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.