October 9, 2026
Noon-3:00 PM
Building Stronger School-University Partnerships for Innovation, Learning, and Impact
The UI Education Innovation Hub (UI EIH) invites K-12 educators, counselors, school leaders, and University of Iowa College of Education faculty to come together for an intentional afternoon of connection, collaboration, and innovation.
ConnectED Iowa is designed to move beyond networking and toward meaningful partnership by creating space for educators and faculty to discuss real challenges, identify opportunities for innovation, and begin developing collaborative projects.
Our goal is simple: build partnerships that matter and create solutions that make a difference.
Build relationships across K-12 schools and higher education
Identify pressing challenges and opportunities within schools and educator preparation
Learn how collaborative inquiry can lead to actionable projects
Explore grant partnership opportunities and funding support
Develop next steps for continued collaboration
ConnectED is an ongoing partnership between the UI EIH and the Iowa City Community School District designed to create a more intentional, sustained connection between university expertise and district-identified needs.
Agenda
12:00–12:30 PM Lunch + Table Connections
Participants will arrive, grab lunch, and find their assigned tables based on content area and/or grade-level groupings.
12:30–12:40 PM Welcome + Introduction to the UI Education Innovation Hub
Overview of the UI-EIH mission, purpose, and partnership model:
• What the Hub is
• Why it was created
• How we support districts and faculty
• Available services and partnership opportunities
• Research-for-service model
• Professional learning and service-learning support
• External funding and grant collaboration opportunities
12:50–1:20 PM Mini Workshop with Dr. Ariel Aloe From Challenge to Researchable Question
A practical session on how to move from a problem of practice to a clear, actionable inquiry question.
Topics include:
• Identifying meaningful problems of practice
• Framing questions for improvement and research
• Aligning questions to measurable outcomes
• Determining what support and data may be needed
Facilitated Table Conversations: Challenges, Opportunities, and Needs
Participants will engage in semi-structured conversations around:
• Current barriers and challenges
• Curriculum and instructional needs
• Staffing and leadership concerns
• Student support systems
• Innovation opportunities
• Research and professional learning priorities
The goal is to surface authentic needs and opportunities for partnership.
1:20–1:40 PM Grant Partnerships + Funding Opportunities with Dr. Liz Constantine and Heather Wacha
Discussion around:
• Collaborative grant opportunities
• District-university partnership funding models
• External funding pathways
• Support available through UI-EIH for proposal development and project implementation
• Example partnerships and continued connection with ICCSD
2:00-2:10 Break
2:10–2:40 PM Facilitated Table Conversations: Challenges, Opportunities, and Needs
Participants will engage in semi-structured conversations around:
• Current barriers and challenges
• Curriculum and instructional needs
• Staffing and leadership concerns
• Student support systems
• Innovation opportunities
• Research and professional learning priorities
The goal is to surface authentic needs and opportunities for partnership.
2:40–3:00 PM Next Steps + Commitment to Action
Participants will identify:
• Potential project partners
• Immediate next steps
• Follow-up conversations needed
• Opportunities for implementation during the school year
The goal is to leave with momentum, not just ideas.