🎁 MBAEA GivesBack: Toys for Tots Donation Drive 🎁
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible MBAEA staff, we were able to donate a huge collection of toys to the Toys for Tots program this holiday season!
Their kindness will help bring joy to children across our region, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
In addition to the toys collected, MBAEA GivesBack also made a $500 donation to Scott for Tots in the Clinton area to further support families during the holidays.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a meaningful impact for kids in our communities! 💙
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible MBAEA staff, we were able to donate a huge collection of toys to the Toys for Tots program this holiday season!
Their kindness will help bring joy to children across our region, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
In addition to the toys collected, MBAEA GivesBack also made a $500 donation to Scott for Tots in the Clinton area to further support families during the holidays.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a meaningful impact for kids in our communities! 💙
Our December Assistive Technology Newsletter is here!
This month’s updates include new resources in High Incidence Disabilities, Access, AAC, AT Lending Library features, and more.
Highlights include:
✨ Free statewide access to uPAR and Google Read & Write
✨ December 5th webinar on Google Read & Write
✨ Featured AT tool: Rifton Anchor Bar
✨ New AAC tools, digital pencils, and switch-access games
✨ Holiday-themed AT activities for your classroom
✨ Free CEUs from AbleNet
Please share widely with your special education teams, classroom teachers, and building staff who may benefit from these supports.
📄 View the full newsletter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XZngQrXV60Zmh0l_vBlT-LgR6vz64xWhE6TkjVfr9iI/edit?usp=sharing
📌 Need assistance? Submit an AT Referral Form at the bottom of the newsletter.
Together, we’re helping create a more accessible world for all students.
— MBAEA Assistive Technology Department
This month’s updates include new resources in High Incidence Disabilities, Access, AAC, AT Lending Library features, and more.
Highlights include:
✨ Free statewide access to uPAR and Google Read & Write
✨ December 5th webinar on Google Read & Write
✨ Featured AT tool: Rifton Anchor Bar
✨ New AAC tools, digital pencils, and switch-access games
✨ Holiday-themed AT activities for your classroom
✨ Free CEUs from AbleNet
Please share widely with your special education teams, classroom teachers, and building staff who may benefit from these supports.
📄 View the full newsletter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XZngQrXV60Zmh0l_vBlT-LgR6vz64xWhE6TkjVfr9iI/edit?usp=sharing
📌 Need assistance? Submit an AT Referral Form at the bottom of the newsletter.
Together, we’re helping create a more accessible world for all students.
— MBAEA Assistive Technology Department
With gratitude and respect, we honor all who have served. 🇺🇸
#VeteransDay #MBAEA
👏 High Five, Sarah Reagan!
New to MBAEA this year, Sarah jumped right in as both a Child Find staff member and Literacy Consultant, bringing curiosity, determination, and grace to everything she does. She’s already making an impact in “Closing the Achievement Gap” schools by helping systems improve.
We’re thrilled to have Sarah on our team and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
New to MBAEA this year, Sarah jumped right in as both a Child Find staff member and Literacy Consultant, bringing curiosity, determination, and grace to everything she does. She’s already making an impact in “Closing the Achievement Gap” schools by helping systems improve.
We’re thrilled to have Sarah on our team and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
Today @ MBAEA...
We’re excited to host area administrators for our Leading for Impact series! Today’s session features nationally recognized educator and author Dr. Anthony Muhammad, guiding participants through powerful professional learning.
It’s an inspiring day of growth and connection here at MBAEA — all centered on supporting the educators and students we serve! 🌟
We’re excited to host area administrators for our Leading for Impact series! Today’s session features nationally recognized educator and author Dr. Anthony Muhammad, guiding participants through powerful professional learning.
It’s an inspiring day of growth and connection here at MBAEA — all centered on supporting the educators and students we serve! 🌟
👏 High Five, Maria Manternach!
Maria is new to MBAEA this year and has already stepped up in a big way — covering multiple leaves, supporting colleagues, and bringing enthusiasm and creativity to every role. Her flexibility and eagerness to learn shine through her work, as does her dedication to helping others succeed.
We’re so grateful to have Maria on our team — congratulations on your High Five Award! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
Maria is new to MBAEA this year and has already stepped up in a big way — covering multiple leaves, supporting colleagues, and bringing enthusiasm and creativity to every role. Her flexibility and eagerness to learn shine through her work, as does her dedication to helping others succeed.
We’re so grateful to have Maria on our team — congratulations on your High Five Award! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
👏 High Five, Stefanie Latimer!
Stefanie works tirelessly to support the growth of both teachers and students. She builds strong relationships, uses effective strategies, and meets people where they are while inspiring them to keep growing. Her commitment to continuous improvement shines through in the progress seen across the districts she supports!
Congratulations, Stefanie, and thank you for the difference you make each day! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
Stefanie works tirelessly to support the growth of both teachers and students. She builds strong relationships, uses effective strategies, and meets people where they are while inspiring them to keep growing. Her commitment to continuous improvement shines through in the progress seen across the districts she supports!
Congratulations, Stefanie, and thank you for the difference you make each day! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
👏 High Five, Makennah DeVore!
We’re excited to celebrate Makennah as one of this quarter’s MBAEA High Five Award recipients! New to MBAEA this year, she’s quickly demonstrated the professionalism, integrity, and compassion of a seasoned social worker. Her commitment to supporting families and safeguarding students makes a lasting impact across our agency and schools.
Congratulations, Makennah! We’re so glad to have you on the team! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
We’re excited to celebrate Makennah as one of this quarter’s MBAEA High Five Award recipients! New to MBAEA this year, she’s quickly demonstrated the professionalism, integrity, and compassion of a seasoned social worker. Her commitment to supporting families and safeguarding students makes a lasting impact across our agency and schools.
Congratulations, Makennah! We’re so glad to have you on the team! 💙💛
#MBAEA #HighFiveAward #MakingAnImpact #TeamMBAEA
Today, we’re grateful to host local voters and election workers for the City and School Elections. Thank you to everyone who makes the voting process possible! 🗳️
It’s National School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate our incredible MBAEA School Psychologists—professionals who support students’ learning, mental health, and well-being every single day.
From assessment and intervention to collaboration and problem-solving, their work helps create safe, supportive environments where every student can learn and thrive.
Please join us in thanking our school psychologists for their dedication, compassion, and impact across our schools! 💙
#SchoolPsychologyWeek #ThankASchoolPsychologist #MBAEA
This week, we celebrate our incredible MBAEA School Psychologists—professionals who support students’ learning, mental health, and well-being every single day.
From assessment and intervention to collaboration and problem-solving, their work helps create safe, supportive environments where every student can learn and thrive.
Please join us in thanking our school psychologists for their dedication, compassion, and impact across our schools! 💙
#SchoolPsychologyWeek #ThankASchoolPsychologist #MBAEA
Today @ MBAEA...Special Education Department Professional Learning!
Our MBAEA Assistive Technology Team just released their November Newsletter, packed with classroom-ready tools and resources to support accessibility, AAC, and inclusive learning!
✨ Highlights include:
✅ Digital accessibility strategies
✅ AI tools for educators and students
✅ Thanksgiving-themed adapted lessons
✅ Core vocabulary and literacy supports
Let’s keep creating classrooms where every student can thrive. 💙
#MBAEA #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #InclusiveEducation #ATSupport
Today @ MBAEA... LETRS Training!
Today @ MBAEA... Davenport CSD & UNI Special Education Professional Learning!
📣 Now Enrolling!
Looking to become a certified paraeducator or strengthen your classroom skills?
Mississippi Bend AEA is offering a new series of virtual evening courses beginning this winter and spring — perfect for paraeducators and educators seeking certification, instructional support strategies, or an area of concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
🎓 Paraeducator Certification Course 1: Foundations
🗓 Jan. 5 – Feb. 27, 2026
🕕 Virtual Evenings | 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Jan 5, 19, 26 & Feb 9
📌 Registration ends: Jan 4
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55403
📘 Paraeducator Certification Course 2: Instructional Support
🗓 Mar. 2 – Apr. 24, 2026
🕕 Virtual Evenings | 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Mar 2, 23, 30 & Apr 13
📌 Registration ends: Mar 1
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55404
🧩 Classroom Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
(Paraeducator Area of Concentration | 3 licensure renewal credits)
🗓 Feb. 4 – May 6, 2026
🕔 Virtual Evenings | 5:00–7:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6
📌 Registration ends: Feb 4
💡 Learn effective strategies, environmental supports, and tools for working with students on the autism spectrum.
🔗 View flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEBNGRzRa9qqjitH4tHX0O-33AfZhXeJ/view
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55114
📄 For full details on certification, renewal, and licensing, explore the
MBAEA Paraeducator Program Manual:
🔗 View Manual: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zog6y4e72rC4W7wowWW_XYBJZ-0Cb99f7QO3Pqi37LI/edit?tab=t.0
#MBAEA #Paraeducator #ProfessionalLearning #IowaEducation #SpecialEducation #AutismSupport #VirtualLearning #ParaeducatorTraining
Looking to become a certified paraeducator or strengthen your classroom skills?
Mississippi Bend AEA is offering a new series of virtual evening courses beginning this winter and spring — perfect for paraeducators and educators seeking certification, instructional support strategies, or an area of concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
🎓 Paraeducator Certification Course 1: Foundations
🗓 Jan. 5 – Feb. 27, 2026
🕕 Virtual Evenings | 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Jan 5, 19, 26 & Feb 9
📌 Registration ends: Jan 4
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55403
📘 Paraeducator Certification Course 2: Instructional Support
🗓 Mar. 2 – Apr. 24, 2026
🕕 Virtual Evenings | 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Mar 2, 23, 30 & Apr 13
📌 Registration ends: Mar 1
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55404
🧩 Classroom Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
(Paraeducator Area of Concentration | 3 licensure renewal credits)
🗓 Feb. 4 – May 6, 2026
🕔 Virtual Evenings | 5:00–7:00 PM
📅 Class Dates: Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6
📌 Registration ends: Feb 4
💡 Learn effective strategies, environmental supports, and tools for working with students on the autism spectrum.
🔗 View flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEBNGRzRa9qqjitH4tHX0O-33AfZhXeJ/view
🔗 Register here: https://mbaea.escworks.com/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=55114
📄 For full details on certification, renewal, and licensing, explore the
MBAEA Paraeducator Program Manual:
🔗 View Manual: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zog6y4e72rC4W7wowWW_XYBJZ-0Cb99f7QO3Pqi37LI/edit?tab=t.0
#MBAEA #Paraeducator #ProfessionalLearning #IowaEducation #SpecialEducation #AutismSupport #VirtualLearning #ParaeducatorTraining
We are so blessed to work with our amazing custodians! Thank you all, and Happy National Custodian Day!
📚✨ Today at Mississippi Bend AEA, we welcomed 120 educational leaders from across our districts for Leading for Impact, a powerful learning network focused on strengthening leadership, teaching, and student outcomes.
Through collaboration, reflection, and scenario-based problem solving, participants are engaging with the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (Standards 4, 6, and 10) to drive sustainable school improvement.
It’s inspiring to see so many leaders committed to creating meaningful impact for students in our region. 👏
#MBAEA #LeadingForImpact #EducationalLeadership #SchoolImprovement
Through collaboration, reflection, and scenario-based problem solving, participants are engaging with the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (Standards 4, 6, and 10) to drive sustainable school improvement.
It’s inspiring to see so many leaders committed to creating meaningful impact for students in our region. 👏
#MBAEA #LeadingForImpact #EducationalLeadership #SchoolImprovement
✨ The October MBAEA Assistive Technology (AT) Newsletter is here! ✨
👉 Read the October Newsletter here: http://bit.ly/4nS2DlM
Inside you’ll find:
📌 Policy & Practice webinar on AEM & AT in the IEP
📌 New Access tools now available in our AT Lending Library
📌 AAC Awareness Month resources + discounts
📌 Free Iowa DE-sponsored access to uPAR & Read/Write tools
Together, we’re building accessibility, inclusion, and engagement for ALL students.
👉 Read the October Newsletter here: http://bit.ly/4nS2DlM
Inside you’ll find:
📌 Policy & Practice webinar on AEM & AT in the IEP
📌 New Access tools now available in our AT Lending Library
📌 AAC Awareness Month resources + discounts
📌 Free Iowa DE-sponsored access to uPAR & Read/Write tools
Together, we’re building accessibility, inclusion, and engagement for ALL students.
Our September Assistive Technology Newsletter is out! ✨
🔹 uPAR refresher + new dashboard videos
🔹 Fresh Access tools in the AT Lending Library
🔹 AAC partner tips + new resources
🔹 ATIA AT Demo Days (Sept 10)
Please share with your teams—these resources support classrooms across the region.
Read the September AT Newsletter ➜ http://bit.ly/46sFFuH
#MBAEA #AssistiveTechnology #SpecialEducation #Accessibility #AAC #IowaSchools
🔹 uPAR refresher + new dashboard videos
🔹 Fresh Access tools in the AT Lending Library
🔹 AAC partner tips + new resources
🔹 ATIA AT Demo Days (Sept 10)
Please share with your teams—these resources support classrooms across the region.
Read the September AT Newsletter ➜ http://bit.ly/46sFFuH
#MBAEA #AssistiveTechnology #SpecialEducation #Accessibility #AAC #IowaSchools
✨ On Friday, August 29, we held our MBAEA All-Staff gathering! ✨
It’s a rare and special opportunity when we can bring our entire team together—especially since so many of our colleagues are out in schools each day supporting learners and educators. While we missed a few faces, it was a wonderful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and celebrating the important work we get to do together.
We’re grateful for our dedicated staff and the difference they make across the region every single day. 💙
📸 Here are some highlights from the day!
It’s a rare and special opportunity when we can bring our entire team together—especially since so many of our colleagues are out in schools each day supporting learners and educators. While we missed a few faces, it was a wonderful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and celebrating the important work we get to do together.
We’re grateful for our dedicated staff and the difference they make across the region every single day. 💙
📸 Here are some highlights from the day!
