The Channel

Micro-credential Incentive Opportunities

At Central Rivers AEA, we are committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our staff. To encourage professional development, we are offering a $250 incentive for staff members who successfully complete one of three micro-credentials focused on INspired Leadership. The available options are:

• Awareness of Internal Energy
• 4 Key Mindsets
• A new Micro-Credential is coming soon!

All of these can be accessed in our On-Demand Library, and all evidence submitted will be reviewed by Dr. Leslie Moore. Learn more about micro-credentials or log in now and register in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” dropdown. Please note that registration is also required in the new AEA Professional Learning System. For assistance with registration, please contact Angie Gansen, Professional Learning Registration System Coordinator.

To Reduce Stress: Reframe!

Our partners at ESSDACK in Kansas offer a valuable reminder about stress management in a recent blog post. They emphasize that we have the power to reframe our perceptions of events and people in ways that reduce stress. When facing a challenging situation, consider shifting your perspective to lessen the impact. After reading the ESSDACK blog post, try applying this technique by choosing a more positive or empowering way to view a current stressor in your life.

2024-25 INspired Leadership Workshops

If you haven’t yet participated in a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or if it’s been more than three years since your last session, now is the perfect time to sign up. Check out the 2024-25 workshop dates and locations, and make plans to join us for this transformative experience! For questions, contact Dr. Leslie Moore, Leadership Coach.

The business office is holding an informational meeting via Zoom for new staff and those wanting a refresher on how to submit mileage reimbursement. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 12, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Zoom link to join: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/86736030693.

The agency is partnering with the Hy-Vee Pharmacy to offer flu shot clinics for employees and their families. The vaccination schedule is as follows:

Friday, October 4, from 7:30-9:30 am

• Cedar Falls office (Central Perk) – 1521 Technology Parkway
• Clear Lake office (Room D) – 9184 265th Street, Suite B
• Marshalltown office (Room F) – 909 South 12th Street

Friday, October 11, from 8-10 am

• River Hills School (large conference room) – 2700 Grand Blvd, Cedar Falls

Please complete the 2024 Flu Shot registration form by Monday, September 16 if you wish to participate. During the morning of the clinic, remember to bring:

• A copy of your driver’s license.
• A copy of your insurance card (front/back).
• A completed flu shot consent form
  • Cedar Falls Office Location Only: In lieu of printing off the consent form, Cedar Falls Hy-Vee is providing the option to complete an online consent form. After you sign up for your flu shot, the link for this form will be sent to you on approximately September 20.

Flu shots may be covered at no cost to employees and their family members with proof of insurance. Please contact Kevin Klobassa (319-273-8202) with any questions.

The PAB is a powerful tool integrated into your Gmail account that empowers you to report suspicious emails directly to KnowBe4’s security experts.

When to use the PAB

Use the PAB for suspicious emails or potential phishing attacks, but not for spam or marketing emails. There is a separate “report spam” button included in your Gmail.

Phish Alert Benefits

• Strengthens your organization’s security culture by allowing users to report suspicious emails with a single click.
• Employees receive immediate feedback, reinforcing their training.
• Incident Response teams get early alerts on potential phishing threats, creating a network of user “sensors.”
• You can customize the recipient email address and add a prefix to phishing reports.
• The user dialog box text can be regularly updated to align with your security awareness program, automatically refreshing when users open their email client.

As a reminder or for those new to the agency, Central Rivers AEA has two primary communication channels used to reach staff with agency news, decisions and relevant resources. The two major channels we use frequently are:

The Channel: a monthly blog designed to keep staff informed about all major internal news.

• How do I access The Channel? – the front page of the staff website (note that you will need to login to access the staff website) or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
• Who is The Channel for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff; typically sent electronically on behalf of the Chief Administrator 1-2 days following the monthly board meeting.

Agency Staff Website: an internal website used to archive timely and relevant resources to enhance productivity and communication.

• How do I access the Agency Staff Website (Staff Intranet)? Bookmark the staff website on your browser or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
• Who is the Agency Staff Website for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff

Please note that we are discontinuing the use of The Stream going forward. Instead, updates for staff who work specifically with children, families and educators will be incorporated into The Channel as part of the Executive Director updates.

The Equity Committee strives to ensure all voices are heard and represented as we continue our work and would like to add a few additional members. If you are interested in joining the committee please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller or MaKenzie Hakeman.

All agency documents and presentation materials that staff create to present to their school districts or in team meetings are expected to follow official Central Rivers AEA branding guidelines to maintain a consistent look. When writing for the website (including blogs), please use the online writing guide, which includes important accessibility information. If you have accessibility questions, please review the Accessibility Module.

The Communication Guides and Agency Templates page on the staff website offers many Central Rivers AEA branded resources. Some reminders to staff:

• If you want a custom Google Slide theme, you can place an order through Creative Services.
• Do not create your own themes from scratch or by editing/customizing copies of the themes found in the Google Slide gallery.
• The Branding, Copyright, Accessibility & LMS Guidelines presentation is the “one-stop-shop” resource for all guidelines.

If you have questions regarding branding guidelines and requirements, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services or Contessa Van Buskirk, Communications Specialist, for assistance.

The 2024 All-Staff Kickoff Meeting which will be held at each of our three office locations (Cedar Falls, Clear Lake and Marshalltown) beginning at 9 am on Friday, August 16. Please consider arriving early to enjoy some social time and secure your seat before we begin.

This year’s theme is, “Charting a New Course Forward.” While the past legislative session has been one of the most challenging times we’ve faced professionally, together, we will chart a new path forward in services to children, families and educators. Our hope is that day helps to give you a renewed sense of hope and purpose along with clarity about what’s changing and why.

Please note the following details for the afternoon sessions:

Cedar Falls office:

• East Sector (formerly regions 7, 8) staff: Rooms A1 & A2
• Northeast Sector (formerly regions 4, 5, 6) staff: Rooms C1 & C2
• Detention Center & Youth Shelter staff: Cedar River Room
• EL Team: Little Turkey Room

Clear Lake office:

• Northwest Sector (formerly regions 1, 2, 3) staff: Rooms A, B, C

Marshalltown office:

• South Sector (formerly regions 9, 10, 11) staff: Rooms A, B, C

Lunch will be a 90-minute off-site break. (This will be a paid 90 minutes for all Timeclock staff!)

The day will conclude at 3:30 pm* at each office location following sector or department team meetings. *Note that the afternoon schedule may vary somewhat depending on the department. Some staff may go back to their worksite for the remainder of the day depending on whether it’s necessary for their team (e.g. Creative Services, Media, Business Office, IT, etc.) to meet. Please await guidance from your administrator.

A quick links document is now available for all staff to view, featuring important resources and links updated daily. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest information. 

We look forward to seeing everyone on August 16 and kicking off another great year at Central Rivers AEA!

We are excited to announce the hiring of two new Regional Administrators, MaKenzie Hakeman and Rochelle Richards, who will help to complete our Central Rivers AEA administrative team. In addition, a few shifts in oversight within sectors will take place to ensure that we have complimentary teams in place with backgrounds in both special education and school improvement. New assignments are as follows:

• Northwest Sector: Melissa Hesner & Amber Dietz
• Northeast Sector: Jody Albertson & MaKenzie Hakeman
• South Sector: Greg Koppes & Heather Gould
• East Sector: Ryan Andreassen & Rochelle Richards

Download and print the new Central Rivers AEA Sector Map for the 2024-25 school year.

Meet our new Regional Administrators

MaKenzie starts her new role with a wealth of experience including service as a math consultant, lead teacher in Waterloo Schools, and behavior focus teacher at Davenport Schools. She has a strong background in special education including master’s degrees in both educational leadership and special education. MaKenzie is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment as well as closing the achievement gap.

“Despite the turbulence, I consistently find hope and purpose in our AEA mission: to provide equitable, efficient, and effective services to prepare Iowa students for a life well lived. As a Regional Administrator, I believe our primary responsibility in the upcoming months is to wrap each other up with support, foster a sense of hope among our employees, and continue navigating challenges together while remaining true to our mission.”

Rochelle brings extensive experience in special education having served as a special education consultant and significant disabilities coordinator for the agency since 2017. She has taught at all levels including service as a high school teacher at River Hills School. Rochelle holds a master’s degree in teaching along with special education consultant and Strat I & II endorsements.

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn more and help districts, teachers, students, and families navigate the educational system here in Iowa, especially in the area of Special Education. I am deeply committed to continuing to learn, lead staff, and support districts with what they need.”

We are confident that both MaKenzie and Rochelle will bring valuable insights and leadership to their new roles and that the additional shifts in oversight of sectors described above will put us in a winning position for 2024-25.

A monthly update for both Central Rivers AEA and Keystone AEA staff will be held virtually on the second Thursday of each month, September 2024 through May 2025, from 4:00-4:30 pm. These updates will be conducted by Chief Administrator Stan Rheingans, Executive Director of Ed Services Tesha Moser-Zimmerman and Executive Director of Special Education Annette Hyde.

Zoom details:

• https://aea1.zoom.us/j/93464974419?pwd=Q2hl1s1RZIcSHzDYbdAl9ARPrXdLAY.1
• Meeting ID: 934 6497 4419
• Passcode: 002870

Starting August 1, 2024, Iowa’s AEAs will introduce a new fee structure for professional learning courses due to changes in funding from legislation (HF 2612) passed in 2024. The new fees will apply to courses entered into the AEA Professional Learning Registration system on or after August 1, 2024. Courses set up before this date will retain the previous fee structure.

The information below details the new fees for all course categories, including the new microcredentials category.

Additional Details

• AEAs may charge extra fees for certain courses to cover specific costs.
• While coaching for implementation won’t be included in any course, it is highly recommended and available at a daily rate.
• Some courses may require a minimum number of participants. If a course is canceled, registered participants will be notified.
• Fees for out-of-network participants, such as educators or retirees, may vary. (i.e., police officers, private citizens).
• Starting July 1, 2025, all AEA professional learning opportunities will need approval from the Iowa Department of Education.

If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Department at your local AEA or look over the AEA Course Fee Structure as of August 1, 2024 document.

New Iowa legislation has changed Mandatory Reporter training requirements. Starting July 1, 2024, all staff licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners must complete training every three years for reporting both child abuse and dependent adult abuse. Details on the new law, HF 2404, are available on the Iowa Legislative website.

• Non-certified staff: Are still required to take the Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training every three years.
• Certified staff: Certified staff should continue to take both the Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory trainings to maintain their BOEE license.
• All staff: Please continue to send copies of completed mandatory trainings to the HR office.

Key Changes

• The one-hour recertification courses for Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse and Mandatory Reporter of Dependent Adult Abuse are no longer available.
• Individuals whose Mandatory Reporter training is expiring or has expired must take the new training courses.

Current Enrollees

• Participants currently enrolled in Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse or Dependent Adult Abuse training can continue to complete these courses to maintain their certification and meet current standards.
• New sign-ups will be directed to a STOP page linking to the updated version of the training. Paid participants should contact AEA Learning Online Support for transfer assistance.

Visit the New Mandatory Reporter Training document for more information or view the complete list of required trainings for 2024-25.