Iowa Department of Education

13/05/2026

Ag education is for all ages! 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year - Melanie Bloom recently visited a kindergarten classroom to help students learn how bees and other pollinators make our fields and flowers plentiful.

13/05/2026

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.

As you plan your summer schedule, be sure to include Every Learner Forward, a three-day professional learning opportunity.

13/05/2026

Iowa educators can still register for their students to access tomorrow’s Health Sciences Career Day. Students can also view the sessions later on-demand.

In its second year, the virtual event features hosted by the Iowa Hospital Association, features professionals from several Iowa health systems for a day of engagement and exploration of health care college and career pathways! https://tinyurl.com/5bn3c5vb

13/05/2026

The Department has issued a new survey focused on literacy and mathematics to gather insights from educators, administrators and other partners. Feedback collected from the survey will help design and strengthen future resources and professional learning opportunities. The survey is open through June 9.

Survey focused on literacy and mathematics to capture input on what is working in Iowa schools and what additional supports could make a meaningful difference.

13/05/2026

12/05/2026

Take a look at the recent ceremony at the State Capitol to announce the first 17 Iowa schools to be awarded the distinguished Iowa Purple Star School Program designation.

As an Iowa Purple Star School, these schools demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and learners.

Congrats, Albia Community Schools, Forest City Community School District, Iowa City Community School District, NCSD Cardinals, Pleasantville Community School District, Sigourney Community School District, Woodward-Granger CSD.

12/05/2026

The survey to provide public feedback on proposed updates to the performance-level descriptors that will set new achievement levels on the new state summative assessment, known as the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) is open through Thursday, May 14. More information and how to submit feedback is available below.

Currently seeking feedback on proposed updates to the performance-level descriptors that will set new achievement levels on the new state summative assessment.

12/05/2026

National Charter Schools Week recognizes the achievements and progress of innovative public charter schools in Iowa and nationwide. Alongside neighborhood public schools, open enrollment, accredited nonpublic schools and homeschooling, public charter schools provide Iowa students and families with diverse, high-quality educational options tailored to their needs to prepare them for successful futures.

11/05/2026

Are you a school counselor, educator or college access professional looking to develop practices that lead to postsecondary success, ensuring that all students have access to postsecondary opportunities?

Then register now for the Iowa College & Career Academy summer session starting June 1!

https://bit.ly/4cTEA1R

11/05/2026

During May’s School Board Recognition Month, we express our gratitude to the dedicated school board members throughout Iowa who generously contribute their time and expertise to their local communities. Your invaluable service strengthens your district’s educators, students, families and all stakeholders.

10/05/2026

Today, we honor mothers throughout Iowa who nurture their children’s learning and growth, offering the support and encouragement every child needs to achieve their potential. Happy Mother’s Day!