All Iowa School Districts Applied to Join Teacher Leadership and Compensation System

Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that all 336 Iowa school districts have applied to join the state’s Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, the most comprehensive teacher leadership system in the nation. This targeted effort to tap into the expertise of top teachers to better support the more demanding work that teachers are expected to do and to raise student achievement is the centerpiece of the landmark education reform package adopted by the Legislature and signed by Branstad in 2013.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Education website.

Our Mission

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

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students

• Decrease the gap in achievement

• Increase annual graduation rates

• Increase gateways to post-secondary success 

Educators Brennan & Kinley Elected to Heartland AEA Board

We welcome Elizabeth (Liz) Brennan of West Des Moines and John Kinley of Ames, who have been elected to the Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) Board of Directors!

Liz Brennan

• Fills Director District 9 position previously held by Jane Bell, who retired from the Board after 19 years of service
• Represents Des Moines, Martensdale-St. Marys, Norwalk and West Des Moines school districts
• Member of the West Des Moines Schools’ Board of Education and has served in many volunteer positions throughout the West Des Moines district

John Kinley

• Fills the Director District 5 position previously held by Cal Halliburton, who retired from the Board after six years of service
• Represents Ames, Ballard, Colo-Nesco, Gilbert, Nevada, Roland-Story and United school districts
• Educator for 40 years, beginning as a high school social studies teacher and then spending 15 years as a middle school principal.

“We’re delighted to have Liz and John join our board,” Paula Vincent, Heartland AEA Chief Administrator, said. “We are excited to have Liz and John collaborate with us and are confident their experience in the classroom, at the leadership table and with other community organizations will be a great benefit to our work.”

Visit the Heartland AEA website to read more about the new board members.