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FOCUS 2022

Summer Learning Conference -

FOCUS 2022 Summer Learning Conference -

FOCUS 2022 is the summer conference hosted by Prairie Lakes AEA on the beautiful, lakeside campus of Buena Vista University. This learning experience blends a variety of inspiring and informative keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Our first conference was held in fall 2018 and focused on creating a trauma-sensitive school.


While the conference remains grounded to that beginning, FOCUS brings educators, counselors, administrators, and other education professionals together to engage in learning around the most current and pressing challenges that face us in today’s classrooms.



Using the free Whova app, you can customize and maximize your conference experience. Up-to-date event information, personalized agenda, live polls, messages, and exciting photos are all at your fingertips.


If you need licensure renewal credit, we have you covered as well.

Conference Registration:
  • Individual - $150
  • Team (15 person maximum) - $1,500


FOCUS 2022 registration is an allowable/reimbursable expense under the ESSER guidance for school districts.

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What's Included with Registration?

  • A copy of Joe Beckman's book, "Just Look Up: Five Life-Saving Phrases Every Human Needs to Hear"
  • Complimentary digital access to the documentary, Tell My Story
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snack on June 22, and breakfast on June 23

FOCUS 2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

JOE BECKMAN

Our schools are experiencing an unprecedented shift. Student loneliness is at an all-time high, while self-worth and belonging are at all-time lows. And the culprit is a lack of human connection.


Over the last 17+ years, Joe has spoken in educational settings all over the world with one simple mission… to reclaim human connection.


It’s only when we stop and slow down, separate from our screens, and truly listen to each other’s stories, that we can course-correct, and give our youth the best chance to leave their mark on this world.

CURT SLATER

Curtis Slater has worked in the U.S public school system for the past 27 years. He has been a paraprofessional in a level 4 EBD program, Teacher, Dean of Students, Associate Principal and Principal. Curt was the 2018 National Distinguished Principal of the Year for Minnesota.


He has had the opportunity to train over 600 schools around positive school culture, social/emotional learning, RTI and MTSS.

JEN ALEXANDER

As a licensed special education teacher, professional school counselor, trauma expert, author, and leader in the movement to build trauma-sensitive schools, Ms. Jen has more than 20 years of experience providing support to young people and the educators who serve them.


In her current role as consultant and trainer, Ms. Jen shows educators what works and why when it comes to building trauma-sensitive environments. She is an an Iowa educator, former special education teacher, and play therapist. (She's also a North Mahaska alum and a UNI grad.)

Tell My Story | Trailer

LICENSURE RENEWAL CREDIT

Licensure Renewal is available for $85 by registering for course #203196 within the AEA Professional Learning Registration System and completing a required reflection and action plan.

Prairie Lakes AEA
Caring Partners who deliver Accountable Services

Prairie Lakes AEA serves almost 32,000 students and families in a 14-county area. Over 3,000 educators in 38 public school districts and 11 accredited, nonpublic schools, rely on Prairie Lakes AEA for services in special education, school technology, media and instructional/curriculum support. The agency serves children from birth through age 21.