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.
 

2023

 

IN-PERSON December ISFLC Conference Dec. 13–14 REGISTER NOW! The Iowa Superintendents Finance and Leadership Consortium (ISFLC) is a professional development program for Iowa superintendents, school business officials and aspiring superintendents to expand their knowledge base and develop fiscal management and leadership skills. ISFLC tracks are led by Iowa leaders with the skills and expertise in identified curricular areas. The track curriculum meets the quality standards set by UNI for license renewal and graduate credit. Learn more and register now.

 

IN-PERSON Ready, Set, Govern! Regional New Board Member Onboarding Workshops December & January 2024 Calling all newly elected school board members! Our interactive Ready, Set, Govern! Workshops will set you on the road to success. We will cover foundational elements of good governance including an overview of roles and responsibilities, strategies for responding to questions and concerns from community members, families and staff, and explore meeting and transparency laws. Join IASB staff at one of 16 regional dates and locations.

 

2024

 

ONLINE, COSSBA EVENT
COSSBA Urban Boards Alliance (UBA) Series—Literacy & Student Achievement (Webinar)
Jan. 17, 1–2 p.m.
FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! Enhancing literacy skills and reading instruction persist as critical and pressing concerns for educational institutions. The ongoing discussions around optimal methods for teaching reading continue to be significant in numerous states. Learn more.
 

ONLINE
Day on the Hill Pre-Training: Three Things to Know (Webinar)
Jan. 30, Noon–1 p.m.
FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! You won’t want to miss this essential pre-training webinar featuring advocacy experts Emily Piper (IASB), Dave Daughton (SAI), Kate Walton (AEAs), and Michelle Johnson (IASB). In this webinar you’ll hear a preview of the session, touch on education issues likely to reappear, and learn about new legislative issues on the horizon.
 

ONLINE
Day on the Hill Pre-Training: State of the Budget (Webinar)
Feb. 7, Noon–1 p.m.
FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! In this brief rundown of the state of the budget and school finance funding issues, IASB Associate Executive Director of Government Relations & School Finance Shawn Snyder will hit on the biggest things you need to know about Iowa’s economy and state revenues; the governor’s budget recommendations; and what to keep an eye on beyond school aid funding. Heartland AEA CFO Kurt Subra will add his two cents about AEA funding (no pun intended), and the impact of last-minute reductions to that funding. This recap will ensure you are in-the-know before our Day on the Hill on Feb. 13.
 

IN-PERSON Certified Budget Workshops Feb. 7, 8, 14 & 15 FREE FOR FRONTLINE ANALYTICS SUBSCRIBERS! IASB, in collaboration with Affiliated Program Frontline Analytics, powered by Forecast5, is once again offering these free workshops for IASB members. Using forecasting tools, attendees will leave the workshop with a completed FY 2024 certified budget specific to your district, including the aid and levy worksheets, as well as all supporting documents.

 

IN-PERSON Day on the Hill Feb. 12–13 REGISTER NOW! We’re pleased to partner with the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) and Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) for the 2024 Day on the Hill! In addition to the new partnership, which brings together administrators and board teams, we’re also revamping the format. This advocacy event will begin at the State Historical Building in the morning for a brief session on talking points and logistical information for advocating at the Capitol. Following the training, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet and network with legislators in the rotunda, as well as to support the displays showcasing innovative programs and initiatives happening in Iowa public schools. Note: There is a pre-training webinar on three things to know scheduled for Jan. 30 and a rundown of the state of the budget on Feb. 7. Be sure to register so you’re in-the-know before Day on the Hill!

 

IN-PERSON February ISFLC Conference Feb. 21–22 REGISTER NOW! The Iowa Superintendents Finance and Leadership Consortium (ISFLC) is a professional development program for Iowa superintendents, school business officials and aspiring superintendents to expand their knowledge base and develop fiscal management and leadership skills. ISFLC tracks are led by Iowa leaders with the skills and expertise in identified curricular areas. The track curriculum meets the quality standards set by UNI for license renewal and graduate credit. Learn more and register now.

 

IN-PERSON, COSSBA EVENT COSSBA Annual Conference Feb. 22–25 At the COSSBA Annual Conference, 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.

 

ONLINE
Guide to IASB Tools—Teacher Compensation & Benefits, Salary & Staffing Data (Webinar)
March 26, Noon–1 p.m.
FREE FOR IASB MEMBERS! Did you know that IASB provides a comprehensive toolkit to help members identify areas of concern, and balance the need to recruit and retain quality educators, all while remaining efficient and cost-effective? Join IASB staff on Tuesday, March 26, for an informational lunch-and-learn webinar beginning at noon. School Finance Expert Shawn Snyder will walk you through tools such as the Teacher Compensation & Benefits Toolkit, as well as salary and staffing data that is available on the IASB website.
 

IN-PERSON Safety Group Risk Management Workshop April 4 FREE FOR SAFETY GROUP SUBSCRIBERS! Risk management is important and, if done well, can help districts reduce their liability over the long term. Each spring, Jester Insurance, EMC and IASB offer workshops to allow participants (both local insurance agents and school leaders) the opportunity to learn more about managing risk through discussion of a variety of risk topics, such as board member liability, workers compensation and property liability and loss.

 

IN-PERSON, COSSBA EVENT COSSBA Leadership Summit/Symposium June 20–22 Unleash your leadership potential at the 2024 COSSBA Leadership Summit/Symposium! This electrifying event promises to be a game-changer for all State Association leadership staff and the Board of Directors, offering a thrilling exploration of critical keynote topics. Registration opens in February—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.