Green Hills AEA Districts Receive Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund Grant

On December 15th, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced  $883,097 in annual awards that will prepare K-12 teachers in more than 167 school districts and nonpublic schools to teach computer science. Several districts within the Green Hills AEA service area will receive funds from this award to pay for teacher professional development, including training to teach specific computer science courses and earning in-depth university endorsements to teach computer science. Read the Department of Education's press release HERE.

GHAEA Districts: 

• AHSTW
• Bedford
• Boyer Valley
• Central Decatur
• Creston
• Creston St. Malachy
• East Union
• Essex
• Fremont-Mills
• Glenwood
• Lamoni
• Lenox
• Lewis Central
• Logan-Magnolia
• Missouri Valley
• Mormon Trail
• Mt. Ayr
• Murray
• Orient-Macksburg
• Red Oak
• Shenandoah
• Stanton
• Treynor
• Underwood
• Woodbine

Creative Services Update

Seasonal Note Cards: We design it. You write it. We print it.

Administrators can keep in touch and reach out to staff, students, and families with seasonal note cards. You can order blank cards or type in your own message when you place your order. Go to THIS LINK. Log in with single sign-on (SSO) —the username/password used for Mandatory Reporter or Bloodborne Pathogens. Enter note cards in the search box.

Blank card: $0.06 each

Personalized card: $0.08 each

Blank A2 envelope: $0.04 each

Folded size: 5.5”x4.25”

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Foundations of SEBH - Course #189831 (Virtual)

January 28, February 1, February 4, February 8, 3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Register Here
Participants will learn how to create safe, caring, healthy environments that serve as the foundation for Social-Emotional Behavioral Health in Iowa. Participants will explore these environmental conditions and the science behind them in order to promote positive well-being for all stakeholders within the educational system. When these environmental conditions are strengthened, positive academic, behavioral, and well-being outcomes can be achieved in a more efficient manner.

Integrating SEL 101 - Course #189868 (Virtual)

February 11, February 15, February 18, February 25, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.

Register Here
Participants will become familiar with CASEL's 3 Signature Practices Playbook and use it to begin to develop lessons that integrate Social Emotional Learning into lessons with intention regardless of content. Iowa's Social Emotional Learning Competencies document, along with resources from CASEL will provide foundational knowledge for participants. The practices will be explicitly modeled and the instructional practices of discussion, reflection, guided practice, and independent practice will all be utilized. This course will require active engagement. Research demonstrates that instruction that includes Social Emotional Learning has been shown to increase academic performance, improve attitudes and behaviors toward school, decrease negative behaviors, and reduce emotional stress.

Computer Science Education Week

Computer Science Education Week is December 7 - 11. Did you know that computer science is the fastest-growing profession within the STEM field, but only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree? Whether your students are virtual, hybrid, or at school, there are many ways to celebrate and help students learn perseverance, problem-solving, use their creativity, understand the digital world, and start on a pathway to a great career! Click here for resources!

Paraeducation Professional Learning Series

Green Hills AEA will be offering a hybrid course specifically designed for paraeducators starting in January. The course will consist of 4 virtual synchronous sessions (via Zoom) and 4 self-paced modules. The dates and topics for each session are listed below. Paraeducators that complete all 8 modules will earn 1 paraeducator recertification credit.

Synchronous Modules

• Welcome Zoom and Overview/Expectations (January 6)
• Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments (February 13)
• Responding to Behavioral Errors (March 6)
• Final Class, Next Steps (April 7 )

Asynchronous Modules

• Social-Emotional Learning
• Understanding Trauma
• Behavior Principles 101
• Collaborating with Teachers (Roles and Responsibilities)

REGISTER HERE

Work-Based Learning Stipend Opportunity

Green Hills AEA and the Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning are proud to offer a new work-based learning stipend opportunity! This opportunity is open to PK-12 educators, any discipline. Space is limited so don't wait. The deadline for application is March 31, 2021.

SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION

Earn License Renewal Credit for a Social Media Account!

 

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nominations Open

Nominations for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are now open! This year's awards will honor science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers working in grades 7-12. Nominations close on March 1, 2021. Learn more at www.paemst.org!

Professional Learning COVID-19 Update

Due to the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases, EXTERNAL Face to Face Professional Learning has been suspended through the month of December. Virtual opportunities are still available for registration! Stay healthy. Stay safe.

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Access to Education: Meeting and Exceeding Requirements (Virtual)

January 4, February 8, March 22, April 19, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Register Here
Participants will learn how to create a variety of accessible materials so students will be able to access core content and different learning environments. Participants will develop knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) which requires assistive technology (AT) be considered at the yearly individualized education program (IEP) meeting of every student in special education.

Restorative Practices Using Circles in Classrooms (Virtual) 

January 4, January 11, January 18, January 25, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Register Here
This course will allow participants to use the basics of Restorative Practices in the classroom and school. Participants will learn by participating in circles with other attendees, taking turns to learn how to facilitate. By the end of the day, participants will be prepared to return to their settings and run circles!

Materials Note: Participants are required to purchase the book themselves prior to the course starting date: Restorative Circles in Schools: A Practical Guide for Educators - Second Edition - available through www.amazon.com.

Substitute Authorization Courses 

Substitute authorization courses continue to be offered virtually throughout the state. LINK to available courses.

Thank You for Attending the Rachel's Challenge Kickoff!

Green Hills AEA held the Rachel's Challenge kickoff event on Wednesday, November 4th in Red Oak. We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received both from superintendents and school teams who participated in the event. We look forward to seeing how Rachel's Challenge impacts the schools in our service area for years to come. If you have any questions about Rachel's Challenge or would like to get involved, please contact Dr. Jenny Barnett. 

America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship

America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is offering more than $500,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and college students pursuing an ag-related field of study. Students can apply for a $1,500 scholarship now through January 14, 2021.