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