into a stress-filled life on the brink of emotional and physical exhaustion. Participating in an active process toward achieving a positive state of good health and well-being provides a pathway for overcoming obstacles to a fulfilling life as an educator.

Registration Fees Covered for Districts to Recruit Quality Educators at Annual ISU Teacher Education Career Fair

Heartland AEA is once again excited to offer our districts an opportunity to participate in an event that will assist you in recruiting quality educators to your district -- the annual Iowa State University School of Education Teacher Education Career Fair! The Fair is open to the public and is predicted to host 250+ students in multiple content areas. To encourage your participation in this worthwhile event, Heartland AEA will cover the cost of your district/school's $75 Career Fair registration fee.

March 6, 2023
1 - 4 p.m.
Iowa State Alumni Center

Registration for the Career Fair is open!
You will register for the event on your own, designating that you're a Heartland AEA area district. ISU will invoice Heartland AEA for all applicable registration fees. Please note that space is limited, and it fills up quickly!

Register Before Feb. 20
Registration takes place through Iowa State's CyHire system. To login or create a new account, visit the CyHire website. If you don't remember your password, click on "Forgot Password" and enter your email address. On your CyHire homepage, click on the "Teacher Education Career Fair - Spring 2023" link under "Attend Events" to complete the registration form. Registration closes on Feb. 20.

Career Fair Details
Registration includes lunch for two, a 6' skirted table, Wi-Fi, electricity (upon request), parking and unloading/set-up assistance. Lunch will be provided prior to set up. There is a limit of two recruiters per booth, at one time. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the date of registration.

Mock Interviews
On the morning of the Career Fair, we will provide professional development sessions, including mock interviews, for our current student teachers. Consider participating in our mock interview session to provide tips and suggestions to upcoming graduates. An option to sign up is included in your registration.

On-Site Interviews
You may sign up to conduct on-campus interviews with students you meet immediately following the fair. If you select this option, ISU will provide a blank interview schedule for you to fill at the fair.

Questions?
For more information about the fair, visit the ISU Teacher Education Career Fair website. If you have any questions, contact CHS Career Services, Teacher Education Services, tecareerfair@iastate.edu or (515) 294-7559.

We hope you will consider participating in this great event -- not only for your district but for students getting ready to begin their careers serving our schools and students!

Explore the Latest in Digital Learning with Heartland AEA: Google Arts & Culture, AI in the Classroom, and More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter:

• Google Arts & Culture
• AI in the Classroom
• Heart of Innovation Webinar Series
• STEM Grants Now Available
• Black History Month Resources
• Graduate & License Renewal Options

Unveiling the Latest Literacy Innovations: Heartland AEA Newsletter February 2023

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter:

• Iowa Department of Education: MTSS Updates - Winter Window
• Ode to MOY
• Learning Ally
• The Truth About Reading
• Science or Snake Oil
• Learning Bit By Bit
• How to Provide Meaningful Feedback: Teachers Guide
• What Can I Do With All These Predictable Books?

Are You Wondering How to Support a Youth Developing Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Illness or Experiencing an Emotional Crisis?

Two separate sessions of Youth Mental Health First Aid are available to assist any school staff member to develop those skills. Participants can choose to attend the session on Feb. 27 or April 6.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling: rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration
Choose one date to attend:

Feb. 27 registration

or

April 6 registration

Explore the History and Elegance of Terrace Hill: Iowa Governor's Residence Offers Free Field Trip Tours for Students

Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor's Residence and National Historic Landmark, is a great destination for school and class field trips. School group tours are scheduled during regular touring hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and are free for students. School groups receive one free adult admission per 10 students. Admission is $5 (cash or check) per additional adult guest. During the guided tour, guests see the Carriage House, the first and second floors of the Residence decorated to reflect the late 1880s lifestyle, and the historic gardens. Contact Claire Sowder, Communications & Events Coordinator at Claire.sowder@governor.iowa.gov or (515) 281-7205 to schedule a school group tour.

Winter 2023 School Leader Update: Key Dates and Announcements for Iowa Educators

The Winter 2023 issue of the Iowa Department of Education’s School Leader Update is now available.