Iowa Department of Education

10/21/2026

Happy National Transfer Student Week! Thinking about transferring to one of Iowa’s four-year Regent universities? The Transfer in Iowa website is a one-stop shop to help you get started. https://www.transferiniowa.org/

If you’re looking to transfer to a private college in Iowa, there is also a centralized transfer resource here
https://iowaprivatecolleges.org/plan-your-transfer/

10/21/2026

Congratulations to the 86 Iowa school districts that joined the next cohort of the High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Leadership Academy!

These districts will strengthen classroom instruction and support students by building capacity to identify and implement HQIM. These districts are joining a statewide network of peer leaders and will receive personalized support from the Department and expert partners.

Congratulations to these district teams on their commitment to high-quality instructional materials and strong classroom instruction.

Visit https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/standards/instruction/hqim to learn more about HQIM and explore joining the next cohort.

10/21/2026

Iowa schools and child care centers can now apply for grant funding to test and reduce lead in their drinking water through the WIIN Lead Testing Program.

The WIIN Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program provides funding for water testing, retesting when lead levels exceed state and federal limits and additional education resources plus access to training and technical assistance.

Grant funding to assist public school districts and child care centers with testing and reducing lead in their drinking water.

10/21/2026

Many Iowa classrooms will engage in the annual observance of Veterans Day during the week of Nov. 9-13. To assist Iowa teachers with planning classroom discussions and activities, a list of state and national resources is now available.

Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the nation will join in recognizing the contributions, sacrifices and impact of veterans and present United States service members.

10/20/2026

Take a minute to hear again from Tera Bunn, the 2027 Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year! A PK–4 instructional coach and interventionist at Oelwein Community Schools, Bunn has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education and believes strong connections, both inside and outside the classroom, are essential to student success.

10/20/2026

Applications are due Nov. 13 for the latest round of the Career Academy Incentive Fund. Community colleges and school districts are invited to partner and apply to help expand access to career academy opportunities. https://bit.ly/4xvSZud

10/19/2026

National School Bus Safety Week reminds us that everyone has a part in keeping students safe. Students can arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early, stand five giant steps back from the curb, and wait for the driver's signal before approaching the bus. Other drivers should watch for school buses and use patience and caution when students are getting on or off.

10/19/2026

Register by Oct. 29 for the Iowa STEM Summit! Join educators, students and industry leaders from across the state Nov. 6 to explore new ideas, share best practices and inspire the next generation of innovators. Learn more and register - https://educate.iowa.gov/events/stem-summit
Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

10/19/2026

It’s National School Bus Safety Week! With over 223,000 Iowa students using school transportation each day, it is important for everyone to do their part to keep kids and drivers safe in our local communities. Check out our latest story to learn more tips on school bus safety.

10/16/2026

The 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year connected with current, former and future educators to discuss tools, resources and opportunities to strengthen education in Iowa.