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Educator Connection

News for Educators in Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency

EducatorConnectionNews for Educators in Prairie Lakes Area EducationAgency

August 2021

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FREE K-12 Minecraft Education Esports Teacher Academy

Minecraft Education is providing a free Esports Teacher Academy from Aug. 16-19. Live, one-hour daily sessions are available at either 10am or 5pm. Asynchronous training is also available.


The sessions will cover the following topics:

  • Creating an Esports Curriculum
  • Developing Esports Club Culture and Community
  • Leveling Up Your Play - Mastering SEL in Esports
  • Coaching K12 Esports - Best Practices


Click here to learn more and register.

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Alternate Assessment

In-person Aug. 16 in one of three locations:
  • Pocahontas - 500 NE 6th St.
  • Fort Dodge - 1235 5th Ave. S.
  • Algona - 116 S. Thorington

OR

Virtually on Aug. 27.


Click here for more details.

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Cognitive Coaching Level 1

The first two days of class are Sept. 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the PLAEA office in Storm Lake.


The second two days of class are Oct. 19 and 20 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the PLAEA office in Spencer.


Click here for more details.

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Leadership Network

Please join us each month to network & learn with fellow principals. All meetings will be from 9 a.m.-noon in Pocahontas, with the first meeting scheduled for Sept. 21.


Click here for more details.

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Become a Child Mental Health First Aider

This training course introduces adults to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in children and adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches educators how to help a child who is experiencing a mental health challenge or is in crisis.


Dates and details available at this link.

Paraeducator Certification Courses

The Paraeducator Generalist I certificate program is delivered in three 30-hour courses. The three courses below are required for paraeducator certification. Contact Carrie Guerin for assistance.

Introduction to Course (Foundations and Professionalism) #308039

One of the three classes needed for certification. Registration deadline is Sept. 3.


Class Dates/Times: September 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should expect to complete an additional 25 hours of work from September 18-October 2. This will be done in Moodle units with weekly assignments to be completed.


Location: Prairie Lakes AEA Office, 1235 5th Avenue South, Fort Dodge

Facilitator: Kristine Randell

Cost: License Renewal is $120


Registration and other details available here.

Instructional Support #308040

One of the three classes needed for certification. Registration deadline is Sept. 3


Class Date/Time: October 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should expect to complete an additional 25 hours of work from October 23-November 6. This will be done in Moodle units with weekly assignments to be completed.


Location: Prairie Lakes AEA Office, 1235 5th Avenue South, Fort Dodge

Facilitator: Karen Waid

Cost: License Renewal is $120


Registration and other details available here.

Behavior Supports #308041

One of the three classes needed for certification. Registration deadline is Sept. 3


Class Date/Time: November 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should expect to complete an additional 25 hours of work from November 20-December 11. This will be done in Moodle units with weekly assignments to be completed.


Location: Prairie Lakes AEA Office, 1235 5th Avenue South, Fort Dodge

Facilitator: Marni Moody

Cost: License Renewal is $120


Registration and other details available here.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid

This training course is designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Classes planned across Prairie Lakes AEA.


Click here for more details.

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Learn Best Practice in Suicide Risk Assessment Procedures

This workshop is designed for K-12 school counselors, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, school based interventionists, nurses or anyone who would be involved in suicide assessment. Team time will be provided to discuss school procedures and role play, so it is beneficial to register as a team.


Click here for details.

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Preschool Academy

Learn from a series of workshops that are designed to assist new early childhood teachers/associates (or those needing a refresher) to understand developmentally appropriate curriculum, assessment, school improvement, Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Iowa Early Learning Standards. Identify what you need to teach in an Iowa early childhood education program. These 3 days of learning will have you off the ground and running with what you need to know for teaching in an early childhood classroom.


All sessions will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the PLAEA office in Pocahontas. Registration Link


Creative Curriculum

Aug. 13 & 16


Power of Observation & Teaching Strategies GOLD:

Aug. 18


EC-PBIS

Sept. 27

Nov. 15

Dec. 6


Contacts

Marcie Lentsch - mlentsch@plaea.org

Katie Kauffman - kkauffman@plaea.org

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Nondiscrimination Statement

It is the policy of Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency to not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical traits, gender identity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, socioeconomic status, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities or employment practices. The agency is committed to affirmative action. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the agency’s Equity Coordinator, Michelle Dowd, 1235 5th Ave S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 or phone 515-705-7138. Email: mdowd@plaea.org