Custom PBIS & Behavior System Materials for Your School

Order PBIS and similar behavior system materials for your school or classroom. Promote social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students with engaging, colorful and impactful designs.

Work with one of our professional graphic designers to customize posters, reward tickets, stickers, banners and more. The designer will work with you or your team to incorporate your school logo, mascot, school colors and the rules from your behavior intervention system.

Custom graphic design is $40.00 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 our website.

High Volume Orders Printed Quickly and Inexpensively

More and more districts are adopting open source curriculum. We can increase your efficiency and free up staff time by printing your large volume materials. Consider sending us your:

• Curriculum
• Teacher materials
• District letterhead and envelopes
• Cumulative folders
• Forms

Email creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or upload your order on our website.

Join us for Universal Mathematics for Early Childhood in August

This professional development focuses on enhancing the teaching of early mathematics by equipping Educators with strategies, knowledge and tools to implement effective, engaging and developmentally appropriate math instruction in their classrooms. 

Alignment between Iowa Early Learning standards, the Smart Teach Gold Assessment Objectives for Development and Learning and evidence-based practices to support the development of number sense and the depth of key concepts for children in early childhood classrooms will be highlighted. 

By fostering a deep understanding of early childhood math standards and practical strategies, educators will be empowered to create rich mathematical environments for young learners.

Aug. 4-5, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Register here by Aug. 4
Fees: Participant $166, License Renewal $221

Upcoming Professional Development for Educators Working with Students with Significant Disabilities, Coming this Fall

Secondary Transition (Cohort #1, Year 1)
Aligned to the SDI Framework, this professional development initiative supports secondary school teams in diagnosing, designing, and delivering effective, specially designed instruction through the use of evidence-based practices and predictors to improve the postsecondary outcomes for learners with disabilities.

Sept. 14 & Oct. 12, 2026, Jan. 11 & March 22, 2027
Baxter High School, 202 E State, Baxter
Register at this link
No fees for participant only

Licensure Renewal - $220

Literacy for Students with Significant Disabilities
Aligned with the SDI Framework, this Professional Development initiative aims to develop and implement tools and processes that support teachers in delivering effective, specially designed instruction to improve literacy outcomes for learners with significant cognitive disabilities.

Oct. 16 & Nov. 20, 2026, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 5, April 2, April 30, May 21, June 2-3, 2027
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
No fees for participant only

Licensure Renewal - $220

Emergent and Conventional Math Combined for Students on Alternate Assessment
This course focuses on a comprehensive framework for teaching mathematical concepts to students on alternate assessment. Designed for those progressing through the Iowa Essential Elements in alignment with the Iowa Core Standards, the course emphasizes an approach that connects mathematics and literacy instruction. Teachers will explore methods for identifying whether students are at an emergent or conventional level of mathematical understanding, and receive practical strategies and routines tailored to both emergent and conventional learners. Participants will engage in hands-on mathematical activities aimed at deepening their understanding of evidence-based math practices, as well as accessing High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). This course will provide the tools needed to support meaningful math learning for students on alternate assessment.

Aug. 3-4, 6, 7, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $332
Licensure Renewal $442

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
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.

Aug. 3, 6, 7, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $249
Licensure Renewal - $304

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
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.

Aug. 3-4, 2026
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link
Participant Only - $166
Licensure Renewal - $221

Fulfill Your Evaluator Renewal Through This MTSS Lab

This isn't just another sit-and-get professional development session. It’s a hands-on laboratory for school transformation. Grounded in the latest research from Brown & Stollar (2025), this course provides the blueprint for building high-octane MTSS frameworks and data cultures that actually work for every student.

You will gain

• Practical protocols and tools to turn data meetings into action meetings
• Deep-dive applications of the Science of Learning to refine schoolwide instruction
• Customized, data-driven Leadership for Impact Action Plan ready for immediate use

Details
Nov. 30, 2026 & Feb. 9, 2027
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration
Participant Only: $166
Licensure Renewal: $221
Credit: 1 License Renewal Credit (15 instructor-led hours)

Register by Nov. 30, 2026: Registration link

This course fulfills the Evaluator Approval licensure renewal requirement. Administrators from outside of Iowa seeking licensure must complete the iEvaluate course prior to registering.

WATCH! District-Level Collaboration in Action

What does impactful district-level collaboration look like? Check out this video that highlights the many examples of collaboration happening between Heartland AEA and our partner districts to improve student outcomes.

Interested in leveraging these supports for your own school improvement goals? Contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director or your District Account Manager, Amy Wichman, Crista Carlile or Susie Meade to start the conversation.

Build Future Leaders at Business Horizons 2026

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is hosting Business Horizons (July 19–23 at Grand View University), a five-day immersive experience where Iowa high schoolers tackle real-world challenges, lead Shark Tank style pitches and build lifelong connections.

Program Highlights

• Earn 3 transferable college credits
• Attendees are eligible for a $1,000 recurring scholarship to Grand View University
• Early bird rate of $475 (ends June 7). Financial aid is readily available. Many students attend at little to no cost.

Nominate a Student

• Nominate students here

Students can sign up at Business Horizons Iowa through July 5

For questions, contact info@businesshorizonsiowa.com.

Get Your Planners!

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school! Planners can help students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects.

Bonus! We're offering 10% off planners ordered by May 31. Enter the promo code PLANNER10 on the payment screen before paying for your order. Orders submitted by May 31 are guaranteed to be completed by the first day of school! Order your school's today! 

Celebrate the Class of 2026

We can print or design items for your graduates:

• Graduation programs and tickets
• Senior banners and yard signs
• Custom class posters, bookmarks, stickers and more!

Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org to discuss your project or place your order on our website.

Iowa’s AEAs Now Offer Large Print Services

Iowa’s AEAs now provide large print services in addition to Braille transcription and accessible print materials to support students who are blind or visually impaired and ensure access to learning.

• Braille transcription by a certified Braillist
• Large print & dual-format materials (Braille + print)
• Accessible digital files with audio/visual supports

All materials are customized to meet student needs. Learn more on our website!

Now is the Time! Get Your Paraeducator Certification This Summer!

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get your Paraeducator Generalist Certification, this summer is your opportunity. You must complete three core courses to apply for your certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Course I: Foundations
Choose one of the following sessions:

May 19
Register at this link

OR

June 2
Register at this link

Fee: $120


Course II: Instructional Support
Choose one of the following sessions:

June 30
Register at this link
Fee: $120

OR

July 7
Register at this link
Fee: $132


Course III: Behavioral Support
Choose one of the following sessions:

Aug 4
Register at this link

OR

Aug 11
Register at this link
$132

Quick Requirements:

• Must be 18+ with a HS diploma/GED
• Must be employed by or subbing in an Iowa district (or have an Iowa teacher/admin mentor)
• Must have computer/internet access

Need Evaluator Approval? We’ve Got the Tools You Need!

Attention school administrators! You need evaluator approval? We've got your options! Designed specifically for education leaders, these sessions provide the tools and frameworks needed to support educator growth and ensure high-quality instruction in every classroom.

Join Your Colleagues in 2026-27 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 on statewide learning network opportunities is available in this document.

WATCH: District-Level Collaboration in Action

What does impactful district-level collaboration look like? Check out this video shared at the Heartland AEA Superintendent Network meeting by Chief Administrator Dr. Cindy Yelick. It highlights the many examples of collaboration happening between Heartland AEA and our partner districts to improve student outcomes. Interested in leveraging these supports for your own school improvement goals? Contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director or your District Account Manager, Amy Wichman, Crista Carlile or Susie Meade to start the conversation.

2026-27 TAG Professional Learning Opportunities

The best professional development isn't just about the content, it's about the people you meet and collaborate with! Register for a class at one of these AEA locations to learn alongside other TAG teachers while you incorporate recent legislative updates and get new ideas for curriculum. Options include Ottumwa, Cedar Falls, Johnston, and virtually. Click here to check out all the spring and fall opportunities!

Need your TAG program evaluated?
Or you'd like some professional learning or implementation support related to gifted students? Reach out to Iowa's AEAs to schedule TAG consultant support! Here's what to do:

1. Speak with your building principal or central office administrator about your needs.
2. Ask them to follow the process to request services from your resident AEA (this form can be completed by administrators with the authority to allocate funds).
3. We'll be in touch from there to get calendars lined up!

May 5 Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting Reminder

The May 5 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. Updates with educational partners will be held via Zoom beginning at 10:30 a.m. Look for an agenda soon!

Not Only a Print Shop: We Do Folders, Vinyl, Stickers and More!

Did you know that we can print on more than just paper? Let us help with your special projects. 

We can print:

• Parking tags
• 2-Pocket folders
• Magnets
• Stickers
• Plastic yard signs
• Door hangers
• Vinyl adhesive wall and window graphics
• Vinyl banners and retractable banners

Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or place your order on our website.

Preserve Memories from the School Year

We can print your student memory books or soft cover yearbooks to look back on the 2025-26 school year for years to come. Books are available with coil or saddle stitch (staple) binding.

Order today to save

• We’re offering 15% off student memory books/soft cover yearbooks ordered by May 31, 2026.
• Place your order under Upload File to Print > Memory Books

Before paying for your order:

1. Enter the promo code SAVE15 on the payment screen
2. Click Apply and the discount will appear in green

Explore AEA Digital Resources for 2026-27

Iowa’s AEAs offer 24/7 access to high-quality digital resources like eBooks and streaming videos. Many tools include accessibility features like text translation and closed captioning. Explore the new 2026-27 Digital Resources Bundle to learn more! New resources will be active July 1, 2026.

*Stay informed about our library and digital resources: Heartland AEA Library Connection

Global STEM Opportunity for High Schools

U.S. high school students and educators are invited to participate in the 2026 Global Research & Education Project, an international STEM collaboration led by AESA Global in partnership with KOSAC, South Korea’s national leader in science and technology education. (Heartland AEA is a member of AESA)

Over 6–7 months, student teams will collaborate virtually with peers from around the world to conduct research on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal topics, including clean water, climate action, renewable energy, food security, and biodiversity. 

This unique opportunity provides real-world global collaboration experience, connecting students across different countries and academic calendars. An optional Korea exchange experience is available in November 2026. 

Learn more and get involved! 

April 7 HAA Reminder - Zoom Business Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

This is a reminder that the April 7 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 legislative and partnership updates. Calendar invitations with the Zoom link have been sent.

Submit Your 2027 Administrator of the Year Nominations

Do you know a school administrator who is making a real difference? It’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve! Nominations for the 2027 Administrator of the Year Awards are open. These awards aren't just about leadership; they are a celebration of the faculty, students and communities that make Iowa schools great. Nominations are accepted in eight categories, including:

• Elementary, Middle & High School Principals
• Assistant Principals
• Central Office & AEA Leaders
• Arts Administrators
• Superintendents

Nominate today at the SAI website. Nominations close April 5.

Celebrate the Class of 2026 with Our Graduation Materials

We can print or design items for your graduates:

• Graduation programs and tickets
• Senior banners and yard signs
• Custom class posters, bookmarks, stickers and more!

Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org to discuss your project or place your order on our website.

2026-27 Student Planners Now Available

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school! Planners can help students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects.

Planners have a clear plastic front and back cover, coil binding and contain planner pages, note pages and numerous reference and resource pages from which to choose (see Planner Guide). Optional pages can be added for an additional fee (student handbook, activities calendars, etc.).

Pricing
5.5″ x 8.5″ – $3.50 per planner
8.5″ x 11″ – $6.00 per planner

Limited Time Discount
We're offering 10% off student planners ordered by May 31, 2026. Enter the promo code PLANNER10 on the payment screen before 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 planner order needs to be billed after July 1.

Orders submitted by May 31 are guaranteed to be completed by the first day of school. We will do our best to complete orders received past the noted deadline as close to your school start date as possible.

Check Out Upcoming Evaluator Approval Courses at Heartland AEA

All courses will be held at Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, in Johnston

Cognitive Coaching Part 1 (Graduate Level, LR)
June 8, 9, 22, 23
Registration link
Session #56265

Fierce Conversations (LR - 2 credits)
June 10, 11, 17, 26
Registration link
Session #56475

Cognitive Coaching Part 2 (Graduate Level, LR)
June 10, 11, 24, 25
Registration link
Session #56266

Leading with Intelligence: Leveraging AI for Evaluator Effectiveness and Data-Driven Feedback (Evaluator Approval, LR)
June 18, 24
Registration link
Session #56364

Implementation Science for Educational leaders (Evaluator Approval, LR)
June 25, July 23, 24
Registration link
Session #56349

Implementation Science for Educational Leaders (Evaluator Approval, Graduate Credit)
June 25, July 23, 24
Registration link
Session #56362

Six Shifts for Success: Improving Special Education and Other Intervention Outcomes: A Leadership Course in Systems Thinking (LR)
July 14, 28
Registration link
Session #56412

Cognitive Coaching Part 1 (Graduate Level, LR)
Sept. 15, 24, Nov. 10, 19
Registration link
Session #56423

Mark Your Calendar for 2026-27 Curriculum Network Meetings

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets on the first Friday of the month, September-May in the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. A virtual attendance option is available. Statewide updates are scheduled 8:30 - 10:30. Heartland AEA’s meeting begins 10 minutes after the statewide updates conclude and ends by noon. Meeting dates for the 2026-27 academic year are:

• Sept. 4, 2026
• Oct. 2, 2026
• Nov. 6, 2026
• Dec. 4, 2026
• Jan. 7, 2027
• Feb. 5, 2027
• March 5, 2027
• April 2, 2027
• May 7, 2027

April 7 HAA Reminder - Zoom Business Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

This is a reminder that the April 7 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 legislative and partnership updates. Calendar invitations with the Zoom link have been sent.

2026-27 Student Planners Now Available

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school! Planners can help students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects.

Planners have a clear plastic front and back cover, coil binding and contain planner pages, note pages and numerous reference and resource pages from which to choose (see Planner Guide). Optional pages can be added for an additional fee (student handbook, activities calendars, etc.).

Pricing

• 5.5″ x 8.5″ – $3.50 per planner
• 8.5″ x 11″ – $6.00 per planner

Limited Time Discount
We're offering 10% off student planners ordered by May 31, 2026. Enter the promo code PLANNER10 on the payment screen before 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 planner order needs to be billed after July 1.

Orders submitted by May 31 are guaranteed to be completed by the first day of school. We will do our best to complete orders received past the noted deadline as close to your school start date as possible.

Preserve Memories from the School Year with Memory Books or Yearbooks

We can print your student memory books or soft cover yearbooks to look back on the 2025-26 school year for years to come. Books are available with coil or saddle stitch (staple) binding.

Order today to save
We’re offering 15% off student memory books/soft cover yearbooks ordered by May 31, 2026.

• Place your order under Upload File to Print > Memory Books.
• Before paying for your order:

Enter the promo code SAVE15 on the payment screen underneath your order total.

Click Apply and the discount will appear in green.

New Session Added to Our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Schedule

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 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.

Thank You for Valuing Our Professional Service Providers

We are grateful for the continued partnership and trust the schools place in our Professional Service Providers (PSPs). Your commitment to high-quality professional learning and system improvement has resulted in increased demand for support, particularly in literacy and school improvement.

Because of that demand, we are expanding our capacity in both areas for the 2026–27 school year.

When districts intentionally engage Professional Service Providers, the impact reaches beyond professional learning; it directly influences classroom practice, teacher confidence and ultimately student achievement. By providing job-embedded coaching, collaborative planning support and systems-level guidance, PSPs help ensure that evidence-based strategies move from training sessions into daily instruction.

If you have not yet submitted your service needs for 2026–27, now is the time to do so through our Request AEA Services. Early planning allows us to align staffing, ensure continuity of support and respond to district priorities with intention.

Schools are leveraging Professional Service Providers in a variety of ways, such as:

• Supporting implementation of evidence-based literacy practices aligned to the science of reading
• Coaching teachers and instructional leaders on high-impact instructional strategies
• Facilitating data analysis cycles to drive instructional decision-making and improve student outcomes
• Guiding school improvement planning and continuous improvement processes
• Providing embedded professional development within PLCs and leadership meetings
• Supporting MTSS design and implementation
• Assisting with curriculum review, selection and alignment
• Partnering with teachers to implement effective behavior supports and classroom management systems
• Supporting the integration of academic and behavior frameworks to strengthen Tier 1 instruction
• Building internal leadership capacity to sustain improvement efforts over time

We look forward to partnering with you as you plan for 2026–27 and continuing the strong collaborative work already underway. 

Expanding IT & Student Information System Support for Districts

We are excited to share that we are expanding our IT and Student Information System (SIS) support services for the upcoming year. This includes enhanced support for districts utilizing PowerSchool and Infinite Campus.

As technology systems grow more complex and reporting requirements continue to evolve, reliable SIS and IT expertise is essential. Our services are designed to provide districts with flexible, responsive and cost-effective support, especially for districts that do not require or cannot sustain a full-time IT or SIS position.

A Smart Budget Strategy
For many districts, hiring a full-time technology or SIS specialist is not financially feasible or necessary year-round. Our model allows districts to:

• Purchase only the level of support needed
• Scale services up or down based on the time of year (enrollment, reporting windows, scheduling, state submissions, etc.)
• Avoid the cost of full-time salary and benefits when part-time expertise is sufficient
• Access a team of specialists rather than relying on a single individual

This shared-services approach provides both fiscal efficiency and access to broader expertise.

How We Can Support Your District
Our IT and SIS support can include:

• PowerSchool and Infinite Campus configuration and optimization
• State reporting and compliance submissions
• Scheduling setup and troubleshooting
• Data validation and accuracy checks
• User management and security configuration
• Staff training and onboarding
• Custom reporting and data support for decision-making
• Backup coverage during staffing transitions or leaves

By partnering with us, districts gain dependable technical expertise while preserving local resources for other priorities.

If you are planning for the 2026–27 school year and evaluating your technology or SIS support needs, now is a great time to connect. We would be happy to design a support model that fits your district’s size, staffing structure and budget.

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