Our Mission 

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

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students 
• Decrease the gap in achievement 
• Increase annual graduation rates 
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

Heartland AEA COVID-19 Dashboard for the Week Ending Oct. 9, 2020

We will provide you with COVID-19 case and quarantine data each Monday in The Connection. The numbers will fluctuate on a weekly basis, and our report will show what is current as of the previous Friday. If you have any questions, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources.  

Thank you for your continued cooperation and flexibility as we work together to support children, students, families, educators and each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Flu Shot Facts: Remember an In-network Pharmacy is a Great Place to Get a Flu Shot

Did you get a flu shot last year? If you did — way to go on taking preventive measures to stay healthy! If you didn’t get your flu shot and managed to avoid feeling under the weather — buy a lottery ticket. In all seriousness, don’t play the game of chance when it comes to your health. 

Here at Heartland AEA, we want you to bring your healthiest, most confident self to work every day. And, let’s face it, you can’t do that when you’ve got a case of the flu. Check out these five reasons why you need to get the flu shot — and don’t forget to get it done before the end of October! It's easy to visit an in-network pharmacy and stick out your arm!

Be a Flu Fighter Flyer 

If you have questions on where to receive a flu shot or other benefit-related questions, reach out to Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist.

Oct. 2020 Heartland AEA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda is Available

The agenda for the Oct. 13, 2020 Board of Directors meeting is available.

Updates on the Teacher Quality Front; Registration Began Last Friday

A few changes have been made to Teacher Quality (TQ) offerings since our initial communication:  

• The participant stipend has increased $25 to $725, and study group facilitators will now be paid $775.  
• Study group facilitators can now earn license renewal credit when they facilitate a TQ study group. This change does not apply to district-based study groups.  

Read more…

Online UNI Leadership Camp Opportunity Available for Evaluator Renewal

The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a Leading and Learning with Character grant from the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, they are offering Leadership Camps (approved for evaluator renewal) for principals, superintendents and other school leaders. They are currently offering an online Leadership Camp option Nov. 9 - Dec. 10, 2020 with self-paced modules.  

Details

What: The Leadership Camp is an opportunity to engage in reflection around the Iowa Standards for School Leadership, earn a reduced-cost Evaluator Approval Renewal credit ($75 reduced from $509), enjoy a meaningful, professional development experience hosted by UNI Educational Leadership faculty through online modules and have the opportunity to participate in a research project as part of a grant funded by the Kern Family Foundation. 

When: Nov. 9 – Dec. 10, 2020 (15 self-paced modules and resources with one month to complete the work.) 

Contact: Email Denise Schares if you would like to join one of the Leadership Camps.

Strawhacker is Agency-wide Nurse Consultant; Contact Your RD with 504 Concerns

We want to make you aware of changes to MaryAnn Strawhacker’s role within the Agency for the 2020-21 year. MaryAnn is assuming the role of agency-wide nurse consultant and will continue working with Heartland AEA staff and district nursing staff to train, support and problem solve concerns regarding evaluation and health services for students receiving special education services. 

Given that MaryAnn will be the Agency’s sole nurse consultant, she will no longer be the direct contact for 504 concerns. If 504 concerns arise, reach out to your regional director for next steps. MaryAnn will continue sharing information regarding health services for all staff through her School Nurse newsletter.