Educational leaders are invited to participate in Six Shifts for Success: Improving Special Education and Other Intervention Outcomes — A Leadership Course in Systems Thinking and Action. This in-person, two-day professional development opportunity will help district and school leaders strengthen student support systems using the evidence-based Six Shifts framework developed by Nathan Levenson (2020).
Who Should Attend
District and school leaders, administrators, special education directors, intervention coordinators, MTSS teams and teacher leaders.
Benefits for Participants
Attendees will leave with concrete tools to assess systems, identify challenges and implement changes that improve results for students with disabilities and those receiving interventions. The collaborative nature of this professional development fosters idea-sharing and problem-solving among leaders facing similar challenges.
Details
Sept. 29 and Oct. 30, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Registration
Registration Link
Cost: $150 participant fee; $200 for license renewal credit (1 credit)
Registration Deadline: Sept. 28, 2025
This is an evaluator approval licensure renewal option for administrators.
Contact
Angela Dvorak
advorak@heartlandaea.org
Misty Christensen
mchristensen@heartlandaea.org
When a school experiences the death of a student or staff member, the ripple effects can be profound. A structured postvention response helps stabilize the community, reduce the risk of further trauma and support mental health. This isn’t just about coping — it’s also about preventing additional crises by addressing the needs of ALL affected individuals. This is accomplished through a well-planned systematic response with organization strategies to promote calm and reduce chaos in the midst of tragedy. Heartland AEA’s Critical Incident Response Services can help stabilize your school community, support mental health and prevent further trauma.
Why sign up now?
It’s much more affordable to enroll your district in our service than to pay for individual providers during a crisis. You’ll have immediate access to expert support, proven strategies and peace of mind—all at a predictable, lower cost.
Take action today
Request Critical Incident Response Services
The deadline to request CI Response Services at the discounted price is August 25, 2025.
Questions?
Contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support Services
EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit (formerly known as the Iowa BEST Summit) is a premier professional learning event dedicated to fostering well-being and mental health within educational communities. Participants will gain practical strategies, insights from cutting-edge research and access to innovative solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. EmpowerED Minds is where K-12 educators, school leaders and school mental health providers from across the country come to shape the future of school wellness through collaboration, innovation and inspiration.
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2025
Registration
