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.