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

  

Sept. 2 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Rescheduled for a 10:30 Zoom Check in

Due to a conflict with the Iowa Department of Education director’s schedule, and the meeting being scheduled immediately following Labor Day, the Sept. 2 HAA meeting will transition from an in-person meeting to a zoom check-in from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. The AGENDA will include beginning of the year messages from educational partners.

Our face-to-face meeting with Director Snow has been rescheduled for Oct. 7.

Showcase the Talents of Your Learners

Get the word out about upcoming plays, musicals, sports and other special events with:

• Banners
• Directional signage
• Posters
• Programs
• Tickets
• And more!

Submit ready-to-print items on our Creative Services website or have one of our professional graphic designers create custom materials specific to your event.

Have You Registered? Six Shifts for Success: Leadership Strategies to Improve Special Education and 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
Sept. 29 and Oct. 30, 2025
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: Sept. 28, 2025

This is an evaluator approval licensure renewal option for administrators.

Contact
Angela Dvorak
advorak@heartlandaea.org

Misty Christensen
mchristensen@heartlandaea.org

Strengthen Your Numeracy Project 2.0 Implementation with Practical Strategies for K–12 Learning

Implementation of Numeracy Project Workshop is for K-12 teachers who have been trained in the Numeracy Project and would like further support in implementing their learning with students. This workshop will address common questions that have come from practitioners who have been using the Numeracy Project 2.0. We will also provide learning to assist teachers and coaches in planning for small group instruction along with suggestions for integrating progress monitoring.

Oct. 9, 2025
Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston, IA

Registration link
Session ID: 53619

Cost: $75
Material fee: $5

Contact a Heartland AEA Math Professional Service Provider for more information:
Hanna Hollamby
Katie Scholl
Barb Sersland

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

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.

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

  

Sept. 2 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Rescheduled for a 10:30 Zoom check in

Due to a conflict with the Iowa Department of Education director’s schedule, and the meeting being scheduled immediately following Labor Day, the Sept. 2 HAA meeting will transition from an in-person meeting to a zoom check-in from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. The agenda will include beginning of the year messages from educational partners. Calendar invitations will be updated to note the adjusted start time and zoom link.

Our face-to-face meeting with Director Snow has been rescheduled for Oct. 7.

Showcase Your Students’ Achievements at Day on the Hill 2026

Day on the Hill is back on Jan. 26, 2026, and your district is invited to highlight the outstanding work being done by your students. Hosted by Iowa’s AEAs, IASB and SAI, Day on the Hill is a unique opportunity to elevate the voices of public education. Exhibit applications may:

• Highlight an innovative program, student achievement or creative initiative in your district.
• Showcase how your students' experiences have benefited them and their community.
• Share the value of public school programs.

Application:

• The application deadline is Aug. 25, 2025.
• Student Showcase Exhibits will be selected in the Fall. The status of your application will be communicated at that time.
• Selected districts will exhibit in the Capitol rotunda on Jan. 26, 2026.

Did You Know?

Heartland AEA has your math printing covered! From The Numeracy Project to Illustrative Mathematics, visit Heartland AEA Creative Services to save time and money!

Place Your Order Today for FastBridge Screening Binders for Essential Math and Reading Assessments

Districts can order FastBridge screening binders through Heartland AEA Creative Services. Please reference the following product numbers when ordering:

• #3222 Math Screening Assessment Binders for grades K-1 and grades 2-6
• #3223 Math Progress Monitoring Assessment Binders for grades K-6
• #2789 Early Reading Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring Assessment Binder for grades K-1
• #2788 CBM Reading Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring Assessment Binder for grades 2-6

Effectively Communicate with Colorful Flip Charts

Effectively communicate with students using non-verbal pictorial cues. The bright eye-catching colors are proven to be effective direction tools between educator and student. The charts are waterproof and wear-and-tear resistant. The small size conveniently clips to clothing or a lanyard. Browse available options by searching “Flip Charts” in the search bar at the top of our Creative Services website.

Heartland AEA is Ready to Meet Your Professional Development Needs

Heartland AEA has a team of highly qualified Professional Service Providers who will partner with you to meet your professional development needs. District approvers can fill out the District Request for Services form at any point throughout the year to schedule high-quality professional learning opportunities, aligned to the State of Iowa’s Educational Priorities, that are designed to meet your needs and improve outcomes for your students. Additionally, please visit the Heartland AEA professional learning catalog for the latest on course offerings.

Registration is Open! Six Shifts for Success: Leadership Strategies to Improve Special Education and 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
Sept. 29 and Oct. 30, 2025
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: Sept. 28, 2025

This is an evaluator approval licensure renewal option for administrators.

Contact
Angela Dvorak
advorak@heartlandaea.org

Misty Christensen
mchristensen@heartlandaea.org

Support Your District Through Crisis—Save Money and Be Prepared

When a school experiences the death of a student or staff member, the ripple effects can be profound. A structured postvention response helps stabilize the community, reduce the risk of further trauma and support mental health. This isn’t just about coping — it’s also about preventing additional crises by addressing the needs of ALL affected individuals. This is accomplished through a well-planned systematic response with organization strategies to promote calm and reduce chaos in the midst of tragedy. Heartland AEA’s Critical Incident Response Services can help stabilize your school community, support mental health and prevent further trauma.

Why sign up now?
It’s much more affordable to enroll your district in our service than to pay for individual providers during a crisis. You’ll have immediate access to expert support, proven strategies and peace of mind—all at a predictable, lower cost.

Take action today
Request Critical Incident Response Services

The deadline to request CI Response Services at the discounted price is August 25, 2025.

Questions? 

Contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support Services

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit, Coming Sept. 30

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit (formerly known as the Iowa BEST Summit) is a premier professional learning event dedicated to fostering well-being and mental health within educational communities. Participants will gain practical strategies, insights from cutting-edge research and access to innovative solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. EmpowerED Minds is where K-12 educators, school leaders and school mental health providers from across the country come to shape the future of school wellness through collaboration, innovation and inspiration.

Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2025
Registration

Welcome!

We’re excited to bring you the first issue of the Heartland AEA Administrator Connection newsletter for 2025-26, arriving in your inbox twice a month on Fridays. Look for updates from the AEA, special education, professional development, educational services, creative solutions,  and more—all designed to support your leadership and student achievement. We look forward to keeping you informed and connected!

Sept. 2 Heartland Administrators’ Meeting Features Iowa DE Director

The first Heartland Administrators’ Association meeting for the 2025-26 school year will be held on Sept. 2 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.

Fully Prepared Illustrative Mathematics Kits Just a Click Away with Heartland AEA Creative Services

Heartland AEA Creative Services will now offer a variety of materials that support the implementation of Illustrative Mathematics, K-8. The following materials can be ordered to be printed and delivered to your buildings!

• K-5 Center Materials: Each order includes 15 copies of cards (pre-cut into decks polypaper), 15 spinners on cardstock, and 15 gameboards on cardstock for each center. This is enough for a class of 30 to play the games at the same time!
• K-5 Center Recording Sheets: Each order includes15 copies of recording sheets on cardstock or paper
• K-5 Card Sorts: Each order includes15 copies of cards (pre-cut into decks polypaper or cardstock)
• 3-5 Info Gaps: Each order includes 15 copies of cards (pre-cut into decks polypaper or cardstock)
• 6-8 Card Sorts: Each order includes 15 copies of cards (pre-cut into decks polypaper or cardstock)
• 6-8 Info Gaps: Each order includes 15 copies of cards (pre-cut into decks on polypaper or cardstock)
• 6-8 Reusable Blackline Masters: Each order includes 15 copies of each blackline master on cardstock
• 6-8 Vocabulary Cards: cards with word, definition, and picture to be used as an interactive word wall

K-5 Pricing Information
Grades 6-8 Pricing Information

Heartland AEA's Creative Services is ready to help your teachers implement Illustrative Mathematics by taking the copying, cutting and organizing tasks off of their plate at an affordable price! Reach out for more information by visiting Creative Services Online and search Illustrative Mathematics.

Place Your Order Today for FastBridge Screening Binders for Essential Math and Reading Assessments

Districts can order FastBridge screening binders through Heartland AEA Creative Services. Please reference the following product numbers when ordering:

• #3222 Math Screening Assessment Binders for grades K-1 and grades 2-6
• #3223 Math Progress Monitoring Assessment Binders for grades K-6
• #2789 Early Reading Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring Assessment Binder for grades K-1
• #2788 CBM Reading Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring Assessment Binder for grades 2-6

Get Your Classroom Ready in a Click

Heartland AEA Creative Services can help you get your classroom ready and welcome students this fall. Browse our website by subject or keyword to find ready-to-print instructional materials for your classroom, upload a file to print, order lamination, bindery, custom graphic design and so much more.

Secure Your Digital Resources for 2025–26

If your district has already completed the Digital Resources Commitment Form—no further action is needed. We’ve got your information.

Still deciding? The AEA Digital Resources Bundle for the 2025–26 school year provides access to high-quality digital tools for just $7 per student, available exclusively through the AEA partnership.

What’s Included

• Top tools like PebbleGo, Britannica, Gale (40+ products), Scholastic Flix series, Learn360 and more
• See the full list in the AEA Personalization Resource Guide

If your district has not yet submitted its commitment, please complete the Digital Resources Commitment Form (one per district) ** Only fill out the form if you haven’t already submitted it

Interested in select tools only? Contact your AEA Media Representative

Questions?
Contact Amy Wichman, Director of Media, Technology and Digital Learning

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.

Dates for Important Math Professional Development Now Available

Let Heartland AEA be your go-to source for high-quality professional development in math. Upcoming training dates for initial Numeracy Project training, Implementation of Numeracy Project, and MTSS Progress Monitoring with AAIMS are now open for registration. Please visit the Professional Learning Registration System for more information and to register.

Heartland AEA Announces 2025 Paraeducator Certification Course Schedule

Heartland AEA’s paraeducator certification course schedule is now available. 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.

Important Updates on CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training for 2025-26

The Iowa Department of Education has directed Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to use state-allocated children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to provide CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training—free of charge—for school districts during the 2025-26 school year. This means all CPI training facilitators and materials will be available at no cost to Iowa schools.

Refunds for Previously Registered Trainings
Many districts and schools have already registered and paid for CPI training sessions. The Heartland AEA professional development team will be working diligently to issue refunds for these payments. With numerous sessions in progress, we thank you for your patience as this process unfolds.

If your district has not yet registered but has an upcoming confirmed training, your CPI trainer will reach out directly with registration instructions once available.

New CPI Training Model Beginning Fall 2025
To improve cost efficiency and access, Heartland AEA is transitioning its training model:

July 1 – Aug. 31, 2025: Previously scheduled district-based trainings will take place as planned. However, staff unable to attend these sessions will need to join one of the upcoming service area-based trainings (full schedule available August 2025).

September 2025 and Beyond: All CPI trainings will move to a service area-based model, with multiple opportunities available throughout the Heartland AEA region. Training sessions are planned for September/October 2025 and January/February 2026, and are open to any districts within the service area.

Next Steps

• Look for communication from your district’s assigned CPI trainer regarding registration.
• Watch for upcoming training schedules and locations.
• Ensure staff are aware of these changes and adjust training plans accordingly.

For details on the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training - Blended Learning model, please see page 2 of the CPI communication.

With these changes, Iowa schools will have improved, equitable access to CPI training, strengthening our collective ability to support student safety and mental well-being.

Primary Grades Talented and Gifted Professional Development Coming to a Location Near You

If you're feeling like services for your youngest students could use a tune-up (or even a start-up!) join us for this professional development focused on the primary grades. Teachers and administrators will learn effective strategies for recognizing giftedness early through observation and data collection, and emphasis will be given to using the data to drive effective programming.

Find a location close to you and register now!

Heartland AEA, Johnston
Dates: 8/8/2025, 10/22/2025, and 12/8/2025
Registration Link: Primary Talented and Gifted Identification and Services for Students
Section #53261

Grant Wood AEA, Cedar Rapids
Dates: 9/15/2025, 11/18/2025, and 1/28/2026
Registration Link: Primary Talented and Gifted Identification and Services for Students
Section #54112

Great Prairie AEA, Ottumwa
Dates: 9/23/2025, 11/13/2025, and 12/16/2025
Registration Link: Primary Talented and Gifted Identification and Services for Students
Section #54111

Prairie Lakes and Northwest AEAs, Pocahontas
Dates: 10/1/2025, 11/17/2025, and 1/13/2026
Registration Link: Primary Talented and Gifted Identification and Services for Students
Section #54151

Subscribe
And be sure to subscribe to the Heartland AEA Gifted & Talented News so you receive future communications and learn more about what's coming up in 2025-26!

New Special Education Teacher IEP Training Announced for Fall 2025

As you bring on new special education teachers for 2025-26, please note the updated IEP training options designed for those new to the field or new to special education in Iowa. All training and community opportunities are free. Detailed schedules and registration information are in this overview document.

Highlights:

• IEP Training Sessions: Step-by-step guidance on IEP process and compliance
• Virtual Community of Practice: NEW for 2025-26—a no-cost, online support group for new special education teachers

Take Our Survey on AEA Services for 504 Support & Medicaid LMHP Sign-Off

Please share with your District Approvers

While the majority of the special education services districts have received from Heartland AEA will continue at no charge, Iowa’s AEAs have identified specific special education program enhancements that districts may want to continue that do not align with the Iowa Department of Education's guidance (i.e., Distribution and Use of State and Federal Special Education Allocations Beginning July 1, 2025, AEA Special Education Funded Staff Involvement in General Education Interventions) around what AEA special education practitioners provide as part of their special education role. Two of those services are Medicaid sign-off from a Licensed Mental Health Professional and 504 Plan support from an AEA practitioner.

To clarify which services your district intends to continue, we need your input through this brief 2-question survey by Aug. 1. This will help us accurately communicate with our special education staff about approved services.

Coming Soon! Preschool Specially Designed Instruction PD Opportunity

Heartland AEA is excited to announce the upcoming Preschool Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Professional Development series for the 2025-26 school year. This statewide initiative is designed to empower early childhood educators with the knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality, specially designed instruction to improve outcomes for young learners with disabilities.

About Preschool SDI
Preschool SDI is part of Iowa’s commitment to inclusive, effective early childhood education. The SDI framework helps practitioners diagnose, design and deliver customized instruction, offering both embedded and individualized learning opportunities for preschool students. Participants will examine fidelity tools, professional learning materials, coaching supports and action planning resources, all grounded in the Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices.

Scope & Sequence
For the full three-year scope and sequence of Preschool SDI, please visit the Preschool SDI website.

What Will Participants Learn?

• Year 1: Apply the critical features of the SDI Framework and DEC Recommended Practices, along with universal supports for inclusive classrooms to ensure effective SDI for all children.
• Year 2: Design evidence-based instruction that is embedded throughout the day and leverages child engagement and social learning opportunities as instructional foundations.
• Year 3: Use a data-based approach to measure fidelity and implement a plan for full integration of Preschool SDI practices.

2025-26 Training Dates and Locations:

Preschool SDI Year 1 (Central Cohort)
Sept. 24, 2025 Register for Session 54224

Preschool SDI Year 2

• Central Cohort: Oct. 1, 2025 Register for Session 54226
• South Cohort: Oct. 8, 2025 Register for Session 54225

Preschool SDI Year 3

• North Cohort: Oct. 15, 2025 Register for Session 54228
• West Cohort: Oct. 6, 2025 Register for Session 54227