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New Digital Resources Added!

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!

News

All News
  • Regional Special Education Resource Fair planned for Nov. 3

  • Update to ELPA21 evidence-based workshop dates

  • Calling all Teacher Librarians – Oct. 25 networking/learning just for you!

How we help educators, students & families

  • 1

    Keep students on track

    Focused on educational equity for all Iowa children with emphasis on those with diverse learning needs

  • 2

    Our supportive staff

    Committed to being caring partners that deliver accountable services

  • 3

    Enhance the classroom

    Professional tools and learning experiences to support the implementation of evidence-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment

  • 4

    Bursting with bright ideas

    From printing instructional materials for the classroom to designing and producing sophisticated visuals to help brand your school district

  • 5

    Partner with community organizations

    Work alongside health care and non-profit groups so that children who are experiencing delays can be evaluated by therapists and other specialists

Learn More

get connected

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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

🌟 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 AEAs 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 isnt 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! 🎉

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! 🫶

Learn more at www.lordscupboardfd.org
... See MoreSee Less

PLAEA volunteers once a month at the Lords Cupboard Community Pantry in Fort Dodge! 🌟 The Lords Cupboard Pantry provides food assistance to Fort Dodge and Webster County residents. Thank you for your donation of time and resources! 🫶

Learn more at www.lordscupboardfd.org

🌟 Special Education Staff Spotlight 🌟

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!

#SpecialEducationDay
... See MoreSee Less

🌟 Special Education Staff Spotlight 🌟

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.

Jenns 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!

#SpecialEducationDay

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 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.

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.

#SpecialEducationDay
... 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!

Rachels 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.

#SpecialEducationDay

What We Are Proud Of

235 team members

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.”