Professional Learning for
Iowa Districts & Educators

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. 

This course prepares you for an Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization, which qualifies you to be hired as a substitute teacher in Iowa school districts. Please Note: This course does not count toward license renewal. Exception for Paraeducators: If you are taking this course to add a Limited Substitute Authorization to your Paraeducator Certificate, please email support@aealearningonline.org after completing the course to request your transcript for the BoEE. There are five requirements to obtain your Substitute Teacher Authorization: 1. Have an Associate's/Bachelor's degree or 60+ hours of college credit (or a Paraeducator Certificate for limited authority)2. Complete a BoEE-approved Substitute Authorization Course (this course)3. Complete a background check.4. Complete Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training5.  Submit a BoEE-approved Substitute Authorization Application. Paraeducator Restriction: If you are a certified Paraeducator without an Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree or 60+ semester hours of college credit, your Limited Substitute Authorization only allows you to serve as a substitute in your currently assigned special education classroom. Payment Option: Check with your local school district to see if they will sponsor your course fee. AEA Learning Online does not hold a list of participating districts.

Note: This course is for initial certification and is not appropriate for renewal. While it is strongly recommended to take the three required courses in numerical order (1, 2, 3), it is not required. Course OverviewThis first course in the paraeducator certification course series introduces you to the essential skills, ethics, and professional practices needed to thrive in today’s supportive classroom roles. Through a blend of independent learning and interactive sessions, you will build critical knowledge in: Navigating modern educational environments Understanding diverse student abilities and disabilities Effective communication and collaborative problem-solving Fostering positive classroom interactions Course Format  This is a 30-hour blended course completed over a multi-week term. Basic computer skills and reliable internet access are highly recommended. Synchronous Learning: Includes mandatory live virtual sessions via Zoom (check your specific session for exact dates and times). Asynchronous Learning: Completed online at your own pace during the duration of the course via assignments, quizzes, and journals. Program & Certification Requirements To meet the standards for the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification, participants must fulfill the following state and program criteria: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Education: Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Employment/Mentorship: Must be currently employed as a practicing or substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, OR have an Iowa classroom teacher and administrator willing to mentor you through the program. Paraeducator Certification Courses: Successfully complete all three paraeducator certification courses. Certification Application: Participants may begin the application process at any point during coursework. These application directions support certification through the Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE). Application fees include: a $35 background check processing fee, a $40 application charge (subject to change by the BoEE), and a $3 credit card processing fee. Note: BoEE application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Effective July 1, 2026, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) requires all educator license applicants to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful work authorization. The BOEE uses the federal SAVE database to check

Note: This course is for initial certification and cannot be used for renewal. While completing the three certification courses in numerical order (1, 2, 3) is highly recommended, it is not required. Course Overview This second course in the paraeducator series shifts the focus from foundational ethics to practical classroom strategies. You will gain the tools and competencies needed to directly assist teachers, implement educational activities, and maintain a safe, productive learning environment for diverse learners. Key topics covered include: Integrating classroom technology to support student learning Assisting with instructional content and team-led interventions Collaborating effectively with colleagues, parents, and school staff Adapting strategies to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities Course Format  This is a 30-hour blended course completed over a multi-week term. Basic computer skills and reliable internet access are highly recommended. Synchronous Learning: Includes mandatory live virtual sessions via Zoom (check your specific session for exact dates and times). Asynchronous Learning: Completed online at your own pace during the duration of the course via assignments, quizzes, and journals. Program & Certification Requirements To meet the standards for the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification, participants must fulfill the following state and program criteria: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Education: Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Employment/Mentorship: Must be currently employed as a practicing or substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, OR have an Iowa classroom teacher and administrator willing to mentor you through the program. Paraeducator Certification Courses: Successfully complete all three paraeducator certification courses. Certification Application: Participants may begin the application process at any point during coursework. These application directions support certification through the Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE). Application fees include: a $35 background check processing fee, a $40 application charge (subject to change by the BoEE), and a $3 credit card processing fee. Note: BoEE application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Effective July 1, 2026, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) requires all educator license applicants to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful work authorization. The BOEE uses the federal SAVE database to check legal status. Applicants must apply at least eight weeks before their expiration date.

Note: This course is for initial certification and cannot be used for renewal. While completing the three certification courses in numerical order (1, 2, 3) is highly recommended, it is not required. Course Overview This third course in the paraeducator certification series provides the critical knowledge, skills, and strategies you need to assist, support, and maintain children's positive social, emotional, and behavioral development in today's classrooms. Key topics covered include: Understanding common behavioral and emotional challenges in the classroom Implementing proactive strategies for positive behavior intervention Developing strong, professional relationships with students, teachers, and school personnel Continuing to build ethical and professional practice competencies Course Format  This is a 30-hour blended course completed over a multi-week term. Basic computer skills and reliable internet access are highly recommended. Synchronous Learning: Includes mandatory live virtual sessions via Zoom (check your specific session for exact dates and times). Asynchronous Learning: Completed online at your own pace during the duration of the course via assignments, quizzes, and journals. Key Course Requirements 10-Hour Classroom Practicum: Complete 10 hours of practical, hands-on clinical experience in a classroom setting. On-Site Observations: Successfully complete your required on-site field observations under the guidance of your mentor. Program & Certification Requirements To meet the standards for the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification, participants must fulfill the following state and program criteria: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Education: Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Employment/Mentorship: Must be currently employed as a practicing or substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, OR have an Iowa classroom teacher and administrator willing to mentor you through the program. Paraeducator Certification Courses: Successfully complete all three paraeducator certification courses. Certification Application: Participants may begin the application process at any point during coursework. These application directions support certification through the Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE). Application fees include: a $35 background check processing fee, a $40 application charge (subject to change by the BoEE), and a $3 credit card processing fee. Note: BoEE application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Effective July 1, 2026, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) requires all educator license applicants to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful work authorization. The BOEE uses the federal SAVE database to check legal status. Applicants must apply at least eight weeks before their expiration date.

Course Description This comprehensive, 45-hour hybrid course is designed to deepen an educator’s or paraeducator's understanding of how to support and manage a school-based library. Participants will learn how modern libraries foster student learning through research-based best practices in inquiry, literacy, and educational technology. The curriculum focuses heavily on hands-on library operations, including inventory, shelving, and materials maintenance, while addressing critical ethical issues such as copyright, confidentiality, and intellectual freedom. Additionally, participants will build basic technology skills to assist in troubleshooting classroom hardware and software.  Course Format & Delivery Credits/Hours: 3-credit, 45-hour hybrid course consisting of: Virtual or in-person, face-to-face meetings (Zooms are typically in the evenings). Asynchronous online coursework, readings, and written assignments supported by ongoing instructor feedback. Technical Requirements: All participants must have a working email address and access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet capabilities. Course Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will meet the following objectives (stated in one sentence each): Participants will manage daily library tasks, including shelving, inventory, materials maintenance, and general organization, to support the teacher librarian. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of literature and the key principles of curating diverse library collections. Participants will apply basic digital and technical skills to support student learning and troubleshoot common hardware and software issues. Participants will apply professional guidelines regarding copyright, confidentiality, and intellectual freedom in a school library setting. Professional Development, Licensing, & BOEE Rules This course meets multiple professional development and licensing purposes: Area of Concentration: Serves as the required course to add the Library, Media and Technology Area of Concentration to an Iowa Paraeducator Certificate. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Paraeducator Generalist Certification). Certificate Renewal: Earns the 3 credits required to renew an Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certificate. General Professional Development: Open to substitute teachers, classroom educators, and library assistants seeking general professional development, library media training, or license renewal. Important BOEE Rules: Timing Rule: To use this course for certificate renewal, your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate must be officially issued by the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) prior to the completion date of this course. The Application Rule: Adding an area of concentration does not automatically renew your Paraeducator Generalist Certificate. You must first apply to add the Library, Media and Technology Area of Concentration, and then submit a separate application to renew your Generalist Certificate.