HAA Meeting Update: Feb. 3 Zoom Check-In

This is a reminder that the Feb. 3 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 partnership updates. Calendar invitations with the Zoom link have been sent.

Bring Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life With Custom, District-Branded Design

Work with one of our talented graphic designers to create a professionally designed portrait of a graduate/learner infographic for your district. The designer will work closely with you or your team to make your concept a reality with visuals branded for your district. We can incorporate your infographic into a number of different products, including posters, bookmarks, stickers and more.

Custom graphic design is $40 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 Creative Services Online.

Heartland AEA Now Part of UNI’s Grow Your Own School Psychologist Program

Spread the word to potential school psychologists!

About the Program
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), in partnership with seven of Iowa’s AEAs, is offering a collaborative “grow your own” program that trains new school psychologists to increase access to mental health services in high-need, rural Iowa schools. Participants earn an Ed.S. in school psychology through UNI while continuing to work full-time. Upon graduation, students commit to serving as AEA school psychologists in rural areas, helping address critical local needs.

Two pathways are available:

• Bachelor’s track: For educators currently working in schools (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.); Ed.S. in 4 years
• Master’s track: For professionals in education and related fields; Ed.S. in 3 years
• Two cohorts of ~12 students each (Cohort 1 begins in June 2026, Cohort 2 begins in Summer 2027)

Why It Matters
Iowa faces a critical shortage of school psychologists. While NASP recommends 1 psychologist per 500 students, current ratios in Iowa range from 1:1,657 to 1:7,857, limiting student access to mental health supports.

Program Benefits
Financial support: books provided each semester, travel costs covered for instructional sessions, 90% of tuition and fees covered through grants, internship licensure and national exam fees paid

• Part-time study while working full-time
• Strong professional engagement

Service Commitment

• Graduates commit to 3 years of service in their AEA after completion
• Early departure may require repayment of some program costs

Learn More!
Jan. 26, 2026 | 3:30–4:30 PM, Zoom link, Passcode: 724638
Jan. 27, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM, Zoom link, Passcode: 249336