💛 This week is National School Social Worker Week, and we are proud to recognize the 25 school social workers serving across the Mississippi Bend AEA region!
They support students’ well-being, partner with families, and help schools create environments where all students can thrive.
We are grateful for the expertise, care, and commitment they bring every day. 💙
#SchoolSocialWorkerWeek #MBAEA
They support students’ well-being, partner with families, and help schools create environments where all students can thrive.
We are grateful for the expertise, care, and commitment they bring every day. 💙
#SchoolSocialWorkerWeek #MBAEA
💡 Accessibility. Innovation. Inclusion.
The March 2026 MBAEA Assistive Technology Newsletter is now available!
This month’s highlights include:
✅ Free, self-paced modules through OCALI
✅ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) resources
✅ NEW items added to the AT Lending Library
✅ Flexspeak (multilingual AAC app with AI features)
✅ Updates from PRC-Saltillo supporting third-party switch interfaces
Our AT team continues to support districts with tools and strategies that increase access for all learners.
📘 Read the March Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/4cOfWBr
If your team needs additional support, the AT Referral Form is linked at the bottom of the newsletter.
The March 2026 MBAEA Assistive Technology Newsletter is now available!
This month’s highlights include:
✅ Free, self-paced modules through OCALI
✅ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) resources
✅ NEW items added to the AT Lending Library
✅ Flexspeak (multilingual AAC app with AI features)
✅ Updates from PRC-Saltillo supporting third-party switch interfaces
Our AT team continues to support districts with tools and strategies that increase access for all learners.
📘 Read the March Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/4cOfWBr
If your team needs additional support, the AT Referral Form is linked at the bottom of the newsletter.
✋ High Five Award Recipient: Kellie Hammond
The High Five Award is a quarterly recognition honoring MBAEA staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication and leadership.
Kellie has taken on additional responsibilities this year while continuing to provide strong support to both district and AEA staff. Her leadership, collaboration, and daily commitment make a meaningful difference for students across our service area.
Congratulations, Kellie, thank you for everything you do! 🌟
The High Five Award is a quarterly recognition honoring MBAEA staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication and leadership.
Kellie has taken on additional responsibilities this year while continuing to provide strong support to both district and AEA staff. Her leadership, collaboration, and daily commitment make a meaningful difference for students across our service area.
Congratulations, Kellie, thank you for everything you do! 🌟
✋ High Five Award Recipient: Zoie Prudenzano
The MBAEA High Five Award celebrates staff members nominated by agency leadership for their outstanding contributions and commitment to students.
Zoie has made an immediate and lasting impact as a School Psychologist. Her calm, collaborative presence and thoughtful problem-solving help teams navigate complex situations and achieve the best outcomes for students. She is an exceptional professional and a genuinely caring colleague.
Congratulations, Zoie, we’re grateful for you! 🌟
The MBAEA High Five Award celebrates staff members nominated by agency leadership for their outstanding contributions and commitment to students.
Zoie has made an immediate and lasting impact as a School Psychologist. Her calm, collaborative presence and thoughtful problem-solving help teams navigate complex situations and achieve the best outcomes for students. She is an exceptional professional and a genuinely caring colleague.
Congratulations, Zoie, we’re grateful for you! 🌟
✋ High Five Award Recipient: Shannon Pasvogel
Each quarter, MBAEA leadership nominates staff for the High Five Award to recognize exceptional impact and dedication.
As our Math Consultant, Shannon truly does it all, from supporting early numeracy to advanced high school mathematics. Her flexibility, expertise, growth mindset, and genuine kindness make her an invaluable asset to our agency and the districts we serve.
Congratulations, Shannon, thank you for your incredible work! 🌟
✋ High Five Award Recipient: Molly Woodruff-Betsworth
The High Five Award recognizes MBAEA staff who are nominated by agency leadership for going above and beyond in service to students and colleagues.
Molly brings positivity, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a strong advocate for students and takes pride in helping them reach and exceed their goals. Her compassion and student-centered approach exemplify the very best of our work.
Congratulations, Molly, we appreciate you! 🌟
The High Five Award recognizes MBAEA staff who are nominated by agency leadership for going above and beyond in service to students and colleagues.
Molly brings positivity, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a strong advocate for students and takes pride in helping them reach and exceed their goals. Her compassion and student-centered approach exemplify the very best of our work.
Congratulations, Molly, we appreciate you! 🌟
✋ High Five Award Recipient: Erin Hardison
The MBAEA High Five Award is a quarterly recognition honoring staff who go above and beyond in their work. Recipients are nominated by MBAEA Internal and Department Leadership for their exceptional effort, collaboration, and impact.
Erin Hardison exemplifies what this award represents. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, she consistently supports colleagues and district partners with thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a clear focus on what’s best for learners. Her collaborative spirit and dedication make a meaningful difference for the students and teams she serves.
Congratulations, Erin, and thank you for all you do! 🌟
The MBAEA High Five Award is a quarterly recognition honoring staff who go above and beyond in their work. Recipients are nominated by MBAEA Internal and Department Leadership for their exceptional effort, collaboration, and impact.
Erin Hardison exemplifies what this award represents. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, she consistently supports colleagues and district partners with thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a clear focus on what’s best for learners. Her collaborative spirit and dedication make a meaningful difference for the students and teams she serves.
Congratulations, Erin, and thank you for all you do! 🌟
📣 Teacher Job Fair – March 2, 2026
Join us at Mississippi Bend AEA from 3:30–5:00 PM to connect with 9 school districts from Iowa and Illinois hiring for the 2026–2027 school year.
Open positions include:
🎨 K–8 Art
📚 Elementary
🧩 Special Education
🌎 ELL
🛠 CTE Auto Diesel Mechanics
👩🏫 Paraeducators & Substitute Teachers
If you’re a prospective or current educator exploring new opportunities, this is a great chance to meet district representatives face-to-face.
📍 729 21st Street, Bettendorf
Questions? Contact Dawn Meier at (563) 344-6411.
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!
