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Iowa Association of Area Education Agencies (IAAEA) seeks higher ed partner to offer graduate credit for professional learning

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  • Revolutionizing Education: How Central Rivers AEA is Empowering Schools to Harness the Power of Artificial Intelligence

  • Improving Special Education outcomes: Iowa’s AEAs role in student success

  • The debate over cellphone use in schools: pros and cons

How we help educators, students & families

  • 1

    Scope of Options

    We offer a variety of solutions designed to tackle different challenges in education. Let us support you in overcoming hurdles and reaching your goals.

  • 2

    Customization

    We collaborate with school districts to tailor support through their district service plans, ensuring solutions that fit each district's specific needs and goals.

  • 3

    Excellence

    Excellence is not a buzzword at Central Rivers AEA, it's part of our DNA as an organization. We recruit and retain highly qualified team members with a passion for service.

  • 4

    Leadership & Service

    We both respond to district requests and create opportunities never thought of before. Our dedication extends to every last student we serve.

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Central Rivers AEA's annual staff kickoff was a day full of energy and inspiration as our team came together to start another meaningful year. This year’s theme, “Leading with Heart,” gave staff a chance to reconnect with colleagues and renew their commitment to approaching their work ...with care and intention. 👏

Our keynote speaker, Tamara Lindholm (ESSDACK), encouraged us to focus on gratitude, possibilities, championing others and being fully present – reminding us that every choice shapes the legacy we leave. 💡🙌

We also took time to honor team members who have dedicated years of service, recognizing their meaningful contributions to our mission. As we enter this new school year, we’re united in our ultimate goal – improving student learning! 👏

#CRAEA #iaedchat #StudentExcellence

Welcome to the new staff who joined us for orientation today at our Cedar Falls office! This talented group will use their skills to serve our local students, educators, families and communities in a wide range of roles. 👏🙌

We're happy to have you on our #CRAEA team! 🎉
...
#EveryDayAtAEA #newhires #welcomeaboard

The 2nd Annual Standards-Based Grading Conference equipped school leaders with tools to improve grading practices – like keeping behavior and learning separate, setting clear expectations and giving feedback that helps students grow. 🙌

Teams left motivated to make a difference! ...👏

#EveryDayAtAEA #CRAEA #UNI #iaedchat #standardsbasedsuccess

What a day! Our recent workshop, "Unlock the Power of Executive Function," brought together educators, parents, coaches, consultants and Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency/Central Rivers AEA staff to explore the 10 key skills that help students plan, stay focused and keep going – no ...matter the challenge. 💪📚

From simple classroom strategies to practical tools for home, attendees walked away ready to support all learners – especially those who struggle with organization, focus or follow-through.

Big thanks to everyone who joined us in making learning more accessible, effective and empowering! 🙌

#EveryDayAtAEA #CRAEA #ExecutiveFunction #studentsuccess

🌟 Possibilities unlocked for Kori! 🌟

At just two years old, Kori is making incredible progress thanks to the love of her family and the support of her Central Rivers AEA Early ACCESS team. 👏

From driving her motorized car to using her speech device to ask for a kitten ...🐱, Kori is showing the world what’s possible when care and collaboration come together. 🙌👏

Check out the full story on our website > Impacting Lives > Assistive Technology Success Stories.

#EveryDayAtAEA #CRAEA #iaedchat #collaboration

Congratulations to Lashundra Archie from Kittrell Elementary School in @waterloo.schools on winning the 2025 ABC Paraeducator of the Year Award! 🎉

Ms. Shun is a vital part of the Waterloo school community. Her steady dedication and leadership help every student succeed, while her ...positive spirit brings joy and a strong sense of unity to the school. She truly lives out their belief that "Greatness. Starts. Here!" 👏

Nearly 50 paraeducators from 28 school districts were nominated for the 2024-25 Central Rivers AEA Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) Paraeducator Award – a reflection of their hard work, dedication and commitment to going the extra mile! 🙌

#EveryDayAtAEA #CRAEA #iaedchat #ParasRock

What we are proud of

Top Iowa Workplace

We were a Des Moines Register Top Workplace two years in a row.

90%

of local educators say Central Rivers AEA special education services are "meeting or exceeding" expectations.

96%

of local educators say that Central Rivers AEA Future Ready supports are "meeting or exceeding" expectations.

98%

of local educators say that Central Rivers AEA Media and Creative Services are "meeting or exceeding" expectations.

"The AEA staff members who work with my district have been extremely helpful across the board...answering questions specific to content areas, helping with technology implementation, analyzing and using student data, and implementing Social and Emotional Learning structures."