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

  

Be on the Lookout: Increase in Phishing Attacks Targeting Schools

We've seen a noticeable uptick in phishing attacks targeting school staff across the region. These emails often appear legitimate—sometimes mimicking internal contacts or vendors—and are designed to steal credentials or install malicious software. Please remind your staff to verify unexpected requests, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report anything unusual to your IT department immediately. Staying vigilant is our first line of defense. Reach out to Amy Wichman, Director of Media, Technology & Digital Learning, if you have specific concerns and/or need assistance.

Stock up and Save Summer Sale!

Enjoy 10% off!

Now through June 30, save 10% on your entire Creative Services order! Enter the promo code SUMMER10 on the payment screen prior to paying for your order.

Need to pay after July 1?
Let us know if you'd like your order to be billed/charged after July 1 and we will hold your order for billing and delivery. Add a note to your order or email creativeservices@heartlandaea.org if your order needs to be billed after July 1.

Promotion available May 29 - June 30, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

View other products for your fall classroom in the Heartland AEA Creative Services Newsletter - May 2025

Check Out These Upcoming Numeracy Project Training Opportunities

June 2025 Training Sessions

The Numeracy Project 2.0 (No Credit Workshop)
This workshop will introduce teachers, teacher leaders, administrators and consultants to the trajectory by which learners acquire a solid foundation in numeracy. This workshop contains assessments (universal screeners, diagnostic tool, progress monitoring) and intervention activities.

Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register Here

Invited Audience: Teachers of ALL students in grades K - 8, high school teachers working with students struggling in mathematics


Numeracy Project Workshop (No Credit)
The Numeracy Project Workshop is for K-8 educators and for high school teachers working with students struggling in mathematics that have been trained in the Numeracy Project and would like further support in implementing with students. This workshop will address common questions that have come from practitioners who have been utilizing 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.

Date: June 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register Here


Fall 2025 Training Preview
We are also planning additional Numeracy Project sessions for the fall. Please save the following dates:

• Numeracy Project 2.0 Training: Aug. 7 & Sept. 11 (Heartland AEA, Johnston)
• Numeracy Project 2.0 Workshop: Oct. 9 (Heartland AEA, Johnston)
• AAIMS Training: Aug. 15 & Sept. 24 (Heartland AEA, Johnston)

Registration links for the fall sessions will be available soon. Additional spring dates will be added and announced soon.

Adaptive Schools Training with Jim Roussin - Registration Closes June 1

We are thrilled to announce that Jim Roussin will serve as the facilitator for the upcoming Adaptive Schools training this June. This is a unique opportunity for educators, administrators, instructional coaches and teams to deepen their collaborative skills and transform their professional practice.

Training Details
June 11–12 & June 25–26, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Cedar Rapids, IA

Registration
Registration Link
Registration Deadline: 11:59 p.m., June 1, 2025

• Participant: $800
• License Renewal: $900
• Graduate Credit: $1,180
• Materials (Learning Guide): $50

About Jim Roussin
Jim Roussin is a renowned Adaptive Schools Foundation Seminar® trainer, with over 25 years of experience leading thousands of trainings across the U.S. and internationally. He is the co-author of three influential books, including a collaboration with Robert Garmston, one of the founders of Adaptive Schools.

Iowa’s AEAs Partner with Yondr to Support School Cell Phone Policies

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) have partnered with Yondr, a company known for its lockable cell phone pouches, to help schools address the challenges of student cell phone use. Through this collaboration, Iowa schools can now access discounted Yondr solutions to support the implementation of effective phone-free policies.

More information and to get started

• The recent webinar recording (30 minutes) is available for administrators and tech directors interested in learning more about implementation, logistics and best practices.
• This one pager also provides an overview of the opportunity.
• For any questions or to request a quote, complete the Yondr Interest Form.