Iowa Department of Education

ICYMI: Lake Mills High School senior Grace Bechtel recently completed her one-year term as the student representative on the State Board of Education. Learn more about the impact she has had in ensuring that all students experience a world-class education what's next for Grace. bit.ly/3Qg0ntf

Are you looking to strengthen content knowledge and teaching practices in social studies? Check out the America250 webinar recordings with lessons on revolutionary Iowans, civil discourse and constitutional principles. bit.ly/4dgaWW0

Registered Apprenticeships are one of the many work-based learning opportunities in Iowa that create multiple pathways to futures in high-demand careers for students. At Fort Madison Community School District, automotive technology students are earning while they learn through Registered Apprenticeships with local car dealerships. In addition to creating a pathway to full-time employment, the program addresses an immediate need for trained, skilled automotive technicians in the community. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA shorturl.at/s2dga

Through historic teacher pay raises, multiple pathways to teacher licensure and opportunities for professional development, Iowa has grown its educator workforce by 10 percent over the last 12 years. With over 98 percent of teacher vacancies filled this past year, teachers are supported and schools across the state are equipped to meet students’ needs. #ElevateEducatorsIA #CelebrateIATeachers #RemarkableResultsIA bit.ly/3HEEiAJ

Last week, the State Board of Education welcomed three new members and a new student representative to the team. Read our latest feature to learn more about new members Jeff Henderson, Jeremy Lindquist, Erica Roth and Cecelia Harris. @SpiritLakeIA tinyurl.com/47nzc4kj

Remember to register for our Professional Learning Summer Session! Facilitated by Safe & Civil Schools, the Professional Learning Summer Session will provide educators with evidence-based strategies for Tier I, II and III behavior supports. Teachers, instructional coaches, leaders and other partners are encouraged to attend any of the upcoming five sessions. #ElevateEducatorsIA #BridgingTheGapIA tinyurl.com/3f8wu3yx

Graduation season has arrived! Throughout Iowa, high school and postsecondary students are being recognized this month as they receive their diplomas, degrees and credentials. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future!

The latest video in our popular Profiles in Excellence series features Storm Lake Community School District and their successful participation in Iowa’s Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA). Through TPRA, high school students and adult paraeducators can earn credentials towards a teaching degree while learning and working in the classroom. @stormlakecsd tinyurl.com/2a26a8ts

Iowa community colleges seeking to reduce barriers to career and academic opportunities by providing high school students with postsecondary preparation and career-based services are encouraged to apply for the latest round of College and Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) grants. Applications are due June 15. tinyurl.com/s2sa4vba

Kudos to students Abu Saddiq, Liza Mendelev and Georgia Clark for being named as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 9-12! Today, each student had the opportunity to share an overview of their winning essay, poem or video on America and the American founding with Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow and receive a special certificate of recognition at the State Capitol. Their winning submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair and can be viewed online on the Department’s America 250 webpage. @iagovernor bit.ly/4tGfDh4

What an achievement! Today, eighth graders Madhav Ganesh Kumar, Jason Dong and Piper Stauffer were celebrated at the State Capitol as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 6-8. Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow congratulated each student for their winning essay, poem or video that reflected on America and the American founding and presented them with a special certificate of recognition. Their winning submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair and can be viewed online on the Department’s America 250 webpage. @iagovernor bit.ly/4tGfDh4

Way to go! Students Annora Roberts, Mary Elouise Bowman, Manvi Tiwari and Henry Hammes were announced today as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 3-5. Each student shared their essay, poem or video on what America and the American founding means to them with Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow and received a special certificate of recognition at the State Capitol. All student submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair or can be viewed on the Department’s website. @iagovernor

Congratulations! Ten student winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest were honored today by Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow for their outstanding essay, poem or video that highlighted what America and the American founding means to them. The winning projects for grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 were chosen from over 180 student submissions. @iagovernor bit.ly/4ntSQ6m

The @IowaSTEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is accepting proposals for presentations, panelists and roundtable discussions at the 2026 Iowa STEM Summit. Submit your proposal today and help create innovation in STEM in Iowa! bit.ly/4djUX8v

Do you or a student you know need help preparing for college or postsecondary education? Sign up for the Virtual College Coaching to receive helpful text messages on college preparation. Stay in the know and ask questions on postsecondary education, financial aid, scholarships and more. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA tinyurl.com/mrrr8c2

Congratulations to these nine outstanding Iowa high school seniors on being named semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars program! These semifinalists were selected from the more than 4,000 nominations received from across the country. tinyurl.com/b4eessj9

Join our team! The Iowa Department of Education has new job opportunities for qualified candidates who are passionate about making a difference in Iowa schools and communities. Visit the State of Iowa’s website to find current openings, job descriptions and information on how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you! tinyurl.com/2cadvrnf

Making positive changes has been a priority for Central Community School District. Read more to learn how they closed achievement gaps in literacy for students receiving special education services and are meeting individualized needs to foster success. #BridgingTheGapIA bit.ly/4nq4dwa

Educators - make plans to attend this summer’s Every Learner Forward, a three-day professional learning opportunity focused on enhancing high-quality instruction in every classroom. Set for July 7-9 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Every Learner Forward will provide teachers with strategies and best practices that can impact student achievement and overall success. bit.ly/4w1d8Iq #ElevateEducatorsIA #BridgingTheGapIA