Elementary Substitute Authorization Renewal Class Available

As was announced by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, substitute authorization holders can now teach at the elementary level as well as the secondary level. It is encouraged that authorization holders take a renewal course geared to help better prepare them to substitute in the elementary setting. A renewal course is being offered in February. Please pass this information on to interested candidates.

Substitute Authorization Renewal: Teaching in the Elementary Classroom
Dates: Feb. 20 & 21, 2015 
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston REC
Activity Number: SU000592111501

PD Opportunity for High School Math Teachers

High school math teachers are encouraged to participate in an exciting professional development program, Statistics and Probability, Content and Pedagogy for Secondary Teachers.

There are no prerequisite skills needed for participation.  The professional development is designed for teachers who have not taught statistics and probability on regular basis. AP statistics teachers are welcomed to attend, but the focus is on the general high school teacher who has algebra, geometry and general mathematics courses.

Statistics and Probability, Content and Pedagogy for Secondary Teachers
Dates: June 15-18 and 22-25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Other meeting days are
August 3 – 6 on Drake University’s campus during the mornings only from 8:30 a.m. to noon.)
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston REC
Activity Number: MA006092111601

Note: The website says that 100% participation is required, but we will be able to accommodate teachers who need to miss a day or leave early on one or two days.

Teachers who participate receive the following benefits:

• $120 stipend per day of the program.  In all, teachers are paid 15 days.
• 8 contact days in June
• 2 days in July working in PLCs and equivalent of 2 contact days August
• 4 additional fall and winter stipend days occur throughout the academic year for teaching two lesson plans, participating in three virtual PLC meetings, and meeting one day in the spring
• Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals and lodging for the summer workshop days held in the Des Moines area.
• Drake graduate mathematics credit for participating at a discounted rate of approximately $300 for 3 credit hours, which counts toward dual accreditation (Note: Other enrollment options are relicensure credit and audit. Regardless of the enrollment choice, all teachers experience the same opportunities to learn and fulfill the same course requirements.)
• A number of books, software materials and other resources to bring back to the classroom and share with colleagues in their schools including access to the lesson plans needed to implement statistics and probability in alignment with the Iowa Core.

If you have questions about the course, please feel free to contact Julie Hukee, jhukee@heartlandaea.org, Maryann Huey, maryann.huey@drake.edu, or Wendy Weber, weberw@central.edu.

New Social Studies Course Available

Secondary social studies teachers may be interested in our new course, Building Literacy in Social Studies (Year 1). Participants will learn about the ELA Literacy Standards for History/Social Studies within the Iowa Core.  In addition, time will be spent on an overview of the six instructional shifts needed to fully implement the Iowa Core.  A more in-depth analysis of two of the instructional shifts- disciplinary literacy and the use of informational text will also be a central part of the professional development. Social studies best practices and examples will be used throughout the two days.

Building Literacy in Social Studies (Year 1)
Dates: June 8 & 9, 2015
Location: Zion Lutheran Church (4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines)
Activity Number: SS004599991601

Chapter 62 and Special Education: Connections and Considerations

Please join us for conversations about Chapter 62 Early Literacy Implementation legislation and the connections and considerations specific to Special Education.
Target Audience: Elementary Special Education Directors, Student Services Coordinators, Special Education teachers, etc. AEA staff members are invited to attend to enhance understanding and support teacher/district partners.

Topic: Special Education and Chapter 62: Connections and Considerations for individual students and system decisions. The session will provide an overview of Chapter 62 legislation, discussion of the intersection of Chapter 62 and special education, considerations for goal setting and progress monitoring, and data based decisions for intensifying instruction.

Learn more and register.

Resource Fair to Promote Family/Community Partnerships

Central Iowa families, educators, community and agency staff and others who support children with special needs are cordially invited to attend our annual Diverse Learners Resource Fair! The Resource Fair is a FREE event that focuses on linking families of children and youth with special needs to valuable community and agency resources. The fair is hosted by Heartland Area Education Agency’s Parent & Educator Connection. Please pass on the flyer to any teacher, parent or student who may be interested in attending.

Diverse Learners Resource Fair
Date: Feb. 21, 2015
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston REC