Welcome to a New School Year!

As the doors open to a fresh academic year, we want to extend a warm welcome to all of the superintendents, principals and educational leaders in the Heartland AEA service area. Through our Administrator Connection, our goal remains simple: to serve as a source of practical insights and resources to support you. Wishing you a smooth and successful start to the year!

Sept. 1 Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting Reminder

The first Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting of the 2026-27 school year will be held on Sept. 1. The agenda will feature guest speakers: 

1. McKenzie Snow, Director of the Iowa Department of Education 
2. Lori Suddick, Ed.D., President of Des Moines Area Community College 

Superintendents will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the implementation of laws from the 2026 legislative session. Our SAI partners Brad Buck, Matt Carver and Dave Daughton will join us to help facilitate the discussions and field questions. Please add questions here by Aug. 28.

The meeting will be held in person at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, in Conference Rooms 107A/B, starting at 9:00 a.m.

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:

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

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

Gear Up for the New School Year with the AEA Library Connection Newsletter

It's almost time for back-to-school, so it's time for a new Heartland AEA Library Connection newsletter! Read more about:

• Our library staff
• Our AEA digital resources bundle
• Our library offerings such as theme orders and book rotation
• Our Teacher Librarian Network Day coming on Sept. 22!

Iowa’s AEAs Take Updated Approach to Professional Learning

Iowa’s AEAs are continuing to strengthen and streamline how we deliver professional learning across the state. These changes are part of a broader effort to make our professional learning experiences more cohesive as an AEA system and easier for educators to navigate. We appreciate your flexibility and professionalism as we transition to this new model.

New Statewide Professional Learning Platform
All AEAs will continue offering professional learning in every modality (in person, in‑district, virtual, blended and online), but the way staff and educators access these offerings will change. Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, course registration, setup and attendance tracking will move into one statewide location: an updated AEA Learning Online platform.

Each AEA will sunset its current professional learning registration system and shift all professional learning registration to a refreshed version of the existing AEA Learning Online platform. This one‑stop environment will ensure educators have a single transcript for all AEA professional learning and a more intuitive experience when searching for and registering for courses.

New Statewide Professional Learning Team
As part of our systemwide effort to work more cohesively, several responsibilities related to professional learning that were previously managed separately within individual AEAs will now be coordinated centrally through a single statewide professional learning team.

This shift is designed to maintain the same high‑quality learning experiences educators rely on while improving consistency, reducing repeated work across AEAs and ensuring a more unified statewide system.

AEA Professional Learning Networks Return for 2026-27

Iowa’s AEAs are pleased to provide opportunities for educators to increase their knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources through its AEA Learning Networks. Educators can engage in these learning opportunities with other educators, not only from their area, but from across the state. There is no cost to attend these opportunities! We’re confident these networks will lead to increased learning, collegiality and connection to AEA resources.

• Curriculum Directors
• English Learners
• Instructional Technology
• School Counselors
• SEBH MTSS/PBIS
• Talented & Gifted/Extended Learning
• Teacher Librarians
• Technology Directors

Check Iowa’s AEAs Learning Networks 2026-27 for dates, times, facilitator names, Zoom links and/or meeting locations.

Building a Proactive Foundation for Safe, Supportive Learning Environments

AEAs Can Address Your Response to Iowa’s New Student Behavior & Classroom Removal Law

As districts work through the development and implementation of procedures in response to Iowa’s new student behavior and classroom removal law, we wanted to remind you that Heartland AEA can partner with you to support you and your staff.

We know that the most effective approach to student behavior is proactive and sustainable—building the systems, instructional practices, and staff capacity that create positive learning environments, prevent behaviors from escalating, and reduce the need for classroom removals.

Linked here is a brief overview of supports available to help districts strengthen their approach to student behavior. Training is only the beginning. We can work alongside your district to connect behavior supports to teaching and learning, strengthen classroom practices, and build sustainable systems that support both students and educators.

If you have questions or would like to explore what might be most helpful for your district, please reach out to your Heartland AEA Regional Director or Susie Meade, Heartland AEA Chief Academic Officer. We would welcome the opportunity to partner with you.

We will talk a bit more about this at our first 2026-27 Curriculum Network Meeting on Sept. 4 at 8:30 a.m. Here’s to a great start to the school year!

GT Service Plan Workshop, Coming in September

Wondering about recent legislation and its impact on your TAG program? Bring a teammate to this workshop that guides school teams through the essential components required for fall submission of the Gifted and Talented Plan in the Consolidated Accountability and Support Application (CASA).

Together, we will translate best practices and recent legislative changes into your school’s context. We’ll address required TAG program components like program goals and performance measures, identification procedures that use multiple criteria, both objective and subjective; and acceleration policies. By the end of the day, your team will be equipped to submit a high-quality program plan and will leave with aligned handbook materials ready to better serve your gifted students.

2504 Sep. 10 in Ottumwa
2563 Sep. 21 in Johnston
2566 Sep. 24 in Cedar Falls

New Tool to Help Your District Meet Digital Accessibility Standards

Iowa’s AEAs are partnering with a company called Grackle Docs to help school districts make their digital materials accessible to everyone. This partnership is designed to help your district meet new Department of Justice digital accessibility rules. Grackle's tools integrate with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office to scan documents, spreadsheets and slideshows for accessibility issues and help you fix them fast. Through this AEA partnership, districts are not required to purchase a full software package. You can select and purchase only the specific products that align with your current infrastructure and digital compliance goals. Please review the attached flyer for more details and complete this form if you would like to join the AEA Consortium Pricing for Grackle.

Join us for a District Communication Masterclass with Eileen Wixted

June 17 & 18 | Deliver the Right Message, to the Right Audience, at the Right Time

Join nationally recognized strategic communications expert Eileen Wixted for a hands-on, district leadership training. Bring your communications and admin teams and learn how to develop your district’s:

• communications plan
• targeted messaging
• proactive communications system
• leadership alignment

Instructor
Eileen Wixted, President of Wixted & Co., in West Des Moines, brings over three decades of high-stakes communications experience, advising leaders with expert counsel, media support, training and drills.

Who should attend: Superintendents and district communications or administrative teams

Training Details
June 17 from 1 - 4 p.m. and June 18 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Grant Wood AEA, 4401 Sixth Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Plus! Quarterly Learning Touchpoints (8:30 -10:00 a.m. via zoom)

• Sept. 2, 2026
• Nov. 4, 2026
• Feb. 3, 2027
• April 7, 2027

Registration
Seats are limited! Register by June 16
Registration link
Cost: $100 per person

Heartland AEA Administrator Connection is Going on Summer Break

As the school year comes to a close, so does our weekly Administrator Connection. Today is our last planned weekly update until August. We’ll communicate any important information via email during the summer.

Remember, you can always stay up to date this summer with Heartland AEA and statewide AEA happenings on our social media! Be sure to follow, like and share the following sites to stay updated with the latest news and information. Wishing you a memorable and relaxing summer!

Facebook

Instagram

X

YouTube

School’s Out, Savings are in!

Kick off the summer season by stocking up on all your printing, graphics, posters, instructional materials, and more! Whether you are preparing for next school year or grabbing summer learning materials, now is the perfect time to shop and save.

Get 10% OFF on orders through the month of June! Use Promo Code: SAVE10 at checkout!

Promotion ends June 30, 2026. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

Order Today!

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 order needs to be billed after July 1.

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

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 a.m. Heartland AEA’s meeting begins 10 minutes after the statewide updates conclude and ends by noon. 

2026-27 Meeting Dates

• 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

Bring Heartland AEA Professional Learning Directly to Your District

Interested in hosting Heartland AEA professional development exclusively for your district staff next year? 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.

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

As you continue to make plans for 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.

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