March 3 Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting Features Breakout Sessions — Select Yours by Feb. 27

We have received some requests for deep-dive conversations on specific topics. To facilitate this, we will host three concurrent breakout sessions from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. during our March 3 meeting. Please complete this survey by Feb. 27 to indicate which session you will attend. This allows our facilitators to prepare district-specific examples, where appropriate, for the participants in the room. Superintendents can attend one session and are welcome to register their HR staff, SBOs or technology staff for the other sessions.

Our regular business meeting and legislative update will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Zoom links and further details will be sent to participants next week.

Breakout Sessions

Option 1: Property Tax Changes – Impact & Implications
Led by: Mike Guanci, IASB
Focus: A walkthrough of proposed property tax changes using IASB tools to show the specific impact on attending districts.
Target Audience: Superintendents and SBOs (Zoom option available for SBOs).

Option 2: Lessons from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Led by: Mike Cavin, BOEE
Focus: Insights into practitioner licensure, evaluator approval and the complaint process. Learn the most common ethical violations and the proper protocols for reporting.
Target Audience: Superintendents and HR Officials (Zoom option available for HR).

Option 3: District AI Considerations
Led by: Amy Wichman, Director of Media, Technology & Digital Learning, Heartland AEA
Focus: Navigating policies/guidelines, AI and the Google Domain and AI Innovation considerations. Amy will also share a few high-leverage AI tools for administrators
Target Audience: Superintendents and Tech Directors (Zoom option available for Tech Directors).

A Sweet Treat for Being Our Customer!

Our Creative Services team is offering a sweet treat as a thank you to our educator and district staff partners. We’re offering a one-time use discount of 14% off your entire Creative Services printing order. Enter the promo code SWEET14 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order. Promotion code available for one-time use only. Offer available Feb. 1 - Feb. 28, 2026. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders. Visit our website to get started!

Turn Your Emergency Plan Into a Ready-to-Use Flipbook

Put your district or school’s emergency plan in a convenient flipbook. Flipbooks include pertinent safety information such as emergency phone numbers and procedures for fire, natural disasters and other emergency situations. Personalize the flipbooks from our ordering site or have our designers create a custom flipbook for your district or school. Contact Heartland AEA Creative Services to discuss your project or place your order on our website.

New Iowa DE-Approved AEA Professional Development Available Now

The Iowa Department of Education has approved a new list of AEA Professional Development, which is available now to districts and schools in our service area.

These DE-approved courses are designed to support Iowa’s strategic priorities and provide consistent, high-quality professional learning for educators—whether your focus is literacy, math, special education, English learners, leadership, mental health or preparing students for the future.

We invite you to connect with your AEA regional director to get started. Your AEA team can help you explore options, customize learning for your staff, and plan next steps that fit your goals. For more information about the professional development, see the 2026-27 List of Approved AEA Professional Development.

Paraeducator Certification & Areas of Concentration Summer 2026 Course Schedule

Paraeducator Certification

• Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/Foundation (Choose a session with start date of May 19 or June 2)
• Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support (Choose a session with start date of June 30 or July 7)
• Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral Supports (Choose a session with start date of Aug. 4 or Aug. 11)

For more information and to register, visit our website.


Paraeducator Areas of Concentration Courses

• Library, Media and Technology (June 15 and 22)
• English as a Second Language (Choose a session with start date of June 23 or Aug. 20)
• Early Childhood (June 29, 30, July 1, 6, 7 & 8)
• Special Needs (July 20, 21, 22 & 23

For more information and to register, visit our website.

Two New Sessions Added to Our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Schedule

Feb. 23 - Ames
Register

March 27 - Johnston
Register

As shared in July 2025, Heartland AEA has transitioned our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training model to be more cost-efficient. We are now operating under a service-area-based training model. This means we will offer CPI training across the Heartland AEA service area at multiple times throughout the year. These trainings are open to any districts/schools within the Heartland AEA service area. We will offer a series of pre-service sessions in August 2026, followed by offerings in September/October 2026 and January/February 2027.

Based on what we know at this point, we will continue to align with the Iowa Department of Education directive that Iowa’s AEAs utilize state-allocated, children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to offer CPI training, free of charge, to school districts. Therefore, for the 2026-2027 school year, Heartland CPI training facilitators and materials will continue to be provided at no cost.

Please refer to all the training details in the CPI Communication for 2026-2027. If you have any questions, please contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support Services.

Update on Testing for Homeschooled Students

There are no changes to testing procedures for homeschooled students this spring. However, beginning in spring 2027, there will be a cost associated with certain testing services. Here is information for testing in spring 2027:

Competent Private Instruction (CPI – Option 1 or 2)
Public school districts in Iowa are required to offer testing opportunities at no cost to families participating in CPI Option 1 or 2, as outlined in the Private Instruction Handbook. Districts may contract with Heartland AEA to provide these services. Beginning in spring 2027, districts will be billed for the cost of materials, test administration and any additional expenses incurred by the AEA, plus 14%. Parents with questions about CPI testing should contact their resident school district.

Independent Private Instruction (IPI)
Students homeschooled under IPI may request participation in an annual assessment from the list of approved options in the Private Instruction Handbook. The cost of the assessment is billed directly to the family. Families will work with Heartland AEA to schedule the assessment.

See this flyer for details on testing support for homeschooled students in spring 2027.

A Sweet Treat for Being Our Customer!

Our Creative Services team is offering a sweet treat as a thank you to our educator and district staff partners. We’re offering a one-time use discount of 14% off your entire Creative Services printing order.

Visit Creative Services Online and enter the promo code SWEET14 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order.

Promotion code available for one-time use only. Offer available Feb. 1 - Feb. 28, 2026. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Heartland AEA Library Connection: Your Winter Educator Update!

Heartland AEA’s Library Connection brings you fresh resources and inspiration to support literacy, learning, and classroom engagement this season. From newly honored books to Olympic-themed teaching tools and upcoming professional opportunities, dive into what’s new for you and your learners!

New Iowa DE-Approved AEA Professional Development—Available Now

The Iowa Department of Education has approved a new list of AEA Professional Development, which is now available to districts and schools in our service area.

These DE-approved courses are designed to support Iowa’s strategic priorities and provide consistent, high-quality professional learning for educators—whether your focus is literacy, math, special education, English learners, leadership, mental health or preparing students for the future.

We invite you to connect with your AEA regional director to get started. Your AEA team can help you explore options, customize learning for your staff, and plan next steps that fit your goals.

We look forward to partnering with you to support your educators and students through these learning opportunities.

For more information, see the 2026-27 List of Approved AEA Professional Development.

Heartland AEA Now Part of UNI’s Grow Your Own School Psychologist Program

Spread the word to potential school psychologists!

About the Program
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), in partnership with seven of Iowa’s AEAs, is offering a collaborative “grow your own” program to train new school psychologists to increase access to mental health services in high-need rural Iowa schools. Participants earn an Ed.S. in school psychology through UNI while continuing to work full-time. Upon graduation, students commit to serving as AEA school psychologists in rural areas to help address critical local needs.

Two pathways are available:

• Bachelor’s track: For educators currently working in schools (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.); Ed.S. in 4 years
• Master’s track: For professionals in education and related fields; Ed.S. in 3 years
• Two cohorts of ~12 students each

Cohort 1 begins in June 2026, Cohort 2 begins in Summer 2027

Why It Matters
Iowa faces a critical shortage of school psychologists. While NASP recommends 1 psychologist per 500 students, current ratios in Iowa range from 1:1,657 to 1:7,857, limiting student access to mental health supports.

Program Benefits

• Financial support: books provided each semester, travel costs covered for instructional sessions, 90% of tuition and fees covered through grants, internship licensure and national exam fees paid
• Part-time study while working full-time
• Strong professional engagement

Service Commitment

• Graduates commit to 3 years of service in their AEA after completion
• Early departure may require repayment of some program costs

Informational Flyer

Bring Heartland AEA Professional Learning Directly to Your District

Interested in hosting Heartland AEA professional development exclusively for your district staff? We’d love to explore the possibilities with you. Heartland AEA offers a wide range of professional learning options, including paraeducator training, substitute authorization, and 6 Shifts in Special Education—all designed to meet district needs and schedules. To learn more or start a conversation, contact Susie Meade, Heartland AEA Chief Academic Officer.

AEA CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training Continues at No Cost to Districts in 2026–27

As shared in July 2025, Heartland AEA has transitioned our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training model to be more cost-efficient. We are now operating under a service-area-based training model. This means we will offer CPI training across the Heartland AEA service area at multiple times throughout the year. These trainings are open to any districts/schools within the Heartland AEA service area. We will offer a series of pre-service sessions in August 2026, followed by offerings in September/October 2026 and January/February 2027.

Based on what we know at this point, we will continue to align with the Iowa Department of Education directive that Iowa’s AEAs utilize state-allocated, children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to offer CPI training, free of charge, to school districts. Therefore, for the 2026-2027 school year, Heartland CPI training facilitators and materials will continue to be provided at no cost.

Please refer to all the training details in the CPI Communication for 2026-2027.

If you have any questions, please contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support
Services.

Need Support This Year or Next? Heartland AEA Services Are Just a Request Away

As you make plans for the rest of this year and next year, remember your Heartland AEA Professional Service Providers are just a request away! You can utilize this District Request for Services form. Once we receive it, we will contact you to confirm and develop an action plan.

HAA Meeting Update: Feb. 3 Zoom Check-In

This is a reminder that the Feb. 3 HAA meeting will be held as a Zoom check-in from 10:30–11:30 a.m. There will be no in-person meeting. The agenda will include partnership updates. Calendar invitations with the Zoom link have been sent.

Bring Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life With Custom, District-Branded Design

Work with one of our talented graphic designers to create a professionally designed portrait of a graduate/learner infographic for your district. The designer will work closely with you or your team to make your concept a reality with visuals branded for your district. We can incorporate your infographic into a number of different products, including posters, bookmarks, stickers and more.

Custom graphic design is $40 per hour, charged in 15-minute increments.

Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org to set up a time to discuss your project or submit your custom graphic design order on Creative Services Online.

Heartland AEA Now Part of UNI’s Grow Your Own School Psychologist Program

Spread the word to potential school psychologists!

About the Program
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), in partnership with seven of Iowa’s AEAs, is offering a collaborative “grow your own” program that trains new school psychologists to increase access to mental health services in high-need, rural Iowa schools. Participants earn an Ed.S. in school psychology through UNI while continuing to work full-time. Upon graduation, students commit to serving as AEA school psychologists in rural areas, helping address critical local needs.

Two pathways are available:

• Bachelor’s track: For educators currently working in schools (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.); Ed.S. in 4 years
• Master’s track: For professionals in education and related fields; Ed.S. in 3 years
• Two cohorts of ~12 students each (Cohort 1 begins in June 2026, Cohort 2 begins in Summer 2027)

Why It Matters
Iowa faces a critical shortage of school psychologists. While NASP recommends 1 psychologist per 500 students, current ratios in Iowa range from 1:1,657 to 1:7,857, limiting student access to mental health supports.

Program Benefits
Financial support: books provided each semester, travel costs covered for instructional sessions, 90% of tuition and fees covered through grants, internship licensure and national exam fees paid

• Part-time study while working full-time
• Strong professional engagement

Service Commitment

• Graduates commit to 3 years of service in their AEA after completion
• Early departure may require repayment of some program costs

Learn More!
Jan. 26, 2026 | 3:30–4:30 PM, Zoom link, Passcode: 724638
Jan. 27, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM, Zoom link, Passcode: 249336

Spread the Word: Certified Paraeducator Courses Offered This Summer

Heartland AEA is offering the Paraeducator Generalist certification courses this summer. To apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, participants must complete three required courses:

• Course I: Foundations (strongly recommended to take first)
• Course II
• Course III

Each course costs $120, for a total of $360. Courses include required live Zoom sessions along with additional online coursework that can be completed on your schedule.

These courses are a great opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, build confidence in your role, and earn a recognized credential that supports student success.

👉 View the full summer schedule and register!

AEA CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training Continues at No Cost to Districts in 2026–27

Heartland AEA has transitioned our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training model to be as cost-efficient as possible. We are now operating under a service-area-based training model. This means we will offer CPI training in each Heartland AEA service area at various times throughout the year. These trainings are open to any districts/schools within the Heartland AEA service area. We will offer a series of pre-service sessions in August 2026, followed by offerings in September/October 2026 and January/February 2027.

Based on what we know at this point, we will continue to align with the Iowa Department of Education's directive that Iowa’s AEAs use state-allocated children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to offer CPI training free of charge to school districts. Therefore, for the 2026-2027 school year, Heartland CPI training facilitators and materials will continue to be provided free of charge.

Please refer to all the training details in the CPI Communication for 2026-2027.

If you have any questions, please contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support

Services.

Join School Leaders at the 2026 Day on the Hill Jan. 26

2026 Day on the Hill
One Voice for Iowa Students
Jan. 26, 2026

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs), Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) & School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) invite you to the 2026 Day on the Hill! This advocacy event will begin at the State Historical Building in the morning for a pre-training session on talking points and logistical information for advocating at the Capitol. Following the training, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet and network with legislators in the rotunda and to support the displays showing innovative programs and initiatives happening in Iowa public schools.

Register for the 2026 Day on the Hill events:

• In-Depth Advocacy Webinar: Condition of the State; Jan. 20, Noon. Registration
• In-Depth Advocacy Webinar: State of the Budget; Jan. 22, Noon. Registration
• Day on the Hill, Jan. 26: Morning Training & Afternoon Rotunda Reception at the Capitol, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Register for Day on the Hill!

Fee: $45. Fee includes continental breakfast and snacks; materials; and transportation to and from the Capitol. Online registration closes on Jan. 22 at 5 p.m.

Questions?
Contact Emily Miller, IASB Convention & Events Director

Need Creative Materials for Upcoming School Events?

Let our graphic designers help create cohesive materials for your upcoming events - prom, show choir, tournaments, fundraisers - whatever is on your district or school calendar. We can customize:

• Posters
• Banners
• Name tags
• Signage
• Programs
• Tickets

Anything else you need for your event!

Custom graphic design is $40.00 per hour, charged in 15-minute increments.

Contact Creative Services to schedule a time to discuss your project or submit your custom graphic design order on our website.

Just need printing? We can help with that, too! Place your print order on Creative Services Online under Upload File to Print.

AEA CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training Continues at No Cost to Districts in 2026–27

As was shared in July 2025, Heartland AEA has transitioned our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training model in an effort to be most cost-efficient.

What you need to know:

• Heartland AEA has shifted to a service area-based CPI training model to maximize cost efficiency.

What’s changing:

• CPI trainings will now be offered throughout each Heartland AEA service area
• Sessions will be held at multiple times during the year
• Open to all districts and schools within the Heartland AEA service area

Training timeline:

• August 2026: Pre-service sessions
• September/October 2026: Fall offerings
• January/February 2027: Winter offerings

Cost:

• CPI training will continue to be free for districts in 2026–27
• Funded through state-allocated children’s mental health school-based training dollars, per Iowa Department of Education guidance

Details:

• Full session information is available in the CPI Communication for 2026-2027

Questions?

• Contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support Services