Happy 4th of July! We wish you a festive and safe holiday with your friends and family today. The annual celebration on July 4 recognizes the rich history of our nation and honors the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Don’t forget! The Department is holding two virtual training sessions on the Iowa Dyslexia Handbook next week. Join us on July 7 from 9:30-11 a.m. or July 8 from 1-2:30 p.m. to learn more about this new resource on dyslexia. Download the handbook and access the zoom link on the

What’s for lunch? Local summer meal sites are providing free meals for kids and teens 18 and under all summer long. No sign up is required. Call 2-1-1 to find your local meal site or visit the USDA meal site finder online.

Five Iowa communities have been awarded nearly $258,000 to fund Local College and Career Access Networks to meet need-based community goals that increase postsecondary education credential attainment. #chooseyourpathwayia.

Got some free time this summer? Get caught up on our photo highlights in our Flickr account and see all of the exciting events from over the past year.

Sign up by Aug. 22 to join the next cohort of the Department-sponsored LETRS professional development course. Iowa PK-8 educators and administrators are invited to register to learn more about the Science of Reading through this free learning opportunity. #IowaLETRS

Eight Iowa school districts have been awarded a Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant to assist learners who have emotional or behavioral needs that impact their learning.

Even during summer break, kids can still continue to learn and develop new skills. For July’s National Make a Difference to Children Month, spend quality time with a child to support their educational success and future. By doing activities together like reading books, making

ICYMI: The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Department has launched an exciting pilot opportunity this summer to extend career-connected and work-based learning experiences for students across the state. @iowastem

Join us for lunch! Local summer meal sites are providing free meals for kids 18 and under. No sign up is required. Call 2-1-1 or visit to find your local meal site.

The 2025-26 FAFSA application form is now available at The FAFSA application provides access to financial aid, grants and scholarships for postsecondary education. Learn more about FAFSA today! #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA

ICYMI: Looking for career exploration content for next fall? Check out the free recorded sessions from the virtual Health Sciences Career Day in Iowa to learn more about six high-demand health care careers. #ChooseYourPathwayIA #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA

It's been a wonderful year for the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year Ann Mincks! Read more about Ms. Mincks role as the state's education ambassador and impact she's had at the local, state and national level to help close and narrow achievement gaps for English language learners.

Want a career that makes an impact? Apply for one of our open job positions at the Iowa Department of Education. As a part of our dedicated team, you have an opportunity to make a difference within Iowa schools and communities. Visit the State of Iowa’s website to find current

This month’s Farm & Food Celebration, the 2025 Golden Root Award winners were recognized for their outstanding use and promotion of healthy local foods.

Director McKenzie Snow, along with members of the Department's expert CTE team attended the @IowaACTE Conference last week, celebrating and recognizing how Iowa’s high-quality CTE programs, meaningful work-based learning opportunities and the opportunity for students to obtain an

Find your next qualified candidate on the TeachIowa job posting platform. Schools and Area Education Agencies can now register to this nationally accessible job board specific to teaching and school-related employment to help recruit top candidates.

ICYMI: Former Iowa Hawkeye and current Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean met with students at Davis County High School to talk about postsecondary pathways for last month’s Decision Day. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA

Congratulations to the Vietnam War veterans who received honorary high school diplomas this year through the Operation Recognition program.

Last week, state officers convened for the annual Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Creating Outstanding Officers Through Leadership (COOL) training. This full-day leadership training offered opportunities for students to strengthen professional skills, network