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!