Iowa Department of Education

Did you know? Students and parents can sign up for the free Virtual College Coaching texting program to receive individualized texts on the latest news and helpful tips for FAFSA and college preparation. https://lnkd.in/giR9d4y4

ICYMI: Last month’s CTE Day at the Capitol brought students from across the state to Des Moines for a full-day of connection, learning and celebrating career and technical education in Iowa. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA https://lnkd.in/gyeMGJWG

Congratulations to Dustan Kern, our Southwest Iowa STEM Region's recipient of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Google. ?? Learn more about what makes Dustan so deserving: https://bit.ly/4kzmq8V Kern was instrumental in creating a plastics manufacturing program, Titan Plastics, at his middle school. The after-school plastic recycling program involves students melting down recycled plastics and turning them into new designs. Mr. Kern has evolved the program and developed a one-of-a-kind curriculum for an exploratory class that students can take during the day. Kern enjoys giving students the opportunity and exposure to new ways of thinking and learning as well as giving them access to equipment they can experience along the way. He will receive $1,500 for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Google. Congratulations, Mr. Kern! Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Happy National CACFP Week! Did you know? The USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program provides reimbursement for locations like child care centers, adult day care centers, emergency shelters and more. This program helps providers like these offer healthy meals and snacks to Iowa children and adults each day.?https://lnkd.in/g_vWyE2v

Two training opportunities for educators and administrators who support learners with disabilities are coming to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on June 5-6. Register by May 21 to attend either the Teaching for Impact: Training for All Educators Supporting Learners with Disabilities event or the Leading for Impact: Workshop for Administrators opportunity. Both trainings are free to attendees. #ElevateEducatorsIA #teaching4impact

It’s National Ag Day! With Iowa’s strong agricultural focus, we are thankful for the dedicated CTE ag educators who are helping students develop skills, explore ag-related career pathways and promote the importance of this valuable field. Thank you to all Iowa farmers and other professionals in the ag industry for providing goods and services for communities across the world. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA

Congratulations to Dan Kuchera, our Northeast Iowa STEM Region's recipient of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Google. ?? Learn more about what makes Dan so deserving: https://bit.ly/4iqHNY6 His colleague who nominated him emphasized the amount of passion Mr. Kuchera has for the sciences and finding opportunities for students to learn important content in engaging ways. Kuchera led the efforts last spring to hold a Science in the Park event at the Lost Island Parks for students from all area schools, businesses and colleges to come together in one place at one time to collaborate. He will receive $1,500 for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Google. Congratulations, Mr. Kuchera! Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Renew and recharge! The month of March means many Iowa schools and community colleges will be observing spring break. We hope all educators, students and families have an opportunity to unwind this month and return to learning feeling refreshed and ready to engage. Happy Spring Break!

Popular music instruction can positively impact a school’s music program. See how Council Bluffs Community Schools' Kirn Middle School has successfully incorporated guitar and modern band classes into their curriculum. https://bit.ly/41wAMhx

At Van Meter High School, AmeriCorps students leaders helped organize and host a career exploration event for their entire high school. #AmeriCorpsWeek #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA https://bit.ly/4ilmjvJ