Iowa’s AEAs Partner with Yondr to Support School Cell Phone Policies

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) have partnered with Yondr, a company known for its lockable cell phone pouches, to help schools address the challenges of student cell phone use. Through this collaboration, Iowa schools can now access discounted Yondr solutions to support the implementation of effective phone-free policies.

More information and to get started

• The recent webinar recording (30 minutes) is available for administrators and tech directors interested in learning more about implementation, logistics and best practices.
• This one pager also provides an overview of the opportunity.
• For any questions or to request a quote, complete the Yondr Interest Form.

Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

  

Don’t Miss Out! Order 2025-26 Student Planners & 2024-25 Memory Books!

Districts and schools—have you placed your orders yet for student planners and memory books? Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of high-quality, affordable options from Heartland AEA's Creative Services!

Student Planners
Student planners are a great way to help learners stay organized, engaged, and informed about school events, assignments and activities.

BONUS: Save 10% on planner orders placed by May 31!
Use promo code PLANNER10 at checkout.

Orders placed by May 16 are guaranteed to be ready by the first day of school.
Place your order now at: Heartland AEA Creative Services 

Memory Books & Soft Cover Yearbooks
Capture and commemorate the 2024–25 school year with customized memory books or soft cover yearbooks. Options include coil or saddle stitch binding for a polished finish students will treasure for years.

Order by May 31 and receive 15% off!
Use promo code SAVE15 at checkout.

Order
Place your order in Creative Services Online under Upload File to Print > Memory Books: https://bit.ly/4jcEion

Phone-Free Classroom Posters and Student Pledge Cards Now Available

Help remind students that keeping their phones off will help them focus on learning! Our new poster and student pledge cards are perfect for classrooms, hallways or shared spaces. Order your posters and pledge cards from Heartland AEA Creative Services today!

Book Study Courses on the Science of Reading Coming in June!

Shifting the Balance (K-2): 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy

This course will deepen participants’ understanding of the Science of Reading and how to bring research and evidence-based instructional practices into the K-2 classroom. Participants will plan for the implementation of high-impact instructional strategies in the classroom.

June 4-30, 2025, two Zoom sessions
https://bit.ly/3EBUVev

Shifting the Balance (𝟯-𝟱): 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom

This course will deepen participants’ understanding of the Science of Reading and how to bring research and evidence-based instructional practices into the 3-5 classroom. Participants will implement high-impact instructional strategies in the classroom.

June 5-30, 2025, two Zoom sessions
https://bit.ly/3RXJOj8

Take your coaching skills to the next level with Cognitive Coaching® Level 2!

This 4-day advanced training builds on the foundational tools of Level 1, equipping educators with deeper strategies to support reflection, growth and self-directed learning. Perfect for instructional leaders, mentors and coaches who want to enhance their impact through meaningful conversations and stronger professional relationships.

June 12-13 & June 23-24, 2025
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Registration
Registration link

You must have taken Level 1 training to participate in Level 2.

Instructor
Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant

Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

  

May 6 HAA Meeting Reminder

The May 6 HAA meeting will be held in person from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a zoom option for a legislative update with Dave Daughton, government relations director with SAI, and other educational partnership updates.

Agenda topics will include:

• 504 Services
• Program Enhancement Services for a Fee
• Contract for State Funds Transfer between AEAs and LEAs for Spec. Ed. Funding
• 2025-26 Billing and Invoicing
• Partnership updates

Phone-Free Classroom Posters and Student Pledge Cards Now Available

Help remind students that keeping their phones off will help them focus on learning! Our new poster and student pledge cards are perfect for classrooms, hallways or shared spaces. Order your posters and pledge cards from Heartland AEA Creative Services today!

Supporting Your Math Counts Journey — Together with Heartland AEA

Heartland AEA math consultants can assist in the implementation of House File 784, also known as the “Math Counts” bill (pending legislation). We will collaborate with you to support screening, data analysis and intervention planning, ensuring students are placed in the appropriate Tier 2 or Tier 3 support. Let’s connect and explore the opportunities for Math Counts Intervention Implementation Support from Heartland AEA.

Contact
Crista Carlile
Service for Fee Team Leader
(515) 310-1566
ccarlile@heartlandaea.org

PD Opportunity: Bring the Science of Reading into Balanced Literacy Classrooms (K–2, Grades 3-5)

Help your K–5 educators strengthen their instructional practices with two targeted professional learning courses via Zoom focused on integrating the Science of Reading into balanced literacy classrooms. Based on the book, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Classroom, these sessions are designed to clarify misconceptions, close instructional gaps and prioritize meaningful experiences with text for young learners.

Shifting the Balance (Grades K–2)
This course will deepen participants’ understanding of the Science of Reading and how to bring research and evidenced-based instructional practices into the classroom. Participants will plan for the implementation of high impact instructional strategies in the classroom. The text will help educators pinpoint gaps and overlaps, as well as offer direction and clarification for integrating science and balance into daily instruction, while keeping meaningful experiences with text a priority.

Zoom Sessions: June 4 & 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Register for K–2 Course


Shifting the Balance (Grades 3–5)
This course will deepen participants’ understanding of the Science of Reading and how to bring research and evidenced-based instructional practices into the classroom. Participants will implement high-impact instructional strategies in the classroom. The text will help educators identify misconceptions and missed opportunities of past practices and offer direction and clarification for integrating science and research into daily instruction, while keeping meaningful experiences with a text a priority.

Zoom Sessions: June 5 & 26, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Register for Grades 3–5 Course


Encourage your staff to take advantage of these timely learning opportunities to strengthen literacy outcomes across grade levels.