Author: cvanbuskirk

Bringing Purpose Mindset Zoom March 22, 8:00-9:00 am

Are you interested in continued learning to enhance your mindset and improve your life satisfaction? If so, join Central Rivers AEA colleagues on March 22, from 8 – 9:00 am, to explore how to bring purpose each day. Register for this session by emailing Dr. Leslie Moore. Your mindset matters!

Micro-credential Incentive Deadline: June 1, 2024

For a second year in a row, Central Rivers AEA is supportive of helping our staff to enhance their well-being. A $250 incentive is offered to all staff who complete and earn the Awareness of Internal Energy micro-credential, found in our On-Demand Library. To receive the $250 incentive in your June check, please submit your evidence document for review by June 1, 2024. Some important things to note:

• Check out the micro-credential document for more information on micro-credentials.
• Login and register in the CRAEA On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” dropdown.
• You will also need to register in the AEA Professional Learning System.
• You can register in one of two ways; as a “participant only” for free or earn License Renewal Credit for $35.

If you have registration questions, please contact Angie Gansen.

Support for YOU!

Do you want to decrease the impact of stress on your life or increase your life satisfaction? If so, consider how your personal coach can support you in achieving those things! Connect via Zoom (at your convenience) with Central Rivers AEA Leadership Coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, for the opportunity to reflect on what you want more of in your life and how your thoughts and emotions are impacting your actions. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Want to keep it confidential? Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Dr. Moore with questions.

Get INspiring emails delivered to your inbox!

If you would like to receive weekly emails that support your personal and professional leadership, join ESSDACK’s INspired weekly mailing list. You can also sign up to receive their INspired Leadership blog.

Plan now to join your colleagues for the all staff retirement celebration in May. Keep an eye out for more details, such as the list of retirees and the date/time of the celebration, that will be available in next month’s edition of The Channel.

W-2s for the calendar year 2023 were handed out to office staff or mailed to your home during the week of January 22. If you need another copy, please visit the Web Link portal under Employee Information > Payroll and Compensation and download the form. Questions should be directed via email to Shane Wolf or by calling 319-273-8203.

While we regret that we can’t provide staff with assurances of a quick solution or a guaranteed outcome, we know that our collective work continues to matter. Stay engaged in the process and with our advocates. Remember, our mantra around advocacy is to be “relentless and respectful.” Keep showing up and continue doing the work that we know makes a difference with our local schools. 

Please find several resources attached that we discussed earlier and that can be found on our staff website under Resources > Legislative Updates, Resources & FAQs.

• Updated talking points
• Updated list of forums
• Legislative Updates & FAQs page on staff website

Farewell to Executive Director of Educational Services, Jen Sigrist, who will be leaving Central Rivers AEA on June 30, 2024 to join the Norwalk Community School District as the new Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, pending board approval next week.

“Working in my local community and in my children’s school is the only thing that could take me away from the amazing work and team here at Central Rivers AEA. I’m proud of the people I work with and the dedication I see from our staff each day. I feel blessed to have been part of this agency.”

Jen extends her heartfelt gratitude to the entire administrative team and the board for their unwavering support during this time of transition. Thank you for your commitment to innovation and student achievement, Jen! Central Rivers AEA wishes you the best on your future endeavors.

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

Angel Copp, Special Education Consultant

“Angel has taken on new and additional assignments in our district as a SpEd Consultant and has made a huge impact in a short-time! She provided additional support to a new special education teacher and has provided valuable insight to our middle and high school special education. Angel always does a great job in going above and beyond. We are lucky to have her!” -Tripoli CSD administrator

Sara Reed, Special Education Consultant

“Last year was my first year as a L2/L3 teacher. Sara’s support was instrumental in my success for this new position. Because of her guidance and understanding, I felt very comfortable coming back for year two. Sara is always there when we need her. She listens to concerns and offers valuable advice that helps me and my students. I am so grateful for Sara’s friendship, guidance and content knowledge! She deserves this award!” -Marshalltown CSD teacher

Jody Albertson, Regional Administrator

“Jody always looks for continuous improvement in our district. She has been a tremendous leader in making sure that the Osage administration team has what they need to ensure our system is focused on teaching and learning to support our students and staff! Jody is a great listener who reflects on current reality and helps create action plans for success toward a goal. We are lucky to have her as a Regional Administrator!” -Osage CSD administrator

Kristin Schmidt, Special Education Consultant

“Kristin is a terrific team rep. who always has the best interest of the student at hand. She is straightforward and professional at all times. I have grown to appreciate her willingness to think outside the box in her work with meeting the learning needs of all students. She has a terrific rapport with the students, parents and school stakeholders.” -Forest City CSD administrator

Maggie Mehmen, Special Education Consultant

“Maggie has been incredible. Our Bulldog staff love her, and I couldn’t be more excited to work with her. She can never leave us. Maggie has hit the ground running – she has been involved, visible and helps our staff. We appreciate her more than we can express!” -Hampton-Dumont CSD support staff member

Appetizer celebration for “National Language Day” will take place during February 15 regional meetings

February 21 is National Language Day! Prepare to celebrate with “apps” from around the world – not for your phone – for your mouth! Sign up today to bring your favorite appetizer and celebrate National Language Day in a delicious way. Important details can be found below.

• Date: Thursday, February 15 during regional meetings
• Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at all three Central Rivers AEA office locations
• Sign-up sheets: Cedar Falls office, Clear Lake office, Marshalltown office

Reach out to Rebekah Robbs with questions.

February 15 Plans

Due to the uncertain AEA legislative landscape, a decision was made to postpone learning around the next Key Mindset, originally scheduled for February 15 prior to regional meetings. If you do not usually attend regional meetings, please connect with your supervisor on plans for that time. Regional Administrators will organize the agenda for that day for regional staff and communicate logistics and content soon.

Shared Staff Resources

This slide deck has a few simple resources that you might find very helpful during this uncertain time.

• Slides 1-4: INspired Leadership approach & ideas
• Slides 5-8: T.E.A. Strategy worksheet
• Slides 9-11: In my control/Out of my control
• Slide 12: Finding certainty
• ESSDACK video: Tips to deal with stress (this 12-minute video was recorded during COVID-19 but applies to our stressors today).

Support for You!

Do you want to decrease the impact of stress on your life or increase your life satisfaction? If so, consider how your personal coach can support you in achieving those things! Connect via Zoom (at your convenience) with Central Rivers AEA Leadership Coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, for the opportunity to reflect on what you want more of in your life and how your thoughts and emotions are impacting your actions. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Reach out to Dr. Moore with questions.