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)

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

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

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

Become a Classroom Champion—Share Heartland AEA’s Substitute Authorization Opportunities

Heartland AEA’s Substitute Authorization makes it easy for anyone with a college degree or 60 credits to step into a rewarding role helping local schools and students thrive. Courses are quick, affordable and available online statewide.

Spread the word! Invite friends, families and colleagues to register or share Heartland AEA’s course info—every new substitute makes a difference and helps keep classes running smoothly.

Learn more or sign up today:
Heartland AEA Substitute Authorization
Heartland AEA Substitute Authorization Course Catalog
Iowa's AEAs Substitute Authorization Course Listing

Be the link—share this opportunity and help schools shine with talented, caring substitutes.

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