Legislative Panel to Highlight Jan. 6 HAA Meeting

Reminder for the Jan. 6, 2026 HAA Meeting

Jan. 6, 2026

In-person

9-11:30 a.m.

Heartland AEA 

Johnston Regional Education Center

6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston 

The agenda will feature a legislative panel, a proposal from the Iowa Department of Education regarding IDEA-DA and Federal IDEA Part B designations and updates from our educational partners.

Jan. 2026 HAA Agenda

Reminder: Order Your Creative Services Items Before Winter Break and Save!

Plan ahead to have your end-of-semester printing completed before winter break. 

Items to consider: 

• Newsletters 
• Senior banners 
• Winter concert or activity programs 
• Winter cards
• Gifts for students or staff 

Orders can be placed on Creative Services Online. Please reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions. 

And save 10% on new print orders!

Now through the end of the year, stock up and save on your print orders! We're offering 10% off your entire Creative Services printing orders through Dec. 31, 2025.

Enter the promo code WINTER10 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order. The discount will appear in green once applied.

Offer available Nov. 20 - Dec. 31, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Note that Heartland AEA offices will be closed Dec. 24, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026. Note that the Print Shop will be closed on Jan. 2.

AEA Learning Online to Launch New Site -- Will be Offline on Dec. 8-9

AEA Learning Online will usher in a new era of educator professional learning with a newly designed site launch on Dec. 10! These site improvements enhance and update the user experience. They also lay the foundation for future development with better reporting, local district connections and district-generated content. 

In preparation, please plan for the AEA Learning Online site to be unavailable on Dec. 8-9. All previous links and existing functionality will continue to work after launch, with the homepage being aealearningonline.org. 

If you experience any hiccups or hurdles, contact support@aealearningonline.org. We will release help video shorts and scribe tutorials for users, administrators and developers shortly after launch.

Reminder: Prep for Your Upcoming District Service Planning Meetings

As you prepare for your upcoming District Service Plan meeting with Heartland AEA, we encourage you to reflect on your school improvement goals and the initiatives you hope to strengthen in the coming year.

This meeting is a chance for us to dig in together—reviewing progress, identifying challenges and exploring where additional support could enhance implementation. It’s also an ideal time to consider roles your district may benefit from, but not necessarily in a full-time capacity, such as:

• Special education director

• Curriculum director

• Instructional coach

• Content-specific expert

We can discuss how shared or partially supported staffing options might elevate your work.

In addition, please consider how our Media & Technology Services can support your curriculum, classroom instruction, and current and future technology needs.

Arriving with these priorities in mind will help us co-create a service plan that is responsive, aligned and fully supportive of your district’s goals.

We’re proud to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. And don’t forget—districts that sign up for professional services with our Professional Service Providers by Feb. 2, 2026, will receive a 5% discount.

We look forward to partnering with you in 2026!

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

  

Dec. 2 HAA Meeting Reminder

Dec. 2 HAA Meeting Reminder

Zoom Check-in at 10:30 a.m. 

The Dec. 2 HAA meeting will be a Zoom check-in from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. (no in-person meeting.) 

The agenda will include partnership updates. Calendar invitations have been sent that include the Zoom link. The next face-to-face meeting will be Jan. 6 and will include a legislative panel.

Order Your Items Before Winter Break and Save!

Plan ahead to have your end-of-semester printing completed before winter break. 

Items to consider: 

• Newsletters 
• Senior banners 
• Winter concert or activity programs 
• Winter cards
• Gifts for students or staff 

Orders can be placed on Creative Services Online. Please reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions. 

And save 10% on new print orders!

Now through the end of the year, stock up and save on your print orders! We're offering 10% off your entire Creative Services printing orders through Dec. 31, 2025.

Enter the promo code WINTER10 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order. The discount will appear in green once applied.

Offer available Nov. 20 - Dec. 31, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Note that Heartland AEA offices will be closed Nov. 27-28, 2025, and Dec. 24, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026.

Reminder: Additional DCAP Support Opportunities

Virtual Support — Jan. 27, 2026 

Need help as you finalize your DCAP plan? Join one of our come-and-go Zoom support sessions on Jan. 27. 

Drop in anytime between 9:00–11:00 a.m. or 1:00–3:00 p.m. to ask questions and get guidance. Register here 

In-Person Workshop — Feb. 12, 2026 

Join us at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for a DCAP workshop focused on collaboration and best practices. The day will include dedicated team planning time and district showcases to highlight key takeaways. 

Register here 

Important DCAP Dates 

• Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026: Mark your calendar to ensure timely submission. 
• Review Day: April 21, 2026: The DCAP review will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Each district must send at least one representative. Additional details about reviewers will be shared soon. If you have any questions or need additional support, email rpp11@ghaea.org.

Bring Your Priorities: Making the Most of Your District Service Plan Meeting

As you prepare for your upcoming District Service Plan meeting with Heartland AEA, we encourage you to reflect on your school improvement goals and the initiatives you hope to strengthen in the coming year.

This meeting is a chance for us to dig in together—reviewing progress, identifying challenges and exploring where additional support could enhance implementation. It’s also an ideal time to consider roles your district may benefit from, but not necessarily in a full-time capacity, such as:

• Special education director

• Curriculum director

• Instructional coach

• Content-specific expert

We can discuss how shared or partially supported staffing options might elevate your work.

In addition, please think about how our Media & Technology Services can support your curriculum, classroom instruction and both current and future technology needs.

Arriving with these priorities in mind will help us co-create a service plan that is responsive, aligned and fully supportive of your district’s goals.

We’re proud to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. And don’t forget—districts that sign up for professional services with our Professional Service Providers by Feb. 2, 2026, will receive a 5% discount.

We look forward to partnering with you in 2026!

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

  

AEA Van Delivery Holiday Closures & Weather Delay Procedures

With fall and winter break approaching, we want to share a quick reminder of the upcoming holiday closures and our procedures for weather and unplanned service delays. 

Upcoming AEA Van Delivery Holiday Closures 

The AEAs have contracted holidays when van delivery service will be closed. 

Please note the following dates: 

• Nov. 27 & Nov. 28, 2025: Thanksgiving 
• Dec. 23, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026: Christmas & New Year’s Holidays (eight days) except the Des Moines Public Schools route, which will run on Dec. 23

Procedures for Unplanned Delays & Cancellations 

The safety of our drivers is our top priority. In the event of an unplanned disruption, such as severe weather, closures or unforeseen issues, van routes may be temporarily delayed or canceled. Please understand that the availability of rescheduled deliveries will depend on our capacity and driver staffing.

Discover Heartland AEA’s Extensive Catalog of Classroom-Ready Materials

Did you know our Creative Services Department has a catalog of hundreds of ready-to-print items for your building and classrooms? 

Use the search bar at the top of Creative Service Online to browse by subject or keyword or click Browse Products to look through our full catalog of instructional materials. 

Not finding what you’re looking for? Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or to discuss a custom project!

UNI Offering "Empower Educators" Scholarships for Practicing Teachers

What: Empower Educators Scholarship for spring 2026 -- funding that bridges the gap between undergraduate and graduate tuition, saving $220 per credit hour 

For: Practicing teachers seeking these graduate-level endorsements and certificates: 

• Special education endorsements (Strat I, Strat II – ID and BD/LD) 
• Reading endorsement 
• Early childhood education endorsement 
• NEW! PK-K Early childhood special education endorsement & Graduate Certificate
• Artificial intelligence in education (grad certificate) 
• Transformative education (grad certificate) 

Whether looking to add an endorsement or begin work on a stackable master’s degree, this is a cost-effective path for professional advancement. Interested? Just complete this short application to confirm eligibility. 

Feel free to share with others in your network! Questions? Reach out to Cheryl Meller, graduate recruitment coordinator, at (319) 273-6255.

Advance Your Paraeducator Certification in Early Childhood

Take the next step in your paraeducator career! 

This course fulfills the requirement for the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II – Area of Concentration: Early Childhood. Learn strategies to support the social, emotional and behavioral development of young learners, ages 3–5. 

📍 Zoom & Online Coursework 
🗓️ Feb. 9, 23; March 9, 23; April 6 & 20 (5–7 p.m.)
 📅 Register by Feb. 2, 2026 
🔗 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

  

Nov. 4 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Reminder - Guest Speaker Eileen Wixted

During our October HAA meeting, superintendents were asked to share input on topics they’d like to explore in future meetings. As a result, two key communication priorities emerged:

1. How to tell your district’s positive story to stakeholders.
2. How to talk with legislators about the balance between compliance and local control.

At our November meeting, we’re excited to welcome Eileen Wixted, President of Wixted & Co., who will lead a hands-on session to help you tell your district’s story with confidence and clarity. Together, we’ll also develop talking points for legislative conversations around local control. See more in the agenda

🗓️ Nov. 4 | 9–11:30 a.m.
📍 Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
💻 Updates with educational partners via Zoom beginning at 10:30 a.m.

We look forward to seeing you on Nov. 4!

Last Call - Fall Into Savings!

Order Creative Services products today and save with our fall sale through October 31!

$5.00 off orders over $50.00! Use promo code SAVE5
$10.00 off orders over $100.00! Use promo code SAVE10
$25.00 off orders over $250.00! Use promo code SAVE25
$50.00 off orders over $500.00! Use promo code SAVE50

Enter the promo code on the payment screen prior to paying for your order.

Promotion available through Oct. 31, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Iowa's AEAs November 2025 Superintendent Update

Welcome to Iowa's AEAs November Superintendent Update! This month’s update highlights key action items that call for your attention and follow-up in the areas of educational services, library and media and purchasing. In this update: 

• AEAs Ready to Help Districts Navigate ESSA Data Review, SAMI and Action Plan Requirements
• Book Chats & Beyond Connects Iowa’s Teacher Librarians
• Food Program Year-End Rebate Checks Arriving in December

From Theme Orders to Book Chats: Your Heartland AEA Library Newsletter is Here

We want to take a minute to introduce you to the library staff working behind the scenes here at Heartland. We are excited to be working with teachers this year helping to provide library materials!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Library Newsletter:

• Digital Bundle
• Teaching Books
• Heartland AEA Library Offerings: Theme Orders, Rotation
• Networks, Webinars and more!

Certified Paraeducator Spring Course Schedule Announced

Heartland AEA’s paraeducator certification course schedule is available below. There are three courses you must register for and complete to be able to apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Each course is $120 for a total of $360. It is strongly recommended that participants complete Foundations (Course I) before taking Courses II and III. Each course has required Zoom sessions plus additional online coursework.

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program – Course I Introduction/Foundation
Session #: 53857
Jan. 6, 13 & 27, 2026
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Zoom + online coursework due Feb. 10

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program – Course II Instructional Support
Session #: 53860
Feb. 17 & March 10, 2026
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Zoom sessions + online coursework due March 24

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program – Course III Behavioral Supports
Session #: 53861
March 31 & April 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Zoom + online coursework due April 28

Register Now!

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

  

AEA Board Elections Update

2025 marks an important election year for the boards of directors of Iowa’s AEAs. Recent legislation (HF 2612) reduces AEA director districts from nine to five beginning in December 2025, changing how board members are selected and represented.

• All five director district seats are up for election this fall. Under the new structure, AEA boards will transition from nine elected members to a combination of five director district representatives and four at-large representatives who are superintendents (or their designees).
• The four superintendent-designated at-large seats will be selected this fall through a process developed by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Elections for director district positions will take place in October and November, with all newly elected and appointed members beginning their service at AEA board meetings in December.

Call to Action: Contact Heartland AEA Chief Administrator Dr. Cindy Yelick for specific details about how the election process will work (and opportunities to participate)!

Customized Braille: AEA Supports Students in Learning Braille Contractions

Did you know Iowa's AEAs provide comprehensive Braille services to support students who are blind or visually impaired? Access to Braille materials ensures these students have equitable access to educational content, and the way those materials are prepared can make a big difference in how students learn.

Our Library of Congress-certified Braillists don’t just transcribe materials—they customize them to align with each student’s current stage in learning Braille contractions. This means students receive materials that are tailored to their individual progression, whether they are just beginning to learn uncontracted Braille or are gradually being introduced to contracted forms. This customization helps build confidence and fluency in Braille literacy.

Our services include:

• Transcription of instructional resources into Braille
• Production of tactile graphics
• Customization of Braille materials to match a student’s current understanding and use of Braille contractions

Consultation with educators to support the integration of Braille literacy in the classroom
Learn more on our webpage or place your order on Creative Services Online.

New PD Opportunity: Mentoring and Induction for Year 1 & 2 Mentors

Supporting new teachers is one of the most important ways schools can build a strong professional culture and increase teacher success and retention. Heartland AEA is excited to offer a new course designed specifically for educators who mentor beginning teachers.

Mentoring and Induction: Year 1 & 2 Mentors provides mentors with proven strategies to guide and support new teachers through their critical first two years in the classroom. Participants will:

• Learn and practice using the coaching stances of collaborating, consulting, and coaching to meet new teacher needs.
• Engage in professional development focused on refining effective teaching practices.
• Take part in ongoing peer collaboration sessions to share strategies and discuss how to best support beginning educators.

This training is ideal for educators serving as mentors within their schools who want to strengthen both their own skills and the success of the teachers they support.

Course Details
Dates: Oct. 27 & Nov. 10, 2025
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Time: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Session #55213
Register here

Spring Dates Announced for Six Shifts for Success - Improving Special Education and Other Intervention Outcomes

Educational leaders are invited to participate in Six Shifts for Success: Improving Special Education and Other Intervention Outcomes — A Leadership Course in Systems Thinking and Action. This in-person, two-day professional development opportunity will help district and school leaders strengthen student support systems using the evidence-based Six Shifts framework developed by Nathan Levenson (2020).

Who Should Attend
District and school leaders, administrators, special education directors, intervention coordinators, MTSS teams and teacher leaders.

Benefits for Participants
Attendees will leave with concrete tools to assess systems, identify challenges and implement changes that improve results for students with disabilities and those receiving interventions. The collaborative nature of this professional development fosters idea-sharing and problem-solving among leaders facing similar challenges.

Details
April 9 & 27, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Registration
Registration Link
Cost: $150 participant fee; $200 for license renewal credit (1 credit)
Registration Deadline: April 8

This is an evaluator approval licensure renewal option for administrators.

Virtual ESSA Support for Data Review, SAMI & Action Planning

Heartland AEA will again provide virtual sessions for school teams to support ESSA-required actions. A schedule of those sessions may be found at this link.

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

  

Oct. 7 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Features Iowa DE Director

The Oct. 7 HAA meeting will be held in person from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The agenda will feature guest speaker, Director McKenzie Snow, from the Iowa Department of Education and updates from our educational partners. Immediately following the HAA meeting, superintendents are invited to stay for the IASB Regional Meeting from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by IASB.

Connect with Colleagues at the Statewide & Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Meetings

The Statewide and Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets monthly on the first Friday (except in January - 2nd Friday). We would invite you to attend in person at the Johnston office. This is a great opportunity for you to network with fellow curriculum leaders in our AEA. Agenda items are based on feedback from our curriculum advisory members. The agenda is sent to Curriculum Leaders and Curriculum Network members on the Tuesday evening prior to the meeting. If you would like to be added to the listserv to receive the agenda, contact Susie Meade or Crista Carlile. Recordings are available for both meetings as well. Mark your calendar for October 3!

Fall Into Savings!

Order Creative Services products today and save with our fall sale now through October 31!

$5.00 off orders over $50.00! Use promo code SAVE5
$10.00 off orders over $100.00! Use promo code SAVE10
$25.00 off orders over $250.00! Use promo code SAVE25
$50.00 off orders over $500.00! Use promo code SAVE50

Enter the promo code on the payment screen prior to paying for your order.

Promotion available Sept. 17 - Oct. 31, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Join Your Colleagues for AEA-Sponsored Professional Learning Networks

Iowa’s AEAs are once again sponsoring free network opportunities for schools and districts. Join your colleagues to increase your knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources. Information regarding statewide learning network opportunities can be found at this link.

Join us at the Teacher Librarian Network via Zoom, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow librarians from across the state. Discover AEA resources and gain valuable insights and tools to enhance your work with students.

Deepen Your Coaching Practice with Cognitive Coaching℠ at Heartland AEA

Research indicates that teaching is a complex intellectual activity and that teachers who think at higher levels produce students who are higher achieving, more cooperative and better problem solvers. It is the invisible skills of teaching, the thinking processes that underlie instructional decisions, that produce superior instruction. Cognitive Coaching℠ is a research-based model that capitalizes upon and enhances teachers’ cognitive processes.

Both courses are approved for Evaluator Approval.

Cognitive Coaching℠ Level 1
Unlock the thinking behind effective teaching. This 4-day foundational course helps school leaders develop essential coaching skills, including:

• Planning conversations
• Active listening
• Questioning techniques
• Reflection strategies

Oct. 14, 16, 28 & 30, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register Here


Cognitive Coaching℠ Level 2
Build on your foundation with advanced tools to guide deeper, more impactful conversations. This 4-day course focuses on:

• Problem-solving strategies
• Refined paraphrasing and questioning
• Facilitating rich professional dialogue

Feb. 17, 19, 24 & 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Register Here

Location for both sessions: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Registration Now Open for Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities

This yearlong professional development equips educators with tools and strategies to support early emergent readers and writers with complex needs, helping school teams strengthen specially designed language, communication, and literacy instruction.

Participants will learn to use the Iowa Literacy Observation Tool and the SDI Instructional Planning Tool to analyze classroom conditions, guide instructional decisions, and apply practices through case studies and team collaboration. For maximum benefit, schools are encouraged to attend as teams of educators, though individual registration is welcome.

Seats are limited to 25 participants, and registration closes Jan. 28, 2026. Credit options are available. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand literacy access for students with significant disabilities—secure your spot today.

Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities
Date: Begins Jan. 30, 2026
Location: Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Registration: Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities (SWSD SDI)

Conventional & Emergent Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities, Coming in November

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14 & Jan. 9

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

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration Link

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14, Dec. 4, Dec. 12
This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with
significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for emergent learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration Link

Free CPI Training for Schools in 2025–26

The Iowa Department of Education has directed AEAs to use state-allocated children’s mental health training funds to provide CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training—at no cost—for schools during the 2025–26 school year. This means all CPI training facilitators, materials and sessions will be fully funded for districts.

Heartland AEA Trainings

• Open to all schools in the Heartland AEA service area
• Fall sessions: September / October 2025
• Winter sessions: January / February 2026

View Training Dates & Register: 2025–26 CPI Training Offerings


Training Format (Blended Learning)

• Online modules (2 hrs): complete prior to class
• Classroom session (3 hrs): practice application and intervention skills
• The blended approach ensures that participants not only understand crisis prevention and intervention strategies but also gain hands-on practice to confidently apply them.

Who Should Attend?

• Staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved in physical restraint and/or seclusion
• Educators who may directly intervene in crisis situations and would benefit from de-escalation and intervention skills

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

  

Oct. 7 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Features Iowa DE Director

The Oct. 7 HAA meeting will be held in person from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The agenda will feature guest speaker, Director McKenzie Snow, from the Iowa Department of Education and updates from our educational partners. Immediately following the HAA meeting, superintendents are invited to stay for the IASB Regional Meeting from 11:30-12:30. Lunch will be provided by IASB.

Call for Day on the Hill Student Showcase Submissions

At the third annual Day on the Hill hosted by Iowa's AEAs, IASB and SAI, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible programs, student achievements, and creative initiatives happening across the state. Selected districts will exhibit in the Capitol rotunda on Jan. 26, 2026. Learn more and apply.

Tell Your District’s Story

Showcase your district's accomplishments in a professionally designed annual report, brochure, social media graphic or infographic. Provide success stories, data points, photos and other information and let our talented graphic designers help you tell your story with compelling visuals branded for your district. Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or to set up a time to discuss your project.

Join Your Colleagues for AEA-Sponsored Professional Learning Networks

Iowa’s AEAs are once again sponsoring free network opportunities for schools and districts. Join your colleagues to increase your knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources. Information regarding statewide learning network opportunities can be found at this link.

Join Cognitive Coaching℠ Training at Heartland AEA!

Research indicates that teaching is a complex intellectual activity and that teachers who think at higher levels produce students who are higher achieving, more cooperative and better problem solvers. It is the invisible skills of teaching, the thinking processes that underlie instructional decisions, that produce superior instruction. Cognitive Coaching℠ is a research-based model that capitalizes upon and enhances teachers’ cognitive processes.

Both courses are approved for Evaluator Approval.

Cognitive Coaching℠ Level 1
Unlock the thinking behind effective teaching. This 4-day foundational course helps school leaders develop essential coaching skills, including:

• Planning conversations
• Active listening
• Questioning techniques
• Reflection strategies

Oct. 14, 16, 28 & 30, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register Here


Cognitive Coaching℠ Level 2
Build on your foundation with advanced tools to guide deeper, more impactful conversations. This 4-day course focuses on:

• Problem-solving strategies
• Refined paraphrasing and questioning
• Facilitating rich professional dialogue

Feb. 17, 19, 24 & 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Register Here

Location for both sessions: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Don’t Miss Out! Certified Paraeducator Introduction Course Begins Sept. 30

This course is the introduction to the necessary skills paraeducators will need to be prepared to meet the needs of their supportive roles within a classroom. Included in this course are the foundational skills for working as a paraeducator in Iowa schools and essential skills for providing ethical and professional practice.

There are three courses you must register for and complete to be able to apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Each course is $120 for a total of $360. It is strongly recommended that participants complete Foundations (Course I) before taking Courses II and III. Each course has required Zoom sessions plus additional online coursework. Visit the Certified Paraeducator Course Schedule on our website for more information.

Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program – Course I Introduction/Foundation
Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 21, 2025
4:00-5:00 p.m.

Registration link
Session #53856

Conventional & Emergent Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities, Coming in November

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14 & Jan. 9

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

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Link 

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14, Dec. 4, Dec. 12

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

Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Link

Registration Now Open for Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities

This yearlong professional development equips educators with tools and strategies to support early emergent readers and writers with complex needs, helping school teams strengthen specially designed language, communication, and literacy instruction.

Participants will learn to use the Iowa Literacy Observation Tool and the SDI Instructional Planning Tool to analyze classroom conditions, guide instructional decisions, and apply practices through case studies and team collaboration. For maximum benefit, schools are encouraged to attend as teams of educators, though individual registration is welcome.

Seats are limited to 25 participants, and registration closes Jan. 28, 2026. Credit options are available. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand literacy access for students with significant disabilities—secure your spot today.

Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities
Date: Begins Jan. 30, 2026
Location: Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration: Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities (SWSD SDI)