Iowa Department of Education

Governor Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) has launched the Iowa Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) application. Nonprofits can apply by Dec. 11 to serve as SGOs for the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The program begins in 2027 and is the first federal tax credit to support private contributions for K-12 scholarships, giving Iowa families more school choice options. educate.iowa.gov/press-relea…

Hear what inspires Abby Goodlaxson, PE and health teacher at @OkobojiSchools and the 2027 Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year! For 27 years she's built high-energy, inclusive classrooms that help kids step outside their comfort zones and build lifelong healthy habits. Goodlaxson has also been instrumental in designing the district’s Unified PE and Adventure PE curricula, which supports physical education for every learner. #IATOY2027 #CelebrateTeachersIA

The Department is now accepting proposals for the latest round of the Iowa Education of Homeless Children and Youth competitive subgrant, a three-year opportunity that helps school districts expand or increase services to children and youth in need. Iowa districts with 10 or more students who are experiencing homelessness are invited to apply by Dec. 31. bit.ly/4zmEOsy

Need help applying for financial aid to continue your education, or not sure what steps to take next? Connect with one of the Department’s College Coaches to receive direct, one-on-one support. educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/c…

Did you know? Iowa offers a Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement — an 18-month program helping educators build expertise in supporting students with dyslexia. #NationalDyslexiaMonth tinyurl.com/mr2e8467

Your next career move could shape Iowa's classrooms. The Iowa Department of Education is looking for committed professionals to join our team. Explore open positions and apply today on the State of Iowa's website. tinyurl.com/2cadvrnf

DYK: Iowa has experienced remarkable growth in work-based learning with more students than ever before earning durable skills! Nearly 60% of Iowa high school seniors from the class of 2026 achieved a high-quality work-based learning experience while in high school. That is up more than 33 percentage points with an over 131% rate of increase over the last three years! #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA #RemarkableResultsIA

The Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain is a unique program, connecting Iowa schools with native Spanish teachers. The program not only helps to fill vacant Spanish and dual language teaching positions but also provides enriched opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and fellowship. Check out the latest Department video feature to learn more about this exciting program that is available for Iowa schools. bit.ly/4ikxdn0

The #IowaSTEMSummit: #WhereBoldIdeasTakeFlight is just around the corner, and tomorrow is the last day to register! See why you'll want to be in the room with hundreds of educators, business leaders, community partners, policymakers and students on Nov. 6: educate.iowa.gov/headline-st… This annual event is hosted by @IowaSTEM.

Three outstanding Iowa students from the class of 2026 have been selected for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars program, one of the highest honors a student can achieve. Congratulations to Christopher Kenneth Gebhardt, Jackson Wallace Andrew Lampe and Vienna B. Rossmanith for this amazing achievement! @claytonridgecsd @holyfamilydbq @acsd_news bit.ly/48eV1UG

Take a minute to honor one of Iowa’s Regional Teachers of the Year, Roselyn Schillerstrom. The 2027 Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year, Schillerstrom is an English language arts teacher at West Lyon Community School District High School, Schillerstrom has spent 30 years teaching students the power of language and critical thinking. As a Professional Development Coordinator, she also uses her expertise in research-based classroom practices to build collaboration with colleagues. #IATOY2027 #CelebrateTeachersIA

LETRS is back! Iowa PK-8 educators can register for the next no-cost LETRS cohort, starting in January 2027. Learn evidence-based practices in the Science of Reading to strengthen literacy instruction in your classroom. Licenses are limited, and registration is open while they last or through December. educate.iowa.gov/headline-st…

The Iowa Department of Education has awarded $300,000 in Excellence in Postsecondary Readiness Grant funds. Six school districts will receive $50,000 to expand and share their outstanding results in preparing students for life after high school. These districts are helping more students earn college credit, take part in work-based learning and gain industry-recognized credentials before graduation, whether they go on to college, a career or another postsecondary path. These grants will help them expand what works and share it with schools across Iowa. educate.iowa.gov/headline-st…

Want to connect your students with real-world careers? Iowa K-12 public and accredited nonpublic schools can apply for a STEM BEST® award to team up with local businesses and give students hands-on learning experiences. New and returning schools can apply in IowaGrants through Nov. 3. @IowaSTEM educate.iowa.gov/headline-st…

Don’t delay another minute! Registration for the @IowaSTEM Summit closes Oct. 29. Don’t miss this opportunity to join educators, students and industry leaders from across the state to explore new ideas, share best practices and inspire the next generation of innovators. Learn more and register - educate.iowa.gov/events/stem…

The Department is now accepting proposals for the Students and School Nutrition Professional Nutrition Education competitive subgrant, which supports nutrition education and expanded use of fresh foods for students in middle school or afterschool programs. Iowa schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted through Dec. 3. bit.ly/4sJ7VE5

Let’s hear from the 2027 Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year, Mitchel Dierickx! A first grade teacher at @DavSchools' Madison Elementary, in just nine years, Dierickx has become a true teacher-leader creating a positive learning environment and supporting the growth of young learners. Using data-driven instruction, Dierickx believes all students can achieve at high levels when supported by high expectations, strong instruction, and a caring, supportive environment. #IATOY2027 #CelebrateTeachersIA

Who's the agriculture teacher who made a difference in your school or community? Nominate them for the 2026-27 Golden Owl Award and help Iowa celebrate an educator who is shaping the next generation of leaders. Submit your nomination today. #CelebrateTeachersIA educate.iowa.gov/headline-st…

This National Transfer Student Week, did you know that Iowa community colleges have teamed up with public and private colleges across the state to offer transfer majors in 30 program areas. This makes it easier to move from a community college to a four-year school. #ChooseYourPathway

The Iowa Department of Education has awarded nearly $600,000 to 24 school districts through the Credentials to Careers grant. The funding helps districts build and expand career and technical education programs so students can earn industry-recognized credentials before they graduate. Grants of up to $50,000 can cover things like exam fees, instructional equipment, and instructor training. Since the program launched three years ago, more than $4 million has supported students in 75 districts as they earn credentials in fields like health sciences, IT, construction, manufacturing, child development and culinary. educate.iowa.gov/press-relea…