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Professional Learning for
Iowa Districts & Educators
Search AEA Learning Online’s catalog of authorizations, courses, and trainings. Convenient learning that fits into your lifestyle.
Trainings
Courses
Facilitated Courses
Trainings
Whether it’s annual training requirements or standalone modules to support your daily classroom needs, AEA Learning Online has resources for you!
Training
1 hr
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
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Bloodborne Pathogens Training
This training provides information on an exposure control plan, strategies relevant to minimizing and eliminating occupational exposure, and steps to take upon exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This training is not intended to serve as a total training package. During the time you are taking this training, your district has designated a contact person to answer any questions you may have about the training and to give you site-specific information. Please contact your supervisor or the person asking you to take this training for the phone number to contact the designated person.
Training
2 hr
Suicide Prevention and Postvention
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Suicide Prevention and Postvention
This module is designed for school personnel who are required to have training on the prevention and postvention of suicide.
It was designed to meet the requirements of Senate File 2113 which required school employee training and protocols relating to suicide prevention and the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response and was signed into law in March 2018.
Along with this Suicide Prevention and Postvention training, a additional training ("Adverse Childhood Experiences: From Toxic Environmental Stresses to Success") is also required to meet the code requirements.

Important Note: This training is required annually and will periodically be updated with new content.  *Current version was uploaded 10-16-25*
Training
2 hr
Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training
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Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training
The purpose of this training is to provide the learner with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities as mandatory reporters for child abuse. Curriculum provided by the Iowa Health and Human Services Department.
Training
1 hr
Chapter 103: Seclusion & Restraint
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Chapter 103: Seclusion & Restraint
This training provides an overview of Iowa Code Chapter 103 Seclusion & Restraint. Topics covered in this training are corporal punishment, reasonable force, disciplinary alternatives to seclusion and restraint, safe and effective use of physical restraint, confinement and detention, crisis prevention, intervention, de-escalation techniques, student and staff debriefing after a crisis, and positive behavior interventions and supports.

Important Note: This Chapter 103 training required for any employee prior to using any form of physical restraint or seclusion  does not cover the specific techniques, strategies, or response procedures used by School Resource Officers (SROs) or other responders. These decisions are determined at the local level. Each district is responsible for ensuring that SROs and other responders receive appropriate training that aligns with district policy and than any employee trained in Chapter 103 for restraint and seclusion receives training on the duties and responsibilities of school resource officers and other responders, and the techniques, strategies and procedures used by responders.
Training
1 hr
Adverse Childhood Experiences: From Toxic Environmental Stresses to Success
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Adverse Childhood Experiences: From Toxic Environmental Stresses to Success
This module was built to meet the requirements for Iowa Senate File 2113 on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Toxic Environmental Stress. This training provides information for education personnel on; Identification of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Strategies to Mitigate Toxic Stress. Content was provided by Iowa ACEs 360 from their Facts, Opportunities, and Hope: ACEs, and Resilience in Iowa Schools training.
**This training was updated in August 2025 by Lisa Cushatt, Executive Director of Iowa ACEs 360.**
Training
1 hr
Right to Know Training
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Right to Know Training
At the end of this OSHA awareness training about the Hazard Communication Standard students will be aware of the information and warnings required by the existing Hazard Communication Standard; aware of the revisions to the Hazardous Communication Standard due to the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System; able to recognize and interpret hazard classifications, chemical container labels, and warning placards for both the current and revised versions of the standard; able to understand and use the information contained within Material Safety Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets; and aware of the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in regards to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Reviewed 7/24/2025 MH
Training
Bullying Prevention
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Bullying Prevention
This training identifies what constitutes as student bullying, what are some of the warning signs, and how to prevent or respond to bullying.
Training
3 hr
Medication Administration in Iowa Schools
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Medication Administration in Iowa Schools
Medication Administration in Iowa Schools is an online training designed for school employee use to partially meet laws and assist nurses in training alternate staff to administer student medication safely and effectively.
The training contains basic medication administration step-by-step procedures, terminology, handling guidelines, confidentiality, emergency plans, and documentation.
After successful completion of the content, participants must take their certificate to the school nurse for validation and signing.
*While potentially relevant and useful, this training is not intended for use outside of the school setting.*
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Courses
Looking to earn License Renewal Credit or get your Substitute or Coaching Authorization? Explore our self-paced courses!
Self-Paced
15 hr
The Practicing Educator
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor(s): Melissa Wicklund
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The Practicing Educator
This self-paced course allows participants to select 12-hours of relevant available training options, offered through AEA Learning Online, to earn license renewal credit. This includes modules or trainings that were completed before signing up for this course (must have a valid certificate through AEA Learning Online to use for this course). There are three lists of modules to choose from: Required, Suggested, and Elective Modules. Participants will then complete a reflection (600 words) on the learning. This course is intended for all audiences, including administrators, teachers (including those not currently in the classroom), para-educators, and substitute teachers. For more information on self-paced courses, be sure to check out our Overview to Self-Paced Course policies and student expectations.
Self-Paced
55 hr
Coaching Authorization Course (55-hour Initial Authorization)
Instructor(s): Jacob Welchans
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Coaching Authorization Course (55-hour Initial Authorization)
This course is self-paced and designed for those seeking their initial coaching authorization. It fulfills the Iowa Department of Education requirement for a 55-hour workshop certificate from an approved provider or college coursework which includes the following content:

Structure and function of the human body
Prevention and care of athletic injuries
Human growth and development
Theory/methods and ethics of coaching

To apply for initial coaching authorization the Iowa Department of Education requires the applicant:

be 18 years old or older
have a high school diploma or equivalent
this will be there first issuance of a coaching authorization

Full details on the requirements and steps for coaching authorization in Iowa can be found on the Iowa Department of Education's Coaching Authorization page.
Self-Paced
15 hr
Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization Course (Initial Authorization)
Instructor(s): Craig Mohr, Julia Griffin, Anytown Admin
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Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization Course (Initial Authorization)
This is a course to obtain an initial Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization. This authorization makes you eligible for districts to hire as a substitute teacher.

This course cannot be used for License Renewal Credit unless you are a Paraeducator looking to obtain a Limited Substitute Authorization on your Paraeducator Certificate. In that case, please email support@aealearningonline.org upon completion of this course for the course transcript to send to the BoEE.

Please Read: There are four requirements to obtaining your Substitute Teacher Authorization:
1. Have an Associate's/Bachelor's/60+ hours of college credit (or Paraeducator Certificate, with limited authority)***.2. Complete BoEE approved Substitute Authorization Course (this course).3. Complete background check. 4. BoEE approved Substitute Authorization Application.

*** = Please note that if you have a Paraeducator Certificate but not an Associate's/Bachelor's/60+ hours of college credit, you will be restricted to subbing in the special education classroom you are a paraeducator in.

Some school districts have started paying for this course for participants; if interested, please check with your local school district. AEA Learning Online does not have a list of districts who have chosen to.
Self-Paced
15 hr
Low Stress Classroom Management
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor(s): Joshua Bowar
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Low Stress Classroom Management
Note: This self-paced course is available for one license renewal credit, sub authorization, or para-educator renewal.

Today's teachers have many things to think about: curriculum, standards, assessment, testing, parent relations, and more. Add classroom management to the mix, and it can be almost overwhelming at times. This course is intended to help teachers in the field learn more about easy ways to manage a classroom, help students self regulate their behavior, and work as a classroom community. Using principles from Love and Logic, participants will be able to learn, understand, and apply quick and easy tips and tricks for getting all students on board with the learning process in an effort to help every student achieve to his or her potential. Maybe you have a student who enjoys arguing? Maybe you have a student who will not do what they are supposed to do? A student that likes to challenge your authority? A student who does not respond to any consequences you share? If so, this course is for you!For more information on self-paced courses, be sure to check out our overview to Self-Paced Course policies and student expectations.
Self-Paced
15 hr
Para-Educator Roles and Responsibilities
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor(s): Craig Mohr
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Para-Educator Roles and Responsibilities
AEA Learning Online's self-paced courses are designed for educators who want to start and complete a course on their own schedule. This self-paced course is available for one license renewal credit, sub authorization, and para-educator renewal.This course will take you through the roles and responsibilities of Para-Educators in regards to the IEP, Behavior, Confidentiality and Supervision. Participants will: 1. fill out a coursework guide as they navigate through this content to provide evidence of conceptual thinking. 2. create a conclusion reflection paper (>250 words) about roles and responsibilities, new learnings, key takeaways, etc. NOTE: This course CANNOT be used to obtain initial Para Educator Certification.

The content of this course is supported by the evidence from these two studies:
1. Effectiveness of paraeducator-supplemented individual instruction: Beyond basic decoding skills (Vadasy, P. F., Sanders, E. A., & Tudor, S.)
2. A randomized trial examining the effects of paraprofessional behavior support coaching for elementary students with disruptive behavior disorders: Paraprofessional and student outcomes (Reddy, Linda, Todd Glover, Christopher Dudek, Alexander Alperin, Nicole Wiggs, and Briana Bronstein)  For more information on self-paced courses, be sure to check out our overview to Self-Paced Course policies and student expectations.

Due to changes from HF2612 and the Iowa Department of Education professional development approval process, this course will no longer be available after June 30, 2026. All course submissions and resubmissions must be received by June 23, 2026, to allow adequate time for feedback and course completion. The final completion date for this course will be June 30, 2026. While we attempt to accommodate requests, this date is firm and beyond our control.
Self-Paced
15 hr
Canvas Basics
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor(s): Debra Ulrich
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Canvas Basics
Canvas is a web-based learning management system (LMS) used by learning institutions, educators, and students. Participants will learn how to use Canvas to create courses while applying best practices in pedagogy and digital instruction and create a course of their own!
Self-Paced
15 hr
The Emotional Brain
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor(s): Vern Reed
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The Emotional Brain
Research and Tools for improving outcomes for Under-Resourced Students
In her book Emotional Poverty in All Demographics, Dr. Payne covers a myriad of topics through her research. Participants will be challenged to better understand how an “unregulated and unintegrated” brain leads to a brain blow up, and processes to mitigate the situation when it happens. They will learn how an adolescent's brain develops and better understand how bonding and attachment styles impact relationships and interactions in their classroom. Learning about the “classroom dance” and other key parts of this research and tools, will help empower every educator in the classroom. Important Note: This course requires the purchase of the book Emotional Poverty in All Demographics.
Training
Create with Canva
Credits: 1 GR
Instructor(s): Debra Ulrich
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Create with Canva
Are you ready to transform your teaching materials from functional to fantastic?
In today's visually-driven world, capturing student attention and fostering deeper understanding requires more than just text. This exciting professional development course will empower you to harness the intuitive power of Canva, the leading design platform, to create stunning and effective learning resources that will ignite your students' curiosity and boost their engagement. Whether you're a tech novice or a design enthusiast, this hands-on course will equip you with the skills and confidence to elevate your teaching through the power of visual communication. Canva empowers educators to easily design a wide array of visually engaging educational products, including presentations, worksheets, infographics, posters, social media graphics, digital flashcards, interactive activities, and organizational tools like schedules and newsletters. Beyond education, Canva also enables users to create a variety of personal and professional design projects such as social media posts, presentations, marketing materials, invitations, and photo collages. Join us and unlock the potential of visual design to transform your teaching and empower your students!
Notes:

This course is appropriate for all grade levels.
This is NOT a course about CANVAS, which is a learning management program (LMS).
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Facilitated Courses
Prefer learning in a collaborative setting? Our facilitated courses are a great fit—explore them below!
Facilitated
$280
Iowa College & Career Ready Academy 101
Credits: 2 LR | 2 GR
Instructor: Gena Gesing
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$290
Google Sheets 101
Credits: 2 LR | 2 GR
Instructor: Kay Schmalen
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$290
Utilizing Google Forms
Credits: 2 LR | 2 GR
Instructor: Kay Schmalen
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$149
Speaking the Language of the Book Whisperer
Credits: 1 LR | 1 GR
Instructor: Joshua Bowar
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$149
Building Your Vocal Music Program
Credits: 1 LR
Instructor: Elizabeth Fritz
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$50
The Science of Specialty Ag in Western Iowa
Credits: 1 LR | 1 GR
Instructor: Ellen Lupkes
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$435
Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Everyday
Credits: 3 LR | 3 GR
Instructor: Kellie Jacobson
Session Calendar
Facilitated
$280
Iowa College & Career Ready Academy 201
Credits: 3 LR | 3 GR
Instructor: Mark Shea
Session Calendar
See Full Catalog
Teacher Testimonials
Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization
“This is a great course with ALOT of amazing material for teaching, it really helped lead to me applying for college to get my teaching degree!!”
Adverse Childhood Experiences
“This was definitely one of the best online modules I have taken. Well worded, concise, sensitive and pertinent information. A nice mix of videos and text.”
Iowa Coaching Authorization
“I was presented with more info then I thought I would receive. There is a lot great info on the human body that I didnt know prior to taking this class. I also liked the mental health portion of the class.”
Creative Writing
“I had a lot of fun with this class! I will recommended it to anyone that needs a renewal credit!”
Suicide Pre & Post-vention
“Very informational. A lot of this was new to me. I am so glad this is offered.”