Prairie Lakes AEA and Iowa Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services will host virtual speaker series that focuses a wide variety of topics from FAFSA to understanding your student's IEP.
We provide support to families – as well as services for students, teachers, and administrators in our 14-county region. Needing help for a child? Looking to enhance your classroom or teaching? We are real people...making a difference.
Iowa's AEAs are proud to announce the lineup of digital instructional resources for the 2022-23
school year, including six new offerings! Students, educators and parents have 24/7/365 access to
these ebooks, streaming videos, encyclopedias, reference materials, and more!
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🌟 Our last Special Education Staff Spotlight!
Meet Kathy Broek, a Special Education Consultant who has been an integral part of PLAEA since 2004—dedicating an impressive 19 years to shaping the educational landscape for special needs students and their families.
Kathy brings a wealth of experience from a 35-year career as a special education teacher. The journey began in Okoboji, where she collaborated with two outstanding AEA staff members. These mentors not only provided the necessary support for her to excel in her role but also inspired Kathy to seek further opportunities within the AEA.
In her current role at the AEA, Kathy enjoys the nature of her work. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, train, support, and collaborate with staff members. The AEA's commitment to training is a cornerstone of her success, and she appreciates the collaborative approach within every district in Iowa. This team-oriented strategy ensures that every school can offer the best possible experience for students and families.
Kathy shares, "There isn't a better feeling than when you help a student and teacher be more successful during their school day!" Her favorite days involve assessing and working directly with students, followed by collaborative sessions with teachers to develop effective plans. Her joy is apparent when invited to help problem-solve, ensuring the right strategies are in place for student success.
Thank you, Kathy, for making a difference in the lives of those you touch! 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
PLAEA volunteers once a month at the Lord's Cupboard Community Pantry in Fort Dodge! 🌟 The Lord's Cupboard Pantry provides food assistance to Fort Dodge and Webster County residents. Thank you for your donation of time and resources! 🫶
Meet Jenn Prentice, our extraordinary Special Education Consultant at PLAEA, proudly serving for 9 years!
Jenn was drawn to PLAEA by the vision of extending her impact beyond a single classroom, embracing the privilege of helping a larger student population. Her 'why' resonates deeply—not just as a member of the PLAEA family but as an integral part of the extended school district family.
For Jenn, the most rewarding aspects revolve around building relationships. Jenn says, "Witnessing students achieve academic and social milestones fuels my passion. Working closely with teachers, parents, and community organizations, I find immense satisfaction in advocating for students and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small."
Jenn's joy as a Special Education Consultant lies in the difference she makes in students' lives through the relationships she cultivates. Cheers to Jenn for being a beacon of positivity and impact in our PLAEA community!
We held the School Administrators of Iowa Regional Meeting this week at our Pocahontas office in conjunction with our monthly superintendents meeting. It was a great day to connect with and have open discussions with our area legislators regarding our most valuable assets--the students in our schools. Prairie Lakes AEA and SAI were excited to partner in this joint venture. ... See MoreSee Less
We continue to celebrate Special Education Day this week with another staff spotlight!
Meet Rachel Montag, our exceptional Special Education Consultant at PLAEA, who has brought passion and dedication for 12 years!
Rachel's journey at PLAEA began with a desire for change and a commitment to continuous learning in the field of education. As a Special Education Consultant, she saw an opportunity to support teachers, making a meaningful impact on student outcomes.
In her current role as Chairperson for the Special Education Department and a trainer for SDI K-6 Literacy, Rachel steps out of her comfort zone to collaborate closely with adults. With 30 dedicated Special Education Consultants under her leadership, every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Rachel says, "I find the most reward in problem-solving with consultants and teachers to meet the diverse needs of students." Her love for the variety each day brings reflects her commitment to making a difference in education.
Committed to being caring partners who deliver accountable services
38 & 11
Public school districts & accredited, nonpublic schools
31,687
Total enrollment in our K-12 schools
4,393
Number of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) both weighted and non-weighted. We are also serving over 170 families to assist children from birth to age 3.
“I have found Prairie Lakes AEA to be very responsive to my needs in all areas. This would include professional development, special education consultation, production services, etc.”