Today, MBAEA is proud to host our Counselor Academy, bringing together school counselors from across our area for collaboration, learning, and shared problem-solving.
These sessions provide space for counselors to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the supports they provide to students every day. We’re grateful for the important work our counselors do and for their commitment to continuous growth in service of students and schools.
These sessions provide space for counselors to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the supports they provide to students every day. We’re grateful for the important work our counselors do and for their commitment to continuous growth in service of students and schools.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Superintendent Mike Hilmer of Bellevue Community School District.
Superintendent Hilmer’s leadership consistently goes above and beyond, creating meaningful opportunities for students, empowering staff, and strengthening community connections. His vision and dedication have a lasting, positive impact throughout the Bellevue community.
Thank you, Superintendent Hilmer, for your leadership and service.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Superintendent Mike Hilmer of Bellevue Community School District.
Superintendent Hilmer’s leadership consistently goes above and beyond, creating meaningful opportunities for students, empowering staff, and strengthening community connections. His vision and dedication have a lasting, positive impact throughout the Bellevue community.
Thank you, Superintendent Hilmer, for your leadership and service.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Erica Felkey, Curriculum Director and Coach for Easton Valley / Delwood / Andrew.
Erica is a passionate district leader whose innovation, mentorship, and unwavering dedication empower educators and strengthen teaching and learning. She fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence that benefits students and staff across her district.
Thank you, Erica, for the inspiring difference you make every day.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Erica Felkey, Curriculum Director and Coach for Easton Valley / Delwood / Andrew.
Erica is a passionate district leader whose innovation, mentorship, and unwavering dedication empower educators and strengthen teaching and learning. She fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence that benefits students and staff across her district.
Thank you, Erica, for the inspiring difference you make every day.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Tia Hicks, Principal at Harrison Elementary in Davenport Community School District.
As a first-year principal, Dr. Hicks has quickly distinguished herself as a thoughtful and dynamic leader. Her visible presence, collaborative approach, and commitment to listening and learning have helped build strong connections with staff and students and foster a positive school culture.
Thank you, Dr. Hicks, for your leadership and dedication to your school community.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Tia Hicks, Principal at Harrison Elementary in Davenport Community School District.
As a first-year principal, Dr. Hicks has quickly distinguished herself as a thoughtful and dynamic leader. Her visible presence, collaborative approach, and commitment to listening and learning have helped build strong connections with staff and students and foster a positive school culture.
Thank you, Dr. Hicks, for your leadership and dedication to your school community.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Aimee Wedeking, Principal at Louisa-Muscatine Elementary School.
Aimee demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion during one of the most challenging times a school community can face. Her calm presence, thoughtful communication, and deep care for staff, students, and families provided strength, comfort, and unity when it was needed most.
Thank you, Aimee, for leading with heart and integrity.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Aimee Wedeking, Principal at Louisa-Muscatine Elementary School.
Aimee demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion during one of the most challenging times a school community can face. Her calm presence, thoughtful communication, and deep care for staff, students, and families provided strength, comfort, and unity when it was needed most.
Thank you, Aimee, for leading with heart and integrity.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Hagan Ackley, Special Education Teacher at Ekstrand in Central DeWitt.
Hagan exemplifies the power of collaboration. Through strong partnerships and a student-centered approach, he supports learners with challenging needs and helps ensure smooth transitions between settings. His commitment to teamwork strengthens connections and creates meaningful benefits for students.
Thank you, Hagan, for your collaboration and dedication to students.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Hagan Ackley, Special Education Teacher at Ekstrand in Central DeWitt.
Hagan exemplifies the power of collaboration. Through strong partnerships and a student-centered approach, he supports learners with challenging needs and helps ensure smooth transitions between settings. His commitment to teamwork strengthens connections and creates meaningful benefits for students.
Thank you, Hagan, for your collaboration and dedication to students.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Paige Williams, Environmental Specialist with Muscatine Community School District.
Paige is a tireless advocate and collaborative leader who works diligently to build strong systems that support the well-being of students and staff. Her thoroughness, expertise, and commitment to doing work with fidelity ensure that important efforts are done well and with care.
Thank you, Paige, for the positive impact you make across your district.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Paige Williams, Environmental Specialist with Muscatine Community School District.
Paige is a tireless advocate and collaborative leader who works diligently to build strong systems that support the well-being of students and staff. Her thoroughness, expertise, and commitment to doing work with fidelity ensure that important efforts are done well and with care.
Thank you, Paige, for the positive impact you make across your district.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Katie Meyer, Significant Disabilities Teacher at Bettendorf High School.
Katie creates an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Through individualized instruction, collaboration, and unwavering compassion, she supports students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them develop independence and real-life skills. Her commitment extends beyond her classroom and strengthens the entire school community.
Thank you, Katie, for your dedication and excellence in serving students.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Katie Meyer, Significant Disabilities Teacher at Bettendorf High School.
Katie creates an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Through individualized instruction, collaboration, and unwavering compassion, she supports students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them develop independence and real-life skills. Her commitment extends beyond her classroom and strengthens the entire school community.
Thank you, Katie, for your dedication and excellence in serving students.
🧩 February Assistive Technology Newsletter is out!
http://bit.ly/4ryEDWV
✔️ Clicker writing supports
✔️ New switch-adapted toys
✔️ AAC resources
✔️ Insignia tips
Explore what’s new and available through MBAEA.
http://bit.ly/4ryEDWV
✔️ Clicker writing supports
✔️ New switch-adapted toys
✔️ AAC resources
✔️ Insignia tips
Explore what’s new and available through MBAEA.
Today at MBAEA, we hosted our monthly Media Academy, bringing together school librarians from across our MBAEA districts for learning, collaboration, and shared problem-solving around school library services.
A special highlight of today’s Academy was a student panel, where students from our schools shared honest, thoughtful feedback about their reading experiences. From how they discover books, to preferences around print versus e-books, to favorite genres and what they want more of in their school libraries. Their insights were invaluable!
Thank you to our school librarians for the important work you do every day to support students as readers and learners. And a special thank you to the students who generously shared their voices today. Your feedback will directly help shape the future of school libraries across our districts.
A special highlight of today’s Academy was a student panel, where students from our schools shared honest, thoughtful feedback about their reading experiences. From how they discover books, to preferences around print versus e-books, to favorite genres and what they want more of in their school libraries. Their insights were invaluable!
Thank you to our school librarians for the important work you do every day to support students as readers and learners. And a special thank you to the students who generously shared their voices today. Your feedback will directly help shape the future of school libraries across our districts.
District Watch Award Spotlight!
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Karen Pauly, At-Risk Teacher at North Scott High School.
Karen is known for seeing students as whole people, especially those facing challenges. She goes beyond academics to ensure students feel supported, valued, and connected to their learning, taking the time to check in, provide encouragement, and help students believe in their ability to succeed. Her compassion and dedication leave a lasting impact on both students and colleagues.
Thank you, Karen, for the meaningful difference you make every day.
Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Karen Pauly, At-Risk Teacher at North Scott High School.
Karen is known for seeing students as whole people, especially those facing challenges. She goes beyond academics to ensure students feel supported, valued, and connected to their learning, taking the time to check in, provide encouragement, and help students believe in their ability to succeed. Her compassion and dedication leave a lasting impact on both students and colleagues.
Thank you, Karen, for the meaningful difference you make every day.
Thanks to the generosity of our employees who donated through MBAEA Gives Back, we were able to purchase and build a tryke for Cooper. Cooper was so excited. He immediately hopped on the tryke on rode laps around the room. Thank you to Mississippi Bend Trykes for giving us the opportunity to donate and build the tyrke. You can see how happy Cooper was from the photos!
MBAEA Closed - Friday, January 23
Today @ MBAEA... We're thrilled to host Bettendorf teachers for Explicit Instruction Training!
📣 We’re Hiring! Join the Work That Matters at MBAEA!
Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (MBAEA) is growing, and we’re looking for dedicated professionals who want to make a meaningful impact on students, schools, and communities across eastern Iowa.
If you, or someone you know, cares deeply about education, equity, and collaboration, please apply and help us spread the word by sharing this post.
🔎 Current Openings:
• Paraeducator – Behavior Interventionist (Partnership School | DeWitt, IA)
• Special Education Teacher (Partnership School | DeWitt, IA)
• Sign Language Interpreter
• Driver Education Instructor
• School Psychologist
• School Social Worker
🎓 Openings for the 2026–2027 School Year:
• School Psychologist Intern
• School Social Worker Practicum
• Speech-Language Pathologist
💡 Why Work at MBAEA?
✔ Student-centered, mission-driven work
✔ Collaborative, supportive professional culture
✔ Opportunities to serve multiple districts and communities
✔ Meaningful impact beyond a single classroom or building
👉 Learn more and apply: https://www.mbaea.org/o/mbaea/page/careers
🔁 Know someone who should see this? Please share this post!
✨ January MBAEA Assistive Technology Newsletter is here! ✨
🔹 High Incidence supports
🔹 Access & AAC tools
🔹 AT Lending Library additions
🔹 Educator-friendly instructional resources
📄 Read the newsletter: http://bit.ly/3Y62yAd
📎 The AT Referral Form is included for anyone needing additional support.
#MBAEA #AssistiveTechnology #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation
🔹 High Incidence supports
🔹 Access & AAC tools
🔹 AT Lending Library additions
🔹 Educator-friendly instructional resources
📄 Read the newsletter: http://bit.ly/3Y62yAd
📎 The AT Referral Form is included for anyone needing additional support.
#MBAEA #AssistiveTechnology #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation
Thinking Differently — Brick by Brick 🧱
MBAEA consultant Aaron Maurer recently partnered with staff at Easton Valley Community School District for a hands-on learning experience using LEGO® to spark creative problem-solving.
Through interactive activities, staff explored how stepping outside “normal” ways of thinking can unlock new perspectives, collaboration, and innovative solutions — reminding us that thinking differently isn’t just a skill, it’s an experience.
We appreciate Easton Valley’s willingness to learn, build, and grow together!
MBAEA consultant Aaron Maurer recently partnered with staff at Easton Valley Community School District for a hands-on learning experience using LEGO® to spark creative problem-solving.
Through interactive activities, staff explored how stepping outside “normal” ways of thinking can unlock new perspectives, collaboration, and innovative solutions — reminding us that thinking differently isn’t just a skill, it’s an experience.
We appreciate Easton Valley’s willingness to learn, build, and grow together!
Deaf / Hard of Hearing Day 2025 is in the books at Mississippi Bend AEA!
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, families, teachers, interpreters, and staff came together for a day filled with hands-on activities, creativity, learning, and connection. From early learners to older students, the day provided opportunities to build community, celebrate accessibility, and simply enjoy being together in a space designed with communication and inclusion at the center.
Events like this highlight the power of partnership and the importance of creating environments where every learner belongs.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this annual event such a success.
#MBAEA #DeafAndHardOfHearing #DHH #InclusiveEducation #AccessibilityMatters #StrongerTogether
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, families, teachers, interpreters, and staff came together for a day filled with hands-on activities, creativity, learning, and connection. From early learners to older students, the day provided opportunities to build community, celebrate accessibility, and simply enjoy being together in a space designed with communication and inclusion at the center.
Events like this highlight the power of partnership and the importance of creating environments where every learner belongs.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this annual event such a success.
#MBAEA #DeafAndHardOfHearing #DHH #InclusiveEducation #AccessibilityMatters #StrongerTogether
Is your student ready for the road ahead?
Mississippi Bend AEA’s Driver Education Program is now accepting registrations for Summer 2026. Our state-approved program offers high-quality instruction, flexible class options, and in-car driving experiences designed to build confident, safe drivers.
📅 Summer sessions begin May 18
🚗 Register early for the best drive times and class options
📘 Sessions also run throughout the school year and summer
Learn more and register today:
👉 https://bit.ly/3MmUULQ
Mississippi Bend AEA’s Driver Education Program is now accepting registrations for Summer 2026. Our state-approved program offers high-quality instruction, flexible class options, and in-car driving experiences designed to build confident, safe drivers.
📅 Summer sessions begin May 18
🚗 Register early for the best drive times and class options
📘 Sessions also run throughout the school year and summer
Learn more and register today:
👉 https://bit.ly/3MmUULQ
We are proud to host LETRS training today at MBAEA. Our dedicated educators are deepening their knowledge of high-quality literacy practices that positively impact classrooms and student outcomes!
