What would you like to see offered for renewal courses?

Heartland is seeking your help. What courses would you like to see offered during the Summer or Fall, please leave your suggestions or feedback in the Post a Comment section below.

Beyond the Textbook: Using Primary Sources to Support Core Content

Participants will meet and learn how to use primary documents from the State Historical Museum as well as incorporating learning from community resources such as a local cemetery. Participants will develop a unit of instruction that aligns with the common core and incorporates primary source documents and technology into the required student work.

On the first day, class participants will be taking part in a walking tour of the East Village area of Des Moines. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and consider having water to make sure your comfort needs are taken care of during this learning activity.  Day 2 will begin at the Woodland Cemetery. Be prepared to walk on uneven ground and again have water as needed. We will take an official class break at the conclusion of this morning learning segment during which time class participants will have ample time to drive back to the State Historical Museum where we will be for the remainder of the day.

The registration fee includes the book "Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts, Charting the Future of Teaching the Past" by Sam Wineburg.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Top Technology Integration Resources

Integrate technology with ease!! I'll share with you my favorite, tried and true websites that are so easy to integrate into your curriculum; you'll be using these tech tools everyday! WeÕll look at and practice using web resources like symbaloo, voicethread, animoto, prezi, pixlr, livebinders, pureview and many more!

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Promethean Board/ActiveExpressions - Lessons Made Easy

In this course, you will learn how to create simple flipchart templates for your Promethean board that you can use over and over again in different lessons. We will review the tools and features of the ActivInspire software. Finally, we will explore the ActivExpressions student answering systems. We will register the devices and explore the three ways to create quizzes. Bring some content lessons with you and we'll integrate technology into your curriculum with ease!

 Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Content Area Writing: Every Teacher's Guide

Writing can be a powerful and enjoyable tool for teaching content in all subject areas. This course will focus on learning and applying writing activities and strategies from the book "Content Area Writing: Every Teacher's Guide." Participants will have the opportunity to discuss great ways to use writing as a vehicle to teach the subject areas in a meaningful and fun way! Content will be easily and immediately usable in each teacher's classroom and subject matter.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

The Magic of Teaching Creatively

Have you ever wondered why many children are so much more creative than adults?  What happens to us when we become grown-ups?  How can you become a more creative teacher? In this class, you will participate in activities to increase your own creativity, explore how adding creative activities in the classroom are brain-friendly for your students and leave with a bag full of ideas.  Participants will explore and partake in the following activities:

1. Puppetry
2. Drama and Clowning
3. Music including song writing
4. Dance and Movement Activities
5. Creative Writing and Journaling
6. Storytelling
7. Magic and Illusions
8. Technology
9. Humor in the classroom
10. Clowning Basics

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Get Moving, Get Learning: Tips and Techiques for Action-Based Learning

In the course, we will discuss and learn about the importance of movement, nutrition and music on brain development in children. In addition, many activities and resources will be shared that utilize movement, music, humor and creativity to enhance reading, writing, math, science, social skills and more. Come ready to participate.

Please click here for more information or to register for the June 13-14 course.
Please click here for more information or to register for the July 8-9 course.

Apps for Special Needs

Learn to select, adapt, customize and implement apps for reading, written language, math, social stories and augmentative/alternative communication into educational programs for students with special needs. A feature match approach will be emphasized, to maximize student outcomes and iPad resources. iPads and apps essential for the course will be available.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Writing and Literacy Support with Clicker 6

Support struggling readers and writers through computer and iPad technology. Learn to use Clicker 6 computer software, Clicker Sentences App and Clicker Docs App to support literacy for students with a wide range of ages and abilities. Clicker 6 provides literacy support through a word processor enhanced with speech, highlight-as-read, images, video, word prediction, painting tools and interactive books. Keyboarding is not required as Clicker 6 incorporates alternative input methods. Clicker Apps support writing through a simple word processor with speech feedback, highlight-as-read, word banks and images. Participants will learn how to create interactive instructional materials using Clicker 6 and Clicker App templates, wizards and on-line resources. Clicker is a tool to increase independent work completion and enable students to access the curriculum. This class is based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which facilitate lesson planning or curricula development to reduce barriers to learning for all students.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

The Explosive Child

This course focuses on the Collaborative Problem Solving approach to working with students who are easily frustrated and chronically inflexible. The course begins with our adult perceptions of why students misbehave and then focuses on those whose challenging behavior can be attributed to their poor development of thinking skills. The course then dives deeper into the Collaborative Problem Solving approach which relies on the adult teaching of those thinking skills that the child lacks. Participants in this course must come with an open mind and the willingness to see these students from a completely different perspective. The registration fee includes the book "The Explosive Child: A new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children" by R. W. Greene.

Please click here for more information or to register for the July 23-24 course.
Please click here for more information or to register for the July 25-26 course.

Technology in Physical Education

Participants will be learning about different types of technology and media to use in his/her physical education class. Areas of focus with technology will be technology in the classroom, technology for assessment, and technology for communication with students and parents. These tools will help to improve current curriculum and make the teachers' time more efficient.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course

Sports Around the World

This class will focus on sports/activities from different countries and cultures around the world. Not only will the participants learn new activities and games to teach, but also learn to teach about the culture and history that makes the game so important.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Substitute Authorization

This 20-hour course is designed to meet the requirements for the Substitute Authorization Program.   Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a baccalaureate degree to substitute in a middle school, junior high school, or high school for no more than five consecutive days in one job assignment.  An individual who holds a paraeducator certificate and completes the Substitute Authorization course will be authorized to substitute ONLY in the special education classroom in which the individual paraeducator is employed for no more than five consecutive days.  This special education classroom may be on the elementary level as well as the middle school, junior high school or high school level.  All participants will be required to complete two hours of classroom observation.  The process will be explained during the class.

The Substitute Authorization may be issued to an individual who:

1. Has successfully completed all the requirements of the approved Substitute Authorization course.
2. Has achieved at least one of the following:
   
   • holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, OR
   • has completed an approved Paraeducator Certification Program and holds a Paraeducator Certificate.
3. Has attained a minimum age of 21 years.
4. Has successfully completed an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check (forms will be provided at class).
5. Has successfully completed a national criminal history background check (forms will be provided at class).  

This course addresses the four components required by the Board of Educational Examiners:

1. Classroom Management - Participants will develop an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior that will enable them to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
2. Strategies for Learning - Participants will develop skills to use a variety of learning strategies that encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
3. Diversity - Participants will develop an understanding of how students differ in their approaches to learning, will be able to create learning opportunities that are equitable and are adaptable to diverse learners, and will develop an understanding of the diversity within the classroom.
4. Ethics - Participants will develop an understanding of how to foster relationships with parents, school colleagues, and organizations in the larger community to support student learning and development and become aware of the Board's Rules of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics.

Successful completion of this course allows you to apply for an Iowa Substitute Authorization.  A Substitute Authorization is not the same as a Substitute License.  Local school districts have the option of hiring individuals with the Substitute Authorization.  It does not guarantee employment.  It is your responsibility to contact districts for which you are interested in subbing.  The application and background check forms will be provided at class.  The application fee is $85 and the background check fee is $52 if you get your fingerprints done electronically at the Board of Educational Examiners' office in Des Moines.  Otherwise, the background check fee is $65 if you get your fingerprinting done at your local police department.

The Substitute Authorization is valid for three years, and it shall expire three years from the date of issuance.  The Substitute Authorization may be renewed upon application, an $85 renewal fee, documentation of completion of the child and dependent adult abuse training (current within five years), and verification of successful completion of coursework totaling two credits (30 clock hours) that have been approved for Substitute Authorization renewal credit.

Please click here for more information regarding the April 4, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the May 16, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the June 20, 2013 course. 
Please click here for more information regarding the July 25, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the August 8, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the September 12, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the September 26, 2013 course. 
Please click here for more information regarding the October 10, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the November 7, 2013 course.
Please click here for more information regarding the December 12, 2013 course. 

Cognitively Guided Instruction Year 2

Cognitively Guided Instruction Year 2 professional development is designed to help students deepen their understanding of the concepts they learned in Cognitively Guided Instruction Year 1 as well as make connection between CGI concepts and their classroom practice. Students will understand how CGI supports the Common Core Standards and the Standards of Practice. Students will be incorporating new learning directly into their classrooms. The registration fee includes the book "Thinking Mathematically."

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Cognitively Guided Instruction Year 1

Teachers will engage in activities to become familiar with the Cognitively Guided Instruction model of teaching elementary mathematics. Through these activities, participants will learn a framework that synthesizes the research on how students develop understanding and procedural ability for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This includes both a range of "problem types" and a developmental progression of typical strategies students develop for solving the different problem types. In addition, teachers will investigate equality and relational thinking and the connection of these two concepts to student success while learning algebra. The registration fee includes the book "Children's Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction."

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Getting Up to Speed with Communication Systems

Participants will develop skills in using a variety of low tech and high tech communication systems. Participants will learn instructional strategies for implementation with individual students. They will be given an opportunity to practice using systems as both an expressive and receptive language tool. Video tapes will be shown to demonstrate use with a wide variety of students.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Getting Started with Standards-Based Assessment and Reporting

This course will explore ways to get your staff or your classroom started with standards-based assessment or reporting. We will delve into the best-practices of SBAR through reading, viewing, and dialogue around the various aspects of grading for learning. Participants will reflect on current practices and create a plan for implementing some aspect of SBAR in their school or classroom. The registration fee includes the cost of the following two books: Fair Isn't Always Equal by Rick Wormeli and How to Grade for Learning K-12 3rd Edition by Ken O'Connor.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Paraeducator Certification: Early Childhood

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the three Paraeducator Generalist Certification courses or completion of Heartland's online paraeducator course leading to the Paraeducator Generalist Certification is a prerequisite to receive a Level II certification.  This class may also be part of a staff development plan for teaching assistants with an Associates degree or two years of college in fields other than early childhood addressing how early childhood expertise is being provided to guide the curriculum. 

Reminder: You must have been issued your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate by the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) prior to completing this course in order to use the credit from this course to renew your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate.
**This course is not appropriate for teachers to take for license renewal.
**Priority will be given to certified paraeducators in Area 11.


This is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: Early Childhood.  Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist, support and maintain the positive social, emotional and behavioral development of early childhood students and special needs early childhood students.  The focus of this course will be on early childhood birth to grade 3 with an emphasis on ages 3-5.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Paraeducator Certification: Special Needs

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the three Paraeducator Generalist Certification courses is a prerequisite to receive a Level II certification.

Reminder: You must have been issued your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate by the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) prior to completing this course in order to use the credit from this course to renew your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate.
**This course is not appropriate for teachers to take for license renewal.
**Priority will be given to certified paraeducators in Area 11.

This is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: Special Needs.  Participants will develop skills and strategies to understand and implement IEP goals and objectives, demonstrate understanding of special instructional strategies for students with various needs, rationale and use of data collection, and assistive technology to meet student needs in a variety of instructional settings.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Paraeducator Certification

Prerequisite:  All applicants for a Paraeducator Certificate must be a minimum of 18 years of age and must provide verification of a high school diploma or graduate equivalent diploma (GED).
**These courses are not appropriate for teachers to take for license renewal.
**These courses would not be appropriate if you successfully completed the online paraeducator program through your district.
NOTE:  Paraeducators currently employed in an Area 11 school district should check with their building principal for other options before signing up for this class.

These classes must be taken in the following order:

Communication, Ethics & Confidentiality
This is Course #1 of the three courses required to receive a Paraeducator Generalist Certificate. Participants will develop skills and strategies to enhance communication and examine situations where professionalism, ethical standards, and confidentiality will guide the correct course of action when working with colleagues, students, parents, and others.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Roles and Responsibilities
This is Course #2 of the three courses required to receive a Paraeducator Generalist Certificate. Participants will develop skills and strategies to assist, support and maintain safe environments, educational activities, team interventions, and technology integration when working with colleagues, students, parents, and others.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Behavior Improvement
This is Course #3 of the three courses required to receive a Paraeducator Generalist Certificate. Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist, support and maintain the positive social, emotional and behavioral development of children.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom

Previously titled "Discipline With Love and Logic."

In the "Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom," teachers will learn powerful skills to help end student arguing and back talk, guide kids to own and solve their own problems, build positive relationships with challenging students, raise test scores, prevent problems, and preserve the teaching and learning environment in the classroom.  This class teaches low stress strategies that will help to build strong schools where teachers have time to teach and students want to learn.  It can  help to put the fun back into teaching!  The registration fee includes a "Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom" workbook.

For more information regarding the April 13 & 20 course, please click here.
For more information regarding the June 11 & 12 course, please click here.
For more information regarding the July 25 & 26 course, please click here. 

Delving Deeper into the Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom

Prerequisite:  Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom

Educators, counselors and administrators that have previously taken the Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom are encouraged to take this one-credit class.  It will include a review of the Nine Key Skills for educators to allow those who have already learned the Nine Strategies to understand which ones they have been successful with and how, as well as which skills they need to relearn or implement differently to be more successful educators using these skills. We will use additional Love and Logic education resources to delve deeper into these strategies in order to avoid getting pulled into exhausting arguments and power struggles, enforce limits (even with your most challenging students), prevent group misbehavior, and build healthy relationships with all students.  Please bring the Nine Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom workbook that you received at the first course, or plan to purchase a new workbook for $12 on the first day of class.

For more information or to register for the June 18 & 19, 2013 course, please click here.
For more information or to register for the July 1 & 2, 2013 course, please click here.
For more information or to register for the July 22 & 23, 2013 course, please click here. 

Improving Instrumental Music with the Iowa Core

This professional development opportunity is a combination of an online course and attendance at the Iowa Bandmasters conference. This conference features over 35 clinics and 30 concerts/meetings covering topics of interest to music educators from beginning band through the collegiate level. The online course will involve reflection, reading and research that will culminate in an implementation plan for the classroom. Alignment to the Iowa Core will be addressed and discussed.

For registration information, visit www.bandmasters.org to download the registration materials and the course requirements.

Information in regards to obtaining two license renewal credit through Heartland AEA ($120.00) or two Drake University graduate credit ($320.00) will be available on the IBA website on the first day of the conference. You must register for the credit directly through Heartland AEA. The option to register below will not be available until May 9.

Participants must be members of Iowa Bandmasters Association. See the IBA website www.bandmasters.org for membership details.  Memberships and conference fees may be paid online before April 15th or onsite at the conference.

Thoughtful Process in the General Music Classroom

This workshop is Sponsored by Iowa Music Educators Association.

Music Educators have a unique opportunity to engage children in not only the art of making music but in the art of creative thinking. In an educational landscape that frequently narrows the focus, music educators can invite students to take the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, timbre and expressive control and utilize them in ways that impact the whole.

During this workshop educators will explore the possibilities for teaching musical elements through the Orff Schulwerk Process of Imitation, Exploration and Improvisation. Educators will utilize various structures to engage students in thinking about the music they make. These structures will encourage student collaboration and the transfer of ideas and knowledge across curricular content.

NOTE: Registration information is available at http://www.tinyurl.com/playfulprocess/

For questions in regards to this training, please contact Nathan Kelley at 319-688-1140 or email kelley.nathan@iccsd.k12.ia.us . There is a $25.00 workshop fee for IMEA members and a $35.00 workshop fee for nonmembers. To download the brochure, click on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/playfulprocessbrochure

Credit Information: Information in regards to obtaining license renewal credit from Heartland AEA ($25.00) or Drake University graduate credit ($100.00) will be available the first day of the course. The option to register for credit below, will not be available until the first day.

What would you like to see offered for renewal courses?

Heartland is seeking your help. What courses would you like to see offered during the Spring or Summer, please leave your suggestions or feedback in the Post a Comment section below.

Exceptional Learner

Previously titled "I-Learn: The Exceptional Learner" License Renewal and EDEX graduate credit are being offered for this course. This course is designed to address characteristics and needs of students with exceptional needs, skills, and abilities. Some of the major areas that will be addressed are: special education procedures, learning stages, learning strategies, instructional and material adaptations, testing, grading, and behavior management. Matching instruction to learner needs will be emphasized. This course meets the Department of Education?s requirement for the "Exceptional Learner." NOTE: This course will be offered for graduate credit but will not be allowed to be used towards a Master's degree or an endorsement.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Digital Teacher

Teachers will learn how to use digital tools including devices and resources for their classrooms. Devices could include digital cameras, projectors, document cameras, and computers. Resources will include but won't be limited to Student Management Systems, AEA resources, computer lab programs such as Stationary Studio, you tube, google email and docs. Teachers will evaluate devices and resources for their specific grade level and curriculum. They will plan how to use technology in new ways for the upcoming school year.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Hooking Male Readers

Getting boys to read is tough, and getting them to ENJOY reading is even tougher. But you can do it if you introduce boys to authors who speak their language, make available books that tweak their interest (including "gross" topics and graphic novels), and allow them to "play" on guy-appealing websites that require reading and demand critical thinking. In this course, we'll examine and read excerpts from 50+ guy-favorites, take a virtual tour of 10 quality websites that appeal to boys, and discuss the strategies that are motivating males to read.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Introduction to Video Modeling and Video Self-Modeling

This professional development is designed to introduce video modeling and video self-modeling techniques to improve student behavior and social skills. A review of the current research and application to students from preschool to adolescent will be shared. Specific links to research on use of the techniques for students with autism will be highlighted. Validated instructional routines targeting specific behaviors and social skills will be demonstrated. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to make videos, upload videos and edit videos for instructional lessons.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Online Resources for the Elementary Teacher

Explore the internet, collect resources to use with students, evaluate sites for student use, explore social bookmarking sites, collaborative websites, lesson enhancing software and learn how to integrate these things into your classroom.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Student Saving Schools

Frustration for many teachers comes when they know a child is bright, but their grades don't reflect that.  As all teachers know, students don't all learn at the same speed or in the same way.  In this workshop, you will learn about learning styles and how to design lessons that teach the essential skills to all of them. You will also learn the Mastery learning method, which gives extra time to learn for those students who need it and to have special enrichment projects for those students who master the essential skills faster.  During this workshop, time will be given for individuals to prepare a lesson, write test questions, create a mastery learning activity, and brainstorm ways to review.   Bring with you:  (1) your district standards and benchmarks,  (2) a unit or lesson to work with, and (3) the current assessment used with your selected unit or lesson.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Teacher Saving Skills

The teachers who should take this class find themselves exhausted at the end of the day feeling they have been in a wrestling match with their students.  Do you find yourself saying, "sit down," "be quiet", or "please listen" too many times during the day?  If you didn't have to say those things, do you feel you would get more accomplished?  Teachers who take this class will identify the reasons students misbehave, examine their own discipline style, and walk away from the class with their own new discipline and motivational system.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Student Center Classroom: Student Engagement vs. Teacher Lecture

License Renewal and EDMA graduate credit are being offered for this course.  Please check with your partnering institution of higher education to be certain it will be accepted towards a master's degree or endorsement.

This class is designed to focus on a clearer understanding of what is meant by student centered learning. We will examine many, many ways to have students directly involved and invested in the discovery of their own knowledge.  We will discuss how to create organized and interconnected experiences to support students to make connections to key concepts.  We will also discuss how to use student interest, reflecting on their own learning, and sharing their findings with peers.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Bioethics Workshop for Educators

This course is designed for educators who are interested in discussing bioethics with their students or extension audiences.  The focus will be on ethical issues in science education, with special attention to developments in biotechnology.  But other topics relevant to both agriculture, human health, and scientific research will also be covered.  Students will work through activities and case studies that they can take home and use with their classes.  Pedagogical issues in teaching bioethics also will be covered, including appropriate objectives for bioethics units; various approaches to bioethics pedagogy; how to relate bioethics issues to personal ethical issues familiar to students; how to help students identify ethical issues; how to address bioethics while respecting diversity of views in the classroom; and assessment for bioethics units.

Participants in this workshop will learn to use a case study approach to teaching controversial ethical issues in the classroom.  In the course of the workshop, participants will work in groups to develop a case study to use in their own classrooms. Graduate Credit will be available through Iowa State University.

For registration information, interested educators should contact Lori Miller, Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State University, 1210 Molecular Biology Building, Ames, IA  50011-3260; telephone 515-294-9818 or 1-800-643-9504.

Information will be available at class in regards to registering for license renewal credit through Heartland AEA ($25.00) or for Iowa State University graduate credit.

Please click here for more information regarding registration for this course.

Biotechnology Education Workshop I

This workshop will focus on basic technologies and principles of biotechnology. The skills learned in this workshop will help science, agriculture educators and family and consumer sciences educators better understand how to incorporate biotechnology into their school's curriculum. Teachers will learn how to prepare and instruct the laboratories in DNA extraction and quantification from various sources, DNA transformation, DNA fingerprinting, transgenic technologies, bioinformatics, and more. Educators will prepare and perform the lab protocols as the students would do in class.

Please click here for more information regarding registration for this course.

Biotechnology for Education Workshop II

This workshop is open to any science, agriculture, and family and consumer sciences instructor who have previously attended one of the biotechnology workshops.  Learn how to prepare and instruct advanced laboratories in biotechnology.  Activities include showing marker gene expression, DNA isolation, recombinant DNA techniques, DNA amplification, restriction analysis of DNA, bioinformatics, sequencing, genomics and more.  Participants will perform the lab protocols that their students would do in class.  Graduate Credit will be available through Iowa State University.

For registration information, interested educators should contact Lori Miller, Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State University, 1210 Molecular Biology Building, Ames, IA  50011-3260; telephone 515-294-9818 or 1-800-643-9504.

Information will be available at class in regards to registering for license renewal credit through Heartland AEA ($25.00) or for Iowa State University graduate credit.

Please click here for more information for this course.

Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management: Level 1

This course is offered in partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College. It will be offered for License Renewal or EDEX Graduate Credit.

The Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management Level 1 workshop will give participants an overview of the restaurant and foodservice industry, including food lab and management essentials.  This workshop provides the "foundational skills" for culinary techniques and is required in order for participants to take any advanced culinary workshops through DMACC, and in partnership with the Iowa Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.  Participants will gain an in-depth knowledge of culinary basics from mise en place through cooking methods, including assessment of product and technical skills, and food lab experimentation. Participants will be provided with the ProStart Level 1 textbook and teacher edition as resources throughout the workshop.  

NOTE:  Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop (e.g., use of knives and other kitchen equipment), participants must assume personal liability for any injuries that you may incur as a result of your voluntary involvement in this workshop.  All workshop participants must provide evidence of health insurance coverage the first day by bringing a copy of your insurance card.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management: Level 2

This course is offered in partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College.  It will be offered for License Renewal or EDEX Graduate Credit.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management: Level 1 workshop.

The Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management Level 2 workshop will begin with the basics of soups, stocks and sauces and continue to explore the foodservice industry, teamwork and diversity in the workplace at DMACC and in partnership with the Iowa Restaurant Association!  Advanced culinary & hospitality management skills will be demonstrated and lab time will provide participants with hands-on experience to practice and assess technical skills.  Management topics will include customer service, nutrition and cost control.  Participants will be provided with the ProStart Level 2 textbook and teacher edition as resources throughout the workshop.  

NOTE:  Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop (e.g., use of knives and other kitchen equipment), participants must assume personal liability for any injuries that you may incur as a result of your voluntary involvement in this workshop.  All workshop participants must provide evidence of health insurance coverage the first day by bringing a copy of your insurance card.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Advanced Culinary & Hospitality Management: Level 3

This course is offered in partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College.  It will be offered for License Renewal or EDEX Graduate Credit.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Fundamentals of Culinary & Hospitality Management: Level 1 workshop.

This final workshop in the ProStart series taught by DMACC Chefs, in partnership with the Iowa Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, will include advanced culinary instruction and demonstration of skills with a focus on meat, poultry and seafood.  In addition, sandwiches, desserts and several global cuisines will be explored!   Participants will enjoy knowledge sessions, detailed demonstration of culinary skills, and hands-on lab opportunities!  The management topics will include sustainability in the restaurant industry and costing.  Participants will be provided with the ProStart Level 2 textbook and teacher edition as resources throughout the workshop.

NOTE:  Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop (e.g., use of knives and other kitchen equipment), participants must assume personal liability for any injuries that you may incur as a result of your voluntary involvement in this workshop.  All workshop participants must provide evidence of health insurance coverage the first day by bringing a copy of your insurance card.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Facilitating Adult Learning

License Renewal and EDMA graduate credit are being offered for this course.  Please check with your partnering institution of higher education to be certain it will be accepted towards a master's degree or endorsement.

As educators, we have moved our teaching to new heights to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. As professional developers, moving our professional development to new heights is more important than ever. In this two-day course, a framework for professional learning will be explored while embedding tools and strategies for use by facilitators.


Please click here for more information or to register for the June 6-7 course.

Growing Your School Garden

This course is primarily intended for teachers that have an existing garden at their school who want to learn how to incorporate the garden into the curriculum and increase their gardening skill set.  The course will cover basic skills in garden planning and harvesting along with answering the question: Why do school gardens matter?  

This class is intended for groups of schoolteachers, staff (cooks & nurses), and volunteers who will tie garden learning to the classroom while growing fresh food.  

This is a great course for gardeners at all levels, all grade-levels, and existing or new school gardens.  Come and connect to other school gardeners and build your skill set for a fantastic garden.

You are required to attend at least five of the six sessions.  There will be a $25 fee payable to the instructor at class to cover materials, resources, lesson activities and guest speakers.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Art in the Heartland

Looking at Iowa Regionalist Artist, Grant Wood, the students will create art that reflects themselves within our region. This is NOT intended to be just for Art Teachers. While the focus of the class will be making art, certainly anyone interested in an art experience is welcome and encouraged to participate.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Secondary Transitions: Building a Future

The content of this course will provide participants an opportunity to strengthen and improve what is required to improve student outcomes around post-secondary outcomes. Class participants will have a better understanding of how the six critical elements guide the development a well-written transition plan. The main objective of this course is to improve student outcomes around post-secondary expectations of living, learning, and working.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Visual Phonics I

This course will teach the Visual Phonics System and its application to reading, language, literacy, ESL, speech and special education. Teachers of preschool through grade 8 would benefit, as well as all special education teachers. Visual Phonics builds phonemic awareness and phonics skills in reading and spelling. Visual Phonics flash cards will be available at class for $24. A Visual Phonics CD/Font will also be available for $13. These purchases are optional.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Techniques & Practices that Make Kids WANT to Write

If you like to laugh as you learn and want to examine 50+ "high-kid-appeal" writing activities submitted by teachers from across the country, this course is for you. Bonuses: Student Blogging; Peer Editing; Read Alouds that Support Writing; and Strategies to Help Boys Become Stronger Writers.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Folk Dance from Around the World

Folk Dances From Around the World will be taught through participation. Connections for use in the music education classroom, P.E. class, and social studies units will be exemplified as well as instruction on how to teach the dances in an efficient manner. Resources will be shared as well. Wear comfy clothes and shoes and come ready to have some fun!

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Using Weebly to Communicate and Collaborate

Participants will explore Weebly for educators, a website building application that enhances collaborative learning experiences and lessons, in the classroom and out. Participants will create a classroom website to use with their students and families for communication, collaboration, and reflection on Iowa Core Curriculum essential concepts and skills. If a Weebly website has already been created, instructor will teach advanced tools that are available through weebly to continue to update website.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Whole Brain Teaching

Whole Brain Teaching [WBT] is a set of classroom management and instruction tools that focus on engagement in fun ways - through games and with gestures. The goal is to create peaceful classrooms full of orderly fun. Whole Brain Teaching classrooms are full of task-focused laughter. Humor and games are used to increase the number of times students repeat core information and practice basic skills. WBT classes are highly disciplined and tightly organized because students actually have fun following the rules.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS)

American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) is an opportunity for classroom teachers to experience the Iowa outdoors through hands-on experience. Through a variety of techniques each participant will acquire the knowledge to take these experiences back to their students. The participants will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of outdoor skills, including the shooting sports, handling a canoe, wildlife conservation, basic spin fishing, fly tying/fishing, GPS usage, team building, and orienteering.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will send out a letter 1-2 weeks before the class begins in order to inform the participants of what they should bring for clothing and personal items.

The registration costs below include an enrollment fee required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources of $250, plus a $2.00 administrative fee payable to Heartland.

Questions in regards to this course:  
Before April 1st you may contact A. Jay Winter at 641/747-8383 ext.11 or ajay.winter@dnr.iowa.gov
After April 1st or at any time you may contact Kathy Hodges at 712-792-9082 or kathy.hodges@dnr.iowa.gov

Please click here for more information or to register for this course. 

Musical Games to Teach Musical Concepts

Participants will learn age-appropriate singing games for K-6 and how to use them to teach melodic and rhythmic concepts in the music classroom. Handouts with songs and game information will be available on line as well as a list of resources for additional materials. Come in comfy shoes and clothes ready to play!

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Materials, Strategies & Techniquest that Make Kids WANT to Read

We can tell kids they need to learn to read until we are blue in the face, but if they do not want to read, they won't. In this course, we examine more than 150 books that students LIKE to read, and we take a virtual tour of the fifty best online sites for kids and twenty best teacher resource sites. We'll examine books for two readers and discuss strategies that enhance the paired reading activity, we'll learn how to make student chair bags and independent reading logs, and we'll explore different aspects of the graphic novel issue.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Six Plus One Traits of Writing Instruction/Assessment: Level I

Formerly titled: "Six Traits of Writing Assessment and Instruction." Best practice supports the integration of reading and writing skills. The Six Traits of Writing model can be used as a classroom or district performance assessment to evaluate Language Arts standards and benchmarks. The connection of writing instruction and writing assessment are elements of the school improvement process. Use of Six Traits as an assessment provides specific forms for use of Six Trait instructional strategies in drafting, assessing and revising writing. As a result of linking instruction and assessment, teachers will be better able to communicate to students what the qualities of good writing are and how specifically to achieve them. The registration fee includes $5 for printing costs.

Please click here for more information or to register for the June 18-19 course.
Please click here for more information or to register for the June 25-26 course.

Integrating Storytelling Into Your Curriculum

This course will trace storytelling from the dawn of mankind to present day. Teachers will learn how to find, perform and use stories to extend academic content. The class will also learn different performance techniques as well as how stories are used in varied cultures. Writing techniques and how to get students to tell stories will be covered. Participants will be required to present in front of a small and very friendly group of their peers.

Please click here for more information or to register for the June 5-6 course.
Please click here for more information or to register for the August 7-8 course.

IGHSAU Coaching Program

This is a combination of all four required coaching authorization/endorsement classes:  Theory and Ethics of Coaching, Human Growth and Development, Physiology, and Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.  This is a hybrid class with the equivalent of 20.5 hours to be completed on-line prior to attendance of four days of face-to-face classes on the Drake University Campus from June 10-13.  The face-to-face sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily June 10-12 and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 13. This is a total of 60 hours of coursework.

On-line coursework will be available beginning March 11 and will conclude April 28.  You must complete the on-line requirements by April 28 and attend all face-to-face sessions in their entirety in order to meet the requirements for the authorization.  Participants cannot miss or be late for any sessions.

Lunch and supper will be provided each day, June 10-12, and lunch on June 13.  Lunch and supper breaks will be 30 minutes.  Coffee will be provided each morning.  Housing is available on the Drake University campus (specific dorm yet to be determined) for the nights of June 9-12.  The rooms are air conditioned and are $29 per night (single occupancy room).  You must bring your own linens.  If you are interested in housing, please contact Lisa Brinkmeyer at the IGHSAU at 515-288-9741 or via e-mail at lisa@ighsau.org after your registration with Heartland AEA has been confirmed.

After successful completion of this course, participants may apply for a coaching authorization by submitting all the required forms (application for coaching authorization, course transcript, waiver form and fingerprint card) and the required fees to the Board of Educational Examiners.  A background check is required.  The application and background check forms will be provided at class.  The application fee is $85 and the background check fee is $52 if you get your fingerprints done electronically at the Board of Educational Examiners' office in Des Moines.  Otherwise, the background check fee is $65 if you get your fingerprinting done at your local police department. The coaching authorization expires five years after the date of issuance. It may be renewed upon application and verification of successful completion of five planned renewal activities related to athletic coaching (i.e. rules meetings, coaching clinics, coaching workshops). The renewal fee is currently $85.

NOTE:  Participants seeking the coaching endorsement (available only to licensed teachers and administrators) will have additional course work to be completed by mid-July in order to meet state requirements. Details will be addressed at the training session.  Participants seeking the endorsement will need to pay an additional $500 (5 credits at $100 per credit) for Drake University graduate credit.  Registration instructions will be provided at the class.  To apply for the endorsement, after completion of the course requirements, you must write a short letter to the Board of Educational Examiners asking that the endorsement be added to your teaching license.  Please include your name, social security number, address, phone number, the official college transcripts, and a $50 application fee.

Click here for more information or to register for this course.

Human Relations

Research tells us that to meet the needs of a diverse group of students, we need to understand the culture of our students, understand ourselves and our culture, then work on strategies that meet students' needs. This course takes a look at all three areas. The course is divided into three components: Historical Perspectives of Diversity, Identifying Your Cultural Identity, and Practical Applications for Celebrating Diversity in the Classroom. Whether you are an experienced teacher or brand new to the field, this class will open your eyes!

This course is fully approved by the Iowa Department of Education to meet the Human Relations requirement for teacher education certification.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Historical Perspectives of Diversity

To understand who we are or where we are going, we must first understand where we have been. In this course, the historical perspectives of all manner of diversity will be explored to gain a clearer vision of social justice in Iowa.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Identifying Your Cultural Identity

In order to understand others, we must first understand ourselves. This course will help participants to identify their own individual cultural identity, why it is important and what impact that identity has on a classroom.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Practical Applications for Celebrating Diversity in the Classroom

You have students from a number of diverse backgrounds in your class. What do you do with them and for them that will enable each of them to learn and be successful? Strategies, models, tools and resources will be identified to assist teachers in a variety of settings to celebrate the diversity in their classrooms.

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

The Practical and Fun Side of Science

This course is offered in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

This class was designed to show elementary teachers that science can be fun and practical.  We will introduce you to some simple to use, hands on science lessons that will make learning more enjoyable for your students.  These lessons will not only be practical and fun to use, but will also help you and your students with the understanding of basic science concepts.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will send out a letter 1-2 weeks before the class begins in order to inform the participants of what they should bring for clothing and personal items.

The registration costs below include an enrollment fee required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources of $35, plus a $2.00 administrative fee payable to Heartland.

Questions in regards to this course: Before April 1st you may contact A. Jay Winter at 641/747-8383 ext.11 or ajay.winter@dnr.iowa.gov After April 1st or at any time you may contact Kathy Hodges at 712-792-9082 or kathy.hodges@dnr.iowa.go

Click here for more information or to register for this course.

Web Applications using Google

The participants will create a web site using Google Sites web application. They will learn the benefits of using a web application such as Google for teachers and students. Participants will learn how to use the Google Docs programs and how they can integrate or embed them into their web site. They will create word processing, spreadsheets, spreadsheet forms, presentations, calendars, and photo albums. They will learn how to integrate these programs into their web site. Participants will learn to use Google sites to create interactive multimedia presentations in a universal format that can be created on any computer at any site. They will learn how to share documents and web sites with staff or students. Participants do not need prior web page experience. It will save class time if students create their Google account before the class starts.

Click here for more information or to register for this course.

Teaching Beginning Spelling and Writing

LETRS Module 9 will address the content and format of effective writing instruction for novices in grades K-3. This course provides an exploration of cognitive processes involved in writing and will include an integrated lesson framework grounded in research that combines skill development with process-oriented composition. In addition, the writing of sentences will be examined in detail, and instructional techniques will be presented that support the three phases of the writing processes.  The registration fee includes LETRS Module 9: Teaching Beginning Spelling and Writing, second edition.

Click here for more information or to register for this course.

What would you like to see offered for renewal courses?

Heartland is seeking your help. What courses would you like to see offered during the Winter or Spring, please leave your suggestions or feedback in the Post a Comment section below.

A Practical Approach to Educating Students in Poverty

This course will provide educators with concrete tools for working more effectively with students living in poverty. It will provide a foundation for understanding poverty and what to do about it in school buildings and classrooms. Participants can expect a combination of engaging discussions and refection time as well as videotaped clips of Dr. Donna Beegle, a national public speaker and author on the topic of poverty. The registration fee includes an Action Approach Guidebook (this book is a companion to the DVD: "Be the Difference! An Action Approach to Educating Students in Poverty").

Please click here for more information or to register for this course.

Right Brain Drawing

License Renewal and EDEX graduate credit are being offered for this course. Instruction will include Right Brain concepts from Daniel Pink and Betty Edwards and how it affects thinking and problem solving. This course will help participants understand visual learners and how to overcome the issues of drawing inability. Learn Right Brain exercises and get lesson ideas that will enhance problem solving and creativity. A great course for individuals with little or no drawing skills as well as more experienced artists. The class will take you from drawing stick figures to realism with shading. The instructor has taught this class on the college level for many years and found it transformed the ability of many students to create realistic drawing.


Please click here for more information or to register for the June 24 & 25, 2012 course.

Preserve the Taste of Summer (A Food Perservation Course)

Iowa State University Extension is offering a new food preservation program, Preserve the Taste of Summer. It is a comprehensive program comprised of both online lessons (12 hours) and hands-on workshops (4 hours), that discusses food safety practices and provides detailed instruction pertaining to the major food preservation techniques. The course fee is $125: $100 payable to ISU Extension and $25 payable to Heartland AEA (registration fee). This includes 8 online lessons and one 4-hour hands-on workshop. Participants can attend additional hands-on workshops for $40 each, payable to ISU Extension. Participants will register online at www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/preservation/home. This link is where participants will make their program selection and payment.

 Registration information in regards to the license renewal credit will be forwarded to participants.