Author Archives: cvanbuskirk

Empowered is a student-driven, authentic, work-based learning project that provides our students with opportunities to grow their employability skills and Universal Constructs, (critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, productivity and accountability skills) while in attendance at one of our … Continue reading →

Micro-credential Incentive Deadlines: December 1 or June 3 Once again this year, Central Rivers AEA will support staff to enhance their well-being with a $250 incentive offered to all staff that submit evidence to earn the Awareness of Internal Energy … Continue reading →

Gratitude and the Tree of Thanks This November, take time to share a positive thought, a small thank you or even a shout-out to your teammates. We often are so busy with the day to day we forget or don’t … Continue reading →

Check out the “Spooktacular Hall of Fame” to view current and past winners and participants. Our 2023 winners: Group 1st place: The Kelces & T-Swift: Kirk Abkes, Rebekah Robbs, Corlene Collum, Kay Schmalen, Angie Gansen and Paul Yarrow Group 2nd place: … Continue reading →

Have you taken Unconscious Bias training and want more? The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee invites you to join us in a DEI-focused book study! If you are interested in participating in the DEI Book Study please complete this short … Continue reading →

The 2024 Central Rivers AEA All-Staff Kickoff meeting will be held on Friday, August 16. Please add this date to your calendar. The meeting will be held in the Cedar Falls conference center, and attendance is mandatory for all CRAEA … Continue reading →

The University of Northern Iowa School Psychology Program is partnering with Central Rivers AEA, Great Prairie AEA and Northwest AEA for the “Grow Your Own” program. We will have a meeting to discuss the program at the Cedar Falls office … Continue reading →

Plan now to join Chief Administrator, Joel Pedersen, for coffee with the chief! This is a great opportunity to hear virtual updates on agency events, current trends in K-12 education and have any questions or concerns you have answered. All … Continue reading →

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 9 for a training with new website editors! The training, led by Phil Hendricks and Contessa Van Buskirk, will be held from 9-10 am, via Zoom. We will stay on Zoom from 10-10:30 am … Continue reading →

As promised during the October 2, “Judging Less Mindset w/ DEI,” INspired Leadership session, the slide deck is available for viewing! Future Mindset sessions will take place at all three CRAEA offices on November 28, February 15 and April 16.

Mindset Practices During October 2’s staff learning (prior to regional meetings), practices were shared which might help us to judge ourselves and others less. Take 30 seconds to reflect right now – have you noticed a time recently where you … Continue reading →

The agency will be hosting two contests with prizes. Like last year, the winners will be awarded a certificate, bragging rights and vouchers to purchase books for the school of their choice! The contest details are as follows: Halloween Costume … Continue reading →

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this year’s theme is, “Secure Our World.” This theme encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to … Continue reading →

It is that time of year to remind staff of the procedures for office closures due to inclement weather. The FAQ document provides a lot of information and specific examples for your reference. 260-day full-time staff: Timeclock Staff: Remote/temporary remote … Continue reading →

Our office buildings, grounds and River Hills School are always looking spotless, thanks to our custodial/maintenance team! While they may be more behind-the-scenes, their hard work does not go unnoticed! Cedar Falls office: Clear Lake office: Marshalltown office: River Hills … Continue reading →

To support a timely staff replacement selection process and assist in budget planning, the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved an incentive be provided for Certified, NUSS, CWA and Administrative Staff who provide early notification of their intent to … Continue reading →

Continuing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (and belonging) learning from last year, there will be upcoming opportunities for all Central Rivers AEA staff to participate in. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): An ERG is a workplace affinity group organized around a shared … Continue reading →

Congratulations to the October Central Rivers AEA staff that were nominated for a Difference Maker Award by our LEA partners (school administrators, superintendents, principals, teachers, etc.). For our October nominees, here is what our LEA partners that nominated you had … Continue reading →