Author: cvanbuskirk

Let’s be honest: technology moves fast, and it can be tough to keep up. That’s why Central Rivers AEA and Keystone AEA teamed up to create the Staff Tech Hub – your go-to cheat sheet for all things digital! Think of it as your monthly “tech upgrade.” We update this resource every month with simple, practical ideas to save you time and boost your confidence.

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What’s the latest for this month’s tips?

Assistive Tech:

Sometimes the best solution isn’t a new app – it’s a pencil grip or a simple checklist! This month, we’re exploring how low-tech and no-tech tools can make a massive difference for students and staff alike. These strategies are budget-friendly, easy to start right away, and can instantly lower stress in the classroom or office.

• Simple tools: reading guides and weighted pens
• Smart tweaks: visual schedules and “quiet zones”
• Expert tips: choosing the right pencil grip

Artificial Intelligence:

Is your “to-do” list feeling a bit heavy? This month, we’re diving into how Generative AI can act as your personal teaching assistant to help you differentiate lessons in seconds, not hours.

• Instant differentiation: take one article and instantly rewrite it for three different reading levels
• Creative hooks: get five unique ways to start a lesson
• Better prompts: learn the secret to getting great AI results

Practical tech tips:

Ever stare at a blank screen wondering how to start a parent email or a project tracker? This month, we’re introducing Google Workspace Studio, a new suite of AI features built right into the apps you use every day: Docs, Gmail, Sheets and Slides.

• Docs & Gmail: instantly draft emails, IEP summaries or reports
• Sheets: Google will help you build a data tracker
• Slides: stop hunting for images – AI will generate custom illustration for your presentation
• One-click refinement: use the “refine” button in Gmail to instantly make a draft more professional and detailed with just one click

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The goal isn’t just to give you more tools, it’s to make your daily work easier and more impactful. Ready for more? Head over to the Staff Tech Hub to see the full list of tips and tricks for February! Reach out to Tiffanie Zaugg, Assistive Technology/AI Specialist, with questions.

Planning an international trip? We want to make sure your access to Central Rivers AEA accounts travels as smoothly as you do! To keep our data safe, our systems are set up to block logins from outside the U.S. by default. This security measure is our first line of defense against cyber threats and unauthorized login attempts originating from overseas. If you need to check your email or log in while you’re away, our IT team needs to manually “open the door” for your specific destination.

What we will need from you

Please email the Help Desk at least one week before you leave with the following details:

• Your destination: where you’ll be headed.
• Your dates: the specific start and end dates of your trip.

By letting us know ahead of time, we can ensure your account stays secure while giving you the access you need. Safe travels! For assistance, reach out to the CRAEA Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.

Reduce stress & increase peace

Want more peace and less stress in your work and/or personal life? Core Energy Coaching can help! Central Rivers AEA offers free 1:1 coaching sessions with certified well-being coach Dr. Leslie Moore on Zoom. Coaching creates the space for individuals to recognize and shift out of Level 1 and 2 energy – where fear, doubt and conflict often take the lead – and move toward more empowering states like Level 5 and 6, where collaboration, possibility and purpose begin to drive thought and action. By helping people identify limiting beliefs, release blame and reframe challenges, coaching fosters a mindset rooted in curiosity, compassion and shared success. The result is greater clarity, confidence and connection – both internally and across teams. Schedule your session online!

Enhance your well-being & earn $250

Central Rivers AEA continues to encourage our staff to enhance their well-being by offering a $250 incentive for submitting evidence of understanding and skills in one micro-credential related to INspired Leadership! To learn more about microcredentials, review the Micro-credential Explanation document. To learn about and/or register for a microcredential you are interested in, choose and select: 1) Awareness of Internal Energy, 2) 4 Key Mindsets, and 3) Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks [requires both prerequisite microcredentials above]. Evidence submitted will be reviewed by Dr. Moore. If you need to create an account, have questions about microcredentials or aren’t sure how to sign up, contact Kay Schmalen at kschmalen@centralriversaea.org.

The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved the agency office calendar for 2026-2027. The calendar lists all holiday and office closed days for the school year. Download your copy of the new calendar now, or visit our staff website under Resources > Agency Office Calendar > 2026-2027 CRAEA Office Calendar.