The Learning Hub

IASB^® offers a diverse selection of learning experiences throughout the year to support board/superintendent teams in governance and leadership. As education leaders, you face many complex challenges, which require you to possess a vast range of knowledge and experience—school law, finance, labor relations, policy and budgets, curriculum, not to mention bond campaigns, lobbying, special education and parliamentary procedure—to name a few.

Through convention, conferences, workshops, webinar and podcasts, offered either statewide or regionally, in-district, in-person or digitally, IASB serves member needs for learning and professional development. We are here to help both new and experienced board members build your knowledge, and sharpen your boardsmanship and leadership skills.

Online registration closes at different times for different events. Please check individual event webpages for information pertaining to registration dates, fees and cancellation policies. Walk-ins are welcome at IASB events.

View IASB's full cancellation and refund policy.

IASB is a member of the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), a non-partisan, national alliance dedicated to sharing resources and information to support, promote and strengthen state school boards associations as they serve their local school districts and board members. Visit our COSSBA ConnectED webpage for more information about the organization and learning opportunities offered.
 

2024

 

IN-PERSON ICAT Safety & Security Forum Aug. 6 FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! Join IASB Affiliated Program, Iowa Construction Advocate Team (ICAT), on August 6 for an informative Safety & Security Forum featuring Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioners Ryan Searles and Jon Cheatheam. Learn more.

 

ONLINE
The Building Blocks of Effective Relationships with Your Legislators (Webinar)
Aug. 20, Noon
FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! Are you ready to make an impact during the legislative session? Join IASB’s government relations team for this free webinar to learn quick and simple ways to establish a relationship with your local legislators. Our staff experts will share proven strategies to help build and maintain this important relationship—whether you’re a new or experienced advocate. We’ll also provide you with tips for engaging candidates and newly elected legislators since we’re in an election year. Additionally, we’ve invited board member advocates to co-present so you can hear from your peers what has worked well for them, even when it feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle. Register now.

 

IN-PERSON, COSSBA EVENT COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference Sept. 8–10 Make plans to attend an annual Federal Advocacy Conference hosted by the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) this September in Washington, D.C. Learn more.

 

IN-PERSON ISFLC New Superintendents' Conference Sept. 18 REGISTER NOW! New superintendents are invited to attend this complimentary one-day conference, where attendees will receive a thorough introduction to Iowa school finance and immediate tasks essential to your success as a superintendent.

 

IN-PERSON Delegate Assembly & Annual Meeting Nov. 20 SAVE THE DATE! IASB bylaws give each member board a delegate who casts the board's votes on issues before the Delegate Assembly. School board members provide input on IASB’s legislative platform and your priorities help influence legislators and the governor. By participating in this debate process, school, AEA and community college boards contribute to IASB’s legislative program and ultimately the unified legislative interests of all Iowa school boards. Submit your priorities now.

 

IN-PERSON Annual Convention & Trade Show Nov. 20–22 SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendar and make plans to join us at our 79th IASB Annual Convention, happening Nov. 20–22, 2024 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines! Stay tuned for more details on keynote speakers, featured workshops and more.

 

IN-PERSON December ISFLC Conference Dec. 18–19 TRACK LIST NOW AVAILABLE! ISFLC conferences are excellent opportunities for school leaders aspiring to the superintendency to further develop their knowledge base and skills. The Consortium offers two conferences each year, in December and February, spanning two days. Learn more.

 

2025

 

IN-PERSON Day on the Hill Jan. 28 SAVE THE DATE! We invite you to join us at the Capitol to advocate for student success! Students are at the forefront of everything you do as school board members—so let’s make our voices heard loud and proud for legislation and policies that can lead to improved student achievement—and ultimately student success for ALL students in Iowa.

 

IN-PERSON February ISFLC Conference Feb. 18–19 SAVE THE DATE! ISFLC conferences are excellent opportunities for school leaders aspiring to the superintendency to further develop their knowledge base and skills. The Consortium offers two conferences each year, in December and February, spanning two days. Learn more.

 

IN-PERSON, COSSBA EVENT COSSBA Annual Conference March 21–23 At the 2025 Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) Annual Conference in Atlanta, you will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and best practices in finance, governance, school safety, mental health, stakeholder engagement, student achievement, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The conference is designed to help you prepare for a future of limitless possibilities. You will also have the chance to make meaningful connections with other education professionals, visit with industry vendors at the exhibitor showcase and network with them. Learn more.

 

More Ways to Learn

Podcasts
IASB produces the BoardCast podcast for members to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable on a variety of topics. Listeners will get insider knowledge in a format that you can take on the go with you—in the car, on a bike, out for a walk or jog, or just sitting in your living room.

Custom Workshops
IASB facilitators will meet with your board or a group of boards, designing a custom experience to meet your needs on a variety of topics.

At the Board Table Discussion Tools
Downloadable self-study kits for your board to do together.

Recordings & Resources
Recorded webinars, events and conference resources.

COSSBA ConnectED
Founded by state school boards associations in late 2021, the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) is a non-partisan, national alliance dedicated to sharing resources and information to support, promote and strengthen state school boards associations as they serve their local school districts and board members. Learn more about the organization and learning opportunities offered.