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Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow announced that four Iowa schools have been selected as the state’s inaugural Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025 during a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol on Oct. 29, 2025. Formerly the National Blue Ribbon Schools, the prestigious program is now a state-led recognition initiative, honoring some of the state’s best schools as models of excellence in Iowa and across the nation.
Iowa’s inaugural 2025 Blue Ribbons Schools are:
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Albia Middle School, Albia Community School District
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Bryant Elementary School, Dubuque Community School District
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George-Little Rock Elementary, George-Little Rock Community School District
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Prairie Hill Elementary School, College Community School District
Iowa’s four designees were honored as Exemplary High-Performing Schools, which are measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Each of these schools performed in the top 15 percent of all Iowa public schools based on overall performance on school accountability indicators, including student proficiency, growth, graduation rates and postsecondary readiness. The Iowa Department of Education is well positioned to lead this program as a state initiative, having identified, nominated and celebrated more than 200 Iowa schools that have received this honored designation since its inception in 1982.
The Department hopes you have the opportunity to view the photos from the incredible celebration of each of these school communities’ outstanding achievements and to share your thanks and congratulations for the great work they do. Additional information on the Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools program can be found on the Department’s Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools webpage.
Please contact Division Administrator Jay Pennington at jay.pennington@iowa.gov with questions.
Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow announced 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year Stephanie Pritts, a 23-year veteran elementary teacher and instructional coach, during an assembly at Sheldon High School on Oct. 30, 2025.
The Iowa Teacher of the Year award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators. Pritts was selected from nine finalists who were recently named as Iowa’s Regional Teachers of the Year, representing all education regions of the state. Pritts also serves as the Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year.
Iowa’s Regional Teachers of the Year and finalists for the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year award include:
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Central Rivers Regional Teacher of the Year Allison Pargeon, a junior high and high school mathematics and computer science teacher in the Montezuma Community School District.
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Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year Marissa Moore, a high school English language arts teacher in the Clear Creek-Amana Community School District.
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Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year Tony Onesto, a high school art teacher in the Burlington Community School District.
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Green Hills Regional Teacher of the Year Kelly Myers, a K-8 math and science teacher at Homegrown Christian Learning Center, having recently transitioned from Murray Community School District, and the Green Hills Regional Teacher of the Year.
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Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year Gregory Barord, a high school marine biology teacher at Des Moines Public Schools.
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Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year Jen Ries, a high school Spanish teacher in the Maquoketa Valley Community School District.
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Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year Dawn Rheingans, a 7th grade science teacher in the North Scott Community School District.
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Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year Kristi Mentink, a kindergarten teacher in the Harris-Lake Park Community School District.
Photos from the 2026 Teacher of the Year announcement are on our Flickr album, and video interviews of each Regional Teacher of the Year are available on our YouTube channel. The Department hopes you have an opportunity to watch, engage and celebrate these outstanding educators across all corners of our state!
Please contact Administrative Consultant Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department submitted its Revised Iowa Unified Allocation Plan Proposal to the U.S. Department of Education (USED) for consideration, shaped by robust stakeholder feedback, a public survey and superintendents' thoughtful input reflecting your leadership in implementing Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) programs. If approved, Iowa’s first-in-the-nation plan will:
- Align eight ESEA programs and resources to Iowa’s state and local education priorities
- Bolster school improvement efforts informed by accountability and assessment
- Support school districts’ focus on best serving students most in need of support
To better serve students, families, educators, schools and communities, Iowa’s revised Unified Allocation Plan will achieve three significant advancements:
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State Educational Agency (SEA) Flexibility: The Department will streamline state-level administrative processes, modernize reporting and allow state administrative and state activities set-aside funds to be consolidated based on existing statutory formulas, better aligning the use of ESEA state set-aside funds to Iowa’s statewide education priorities.
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Local Education Agency (LEA) Flexibility: The Department will expand flexibility in how school districts and subgrantees can utilize their existing Title I, Part A, Title I, Part D and Title IV, Part A funds based on their local priorities and needs. Program efficiency and school improvement efforts focused on best serving students most in need of support will be further advanced by school districts that choose to use transferability, schoolwide program and local administration funds consolidation flexibilities.
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Equitable Services Opt-In Option: The Department will empower school district and nonpublic school leaders to choose through meaningful consultation to administer existing ESEA requirements to provide equitable services to eligible nonpublic school children, teachers and families through a third-party provider(s).
Together, these three advancements form the foundation of Iowa’s comprehensive approach to implementing its Unified Allocation Plan, promoting state-level efficiency, local flexibility and improved equitable services. Iowa has delivered remarkable results for students, improving overall and identified school performance, increasing early literacy and science proficiency rates, reducing chronic absenteeism and improving attendance, increasing work-based learning attainment and strengthening our teacher pipeline. The Department and Iowa’s school districts and schools are well-positioned to leverage the flexibility and improved accountability proposed in its revised Unified Allocation Plan to continue to accelerate student learning.
Please contact Division Administrator Tina Wahlert at tina.wahlert@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is once again partnering with Dr. Angela Duckworth to participate in the Phones In Focus Survey (phonesinfocus.org). Please consider sharing with the teachers you serve the following Phones In Focus message:
Be Part of Groundbreaking Research on Student Cell Phone Use in Iowa!
What are your thoughts on cell phones—and how are things going at your school? Dr. Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) invites you to take part in a national survey on school cell phone policies.
Why Participate?
⏱️ Takes just 5 minutes
🔒 Completely confidential
🎁 Chance to win one of ten $500 gift cards
📊 Get an instant snapshot of national results
Make your voice heard → www.phonesinfocus.org
Please contact Division Administrator Jay Pennington at jay.pennington@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department has spent the last year gathering robust feedback to inform Iowa’s consideration of the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a statewide student information system. This feedback process included conducting focus sessions representing multiple role groups, meeting with SIS vendors, and launching a statewide survey with over 950 responses. First, the Department thanks each of you for your important participation in this comprehensive feedback process and the valuable input you provided.
Our review of a potential statewide student information system focused on several critical areas:
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Functionality and Integration: We analyzed the core functionality required, as well as the multiple, complex integrations (such as Learning Management Systems and third-party communication tools) that districts have already chosen and invested in to best serve students and families.
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Support and Implementation: We assessed the training and support that would be necessary for a successful statewide rollout.
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Benefits and Challenges: We validated the key potential benefits identified – including common data standards, streamlined operations, cost savings, and more accurate state funding – and the key potential challenges– including the complexity of data migration, training needs, implementation timeline, and integration with existing local applications.
While a statewide student information system could only be established through legislation, after careful and thorough review of all the feedback and data received, the Department does not recommend Iowa pursue a statewide student information system at this time. Again, we are grateful for your feedback and look forward to exploring other initiatives to achieve common data standards, streamlined administrative processes, and more accurate state funding to benefit schools and districts.
Please contact Division Administrator Jay Pennington at jay.pennington@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is launching the Iowa Purple Star School Program to recognize schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting students from military families. To earn the designation, schools must designate a staff military liaison, maintain a webpage with military family resources, host awareness events and provide staff professional development on challenges faced by military-connected students.
Apply for this honor by Dec. 31, 2025, on the Department’s website. Schools earning the Iowa Purple Star School designation will be honored during a statewide recognition ceremony in spring 2026.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Jathan Chicoine at jathan.chicoine@iowa.gov with questions.
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The Department is pleased to offer Building Math Minds: The Flexibility Formula, a professional development opportunity for K–6 teachers. This free, statewide training allows educators to start at any time and progress at their own pace. The course is fully flexible, self-paced and includes optional virtual sessions for additional support and collaboration.
Please contact Mathematics Consultants April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov or Christi Donald at christi.donald@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department continues to sponsor LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional learning. Educators interested in learning more about this opportunity are invited to join a virtual information session on Nov. 17, 2025, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. (Register here).
During the session, our partnering vendor, Lexia, will share how LETRS integrates the Science of Reading to strengthen literacy instruction. The next LETRS cohort will begin in February 2026.
Please contact Science of Reading Consultant Wanda Steuri at wanda.steuri@iowa.gov with questions.
All superintendents have received information regarding their IDEA-DA level of support. A recording and PowerPoint presentation from last week’s webinar, which provided an overview of IDEA-DA and outlined next steps, are now available on the Department’s website. Forty-five districts moved from Level 2 or 3 to Level 1, demonstrating some important progress in closing the achievement gap for learners with disabilities.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Mary Beilke at mary.beilke@iowa.gov with questions.
Beginning in mid-November, ACHIEVE will release the IDEA Significant Disproportionality Data Tool. This new tool will enable districts to monitor and address equity in special education by providing interactive access to key data indicators. It is designed to support data-informed decision-making and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Access to this feature will be limited to superintendents within ACHIEVE. Any additional access requests will need to be submitted through the superintendent.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Melissa Schnurr at melissa.schnurr@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department will host the next Special Education Policy and Practice Webinar on Nov. 12, 2025, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. via Zoom. This session will focus on secondary transition planning and four-plus programming for learners with disabilities. Time will be provided for participant questions.
Join the webinar on Zoom using passcode: 431127. No registration is required, and the same link will be used for all sessions.
Upcoming Webinar Dates and Topics
- Unique Placements (Out-of-State, Residential, PMIC): Dec. 10, 2025
- Behavior and Discipline: Jan. 14, 2026
- Connecting Alternate Assessment (DLM) to Instruction & Licensure: Feb. 11, 2026
- Extended School Year (ESY): March 11, 2026
- FAPE – Special Requests: April 8, 2026
- Dispute Resolution: May 13, 2026
- End-of-Year Program Evaluation (ACHIEVE) and Year-to-Year Data Comparison: June 10, 2026
Recordings, materials and resources from the 2025–26 and 2024–25 webinar series are available on the Department’s Policy and Practice Webinar webpage.
Please contact the SDI Literacy Consultant Mary Beilke at mary.beilke@iowa.gov with questions.
New school bus driver training includes both an online and a face-to-face component. Beginning July 1, 2025, the online portion of the School Transportation Operators Program (S.T.O.P.) for new drivers will transition to AEA Learning Online.
Applying to all yellow school bus drivers and Type III drivers starting July 1, 2025, this improved, no-cost training reflects several key updates:
- A more user-friendly interface familiar to many drivers.
- Refreshed content to avoid overlap with federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
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Course length is reduced from 14 hours to approximately 4 hours, with test-out options for all modules except the human trafficking module, which requires completion of the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) certificate.
The face-to-face portion of new driver S.T.O.P. training, along with annual renewal training for returning drivers, will continue to be offered through local community colleges and Mississippi Bend AEA.
For questions, please contact State Director for Pupil Transportation Tom Simpson at tom.simpson@iowa.gov.
Registration is now open for the November 2025 Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy, Iowa’s only online interactive college and career courses, developed and updated by our state’s professionals. Through the academy, participants earn certificates and take classes for either license renewal or graduate credit, or they can participate for no cost/no credit. November offerings include:
- 101: Foundations of College & Career Readiness in Iowa
- 201: Creating Iowa's College & Career Readiness Culture
- 501: An Introduction to Planning, Accessing & Financing Postsecondary Opportunities
- 602: Supporting College & Career Readiness for Systems-Involved Youth
- 603 (self-paced): Supporting Graduation, College & Careers for English Learners
Registration and additional information can be found at the Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy website.
Please contact Community Engagement Consultant Megan Sibbel at megan.sibbel@iowa.gov with questions.
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To improve outcomes for identified student groups, the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) Year 2 competitive grant provides funding to districts and local educational agencies (LEAs) with schools designated as TSI Year 2. Funded through Title I, Section 1003, this opportunity supports implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs), high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and professional learning to strengthen instructional systems and close achievement gaps.
Eligible districts must receive Title I-A funding and collaborate with designated schools to align action steps with their school improvement plans. Applications must include:
- Student achievement data comparing identified groups to overall school performance.
- An action plan outlining EBPs, professional learning, monitoring tools, content focus, and alignment with current initiatives.
- A plan for implementation, including monitoring, coaching, evaluation, and district-level support.
- A budget table detailing how funds will be used to support identified student groups.
The application period runs Oct. 14 - Nov. 4, 2025 and is hosted in Iowa Grants.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Heidi Anthony-Plahn at heidi.anthony@iowa.gov or Administrative Consultant Sarah Seney at sarah.seney@iowa.gov with questions.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a second round of Early Childhood Continuum of Care grants for implementation during the 2026–27 program year. Grants of up to $300,000 over three years are available to support partnerships between Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) sites and licensed child care centers to provide seamless, full-day care for 4-year-olds. The first round of grants drew more than 120 applications, resulting in 19 awards announced in July 2025.
Applications for the second round are due Jan. 28, 2026, with award announcements anticipated in March 2026. Additional details are available on the Iowa HHS website.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Mary Breyfogle at mary.breyfogle@iowa.gov with questions.
House File 316 directs the Department to develop and distribute to school districts an official seal, aligned to the Department-approved list of Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs), to be affixed to high school transcripts or certificates. In addition, school districts must recognize high school graduates who have earned an IRC aligned with their Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study and included on the approved list, prior to graduation.
Guidelines for implementing the IRC seal and official digital seal images are available on the Department’s Industry-Recognized Credential webpage.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Jodie Smith at jodie.smith@iowa.gov with questions.
Last year, the Department released a technical assistance document to help school districts accurately code and report Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences. The document has recently been updated to reflect changes for the 2025–26 school year:
- A new individual-level indicator has been added to capture students participating in WBL experiences not tied to a course (e.g., summer internships).
- The Apprenticeship category has been split into Registered Apprenticeships and Unregistered Apprenticeships, and other indicator codes have been refined.
The latest version of the document is available on the Department’s Career-Connected Learning website.
Save the Date: A webinar will be held on Jan. 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. to provide technical assistance on coding and reporting WBL and Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) for SRI data reporting.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Jodie Smith at jodie.smith@iowa.gov with questions.
The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program prepares Iowa students for future success by supporting innovative K–12 models that connect classroom learning with real-world career experiences. These programs focus on expanding opportunities in high-demand skill areas, helping students develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to thrive in a future-focused Iowa.
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council continues to expand the STEM BEST® initiative by offering annual funding to launch and grow programs statewide. Awards include:
- Up to $50,000 for new and returning applicants
- Up to $15,000 for Enhancement awards
Funds must be expended between January 2026 and May 2027.
- Enhancement Award Applications Due: Nov. 5, 2025
- New and Returning Program Applications Due: Nov. 10, 2025
Please contact STEM BEST Program Coordinator Tanya Hunt at tanya.hunt@iowa.gov with questions.
The Iowa Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund was first established to ensure that, at a minimum, every accredited:
- High school offers at least one high-quality computer science course.
- Middle school provides exploratory computer science instruction.
- Elementary school includes instruction in the basics of computer science.
Today, grant funds are currently available to support both Computer Science Professional Development and Computer Science Endorsements for educators. The goal of this program is to build statewide capacity for delivering high-quality computer science instruction. Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, existing resources.
- Professional Development Applications Due: Nov. 14, 2025
- Educator Endorsement Applications Due: May 31, 2026
Please contact Computer Science Consultant Michelle Meier at michelle.meier@iowa.gov with questions.
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) launched a state grant program to support high-impact initiatives that align with the strategic priorities of individual MHEC member states. MHEC seeks to support solutions that align with its strategic plan and that are responsive to state needs in such areas as affordability, credential attainment, student success and workforce alignment. This program encourages collaboration within states—among institutions, systems and sectors—to:
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Incubate: Develop and test innovative solutions that improve educational efficiency and outcomes.
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Launch: Implement coordinated, collaborative efforts to address pressing state-level challenges.
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Scale: Expand successful programs or policies statewide to increase impact and sustainability.
More information, including a link to the grant application, can be accessed on MHEC’s website.
Please contact Bureau Chief David Ford at david.ford@iowa.gov with questions.
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The first-quarter claims window for ESEA Programs will be open in the CASA system from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2025. Please note that districts must have an approved program application before submitting a reimbursement claim for any program.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Jina Brincks at jina.brincks@iowa.gov with questions.
The Department is seeking representatives to serve on the revision committee for the state’s Social Studies Essential Elements, which guide instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities participating in alternate assessments.
Committee members will review current standards and recommend updates through a series of in-person and virtual meetings from January to March 2026:
- Jan. 22, 2026 – Des Moines
- Feb. 3, 2026 – Virtual
- Feb. 25, 2026 – Virtual
- March 17, 2026 – Des Moines
- March 31, 2026 – Des Moines (if needed)
We encourage K-12 social studies and special education teachers, district staff, parents, community members, and higher education representatives to apply. Feedback from this committee, along with public input, will guide revisions considered by the State Board of Education. Questions regarding Iowa’s Essential Elements can be found on the Department’s website. Applications are due Nov. 24, 2025.
Please contact Alternative Assessment Consultant Jennifer Denne at jennifer.denne@iowa.gov with questions.
The Letter of Agency (LOA) authorizes the individual identified in the letter to act on behalf of the applicant entity.
Many Iowa districts, schools, and libraries use equipment and fiber connections to the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). Each year, the Department files an E-Rate consortium application to support the state-funded cost of this equipment and connections. There is no cost to your district, and you will not receive bills related to this service.
On October 22, LOA certification letters were shared with LEAs that have ICN equipment and connections. Please ensure this reminder reaches the staff responsible for e-Rate certifications. Responses are due by Nov. 25, 2025.
Key updates:
- The LOA certification period has been extended from three years to five years.
- Districts will continue to file independently for E-Rate discounts on Internet services and Category 2 products/services; the Department will not file these on your behalf.
- Note: Districts and schools that participate in E-Rate. but no longer use ICN connections. do not need to complete the LOA.
Please contact Chief Financial Officer Sandi Hurtado-Peters at sandra.hurtado-peters1@iowa.gov or Iowa E-Rate Coordinator Pam Jacobs at pam.jacobs@iowa.gov with questions.
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 Visit and subscribe to the Annual Notices and Deadlines Calendar for a list of state and federal notices and deadlines for all public and nonpublic schools.
(Revised 7-1-25)
It is the policy of the Iowa Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy by the Iowa Department of Education, please contact the legal counsel for the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, telephone number: 515-281-5295, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, telephone number: 303-844-5695, TDD number: 800-877-8339, email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
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