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!