AESA

08/28/2026

This is ESAs in action! 👏

AESA member Region 16 ESC is connecting schools and community colleges to expand career training opportunities for 324 students across the Texas Panhandle.

A great example of regional collaboration opening doors for students!

Three area high schools — Channing, Dalhart and Texline — and two community colleges — Frank Phillips College and Amarillo College — have partnered with Region

08/28/2026

This is what it looks like when an educational service agency’s impact comes full circle. 💙

Katarina Osdale once found support through AESA member Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). Today, she’s back at KCSOS as an employee, pursuing her education and building toward a career helping young people facing challenges she knows firsthand.

A powerful reminder of the many ways ESAs change lives and strengthen communities.

Katarina Osdale overcame addiction and hardship to rebuild her life, pursue education, and inspire others through her full-circle return to

08/28/2026

Here's some fun on a Friday! 😄

Help our newest institutional member, LINKS Resource Center choose their next logo!

Help us pick our logo. After two rounds of voting, we're down to three finalists — two new designs and our current logo.

Cast your vote here: https://bit.ly/4i311WV — or scan the QR code in the picture!

It's completely anonymous and takes less than a minute. Whether you're a neighbor, someone we've served, or one of our community partners, your voice matters. Vote for your favorite and share this post so more of the Mat-Su can weigh in!

08/27/2026

A resource developed by AESA member Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) shows the amount of E-Rate funding received in every district and county over the past five years.

As the FCC considers changes that could affect the future of E-Rate, these local numbers can help tell a powerful story about what's at stake.

SEE YOUR LOCAL E-RATE IMPACT → https://erate.aasa.org/

08/27/2026

🌎✈️ Where will AESA take you next?

Vienna & Budapest? 🇦🇹🇭🇺
Portugal? 🇵🇹
South Korea? 🇰🇷
Washington, D.C.? Louisville? Orlando?
Or maybe your next great professional connection is waiting for you on Zoom. 💻

There are lots of ways to learn, connect, explore, and bring new ideas home with AESA this year.

👇 Pick your next stop in this week’s Professional Learning Opportunities:
https://members.aesa.us/ap/EmailViewer/PNDa6yjr

08/26/2026

🌍 We love seeing AESA members share how their AESA Global experiences inspire new ideas, connections, and perspectives.

Theresa Bartholomew, EdD, from CSIU / Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit / IU 16, shares reflections from her AESA Global experience and the impact of learning across borders.

Read her story: https://globalens.us/articles/NQITFclgD687WUquJe3u/Je3u/

Jason Hiruo

08/26/2026

🎉 Welcome to AESA, LINKS Resource Center!

Based in Wasilla, Alaska, LINKS has served the Mat-Su community for more than 30 years, providing resources, advocacy, training, referrals, and connections that support individuals and families.

We’re excited to welcome CEO Aaron Wright and the LINKS team as AESA’s newest Institutional Member. We look forward to connecting them with members and partners across the country!

Learn more about LINKS: https://linksprc.org/

08/26/2026

E-Rate matters to schools and communities, and right now, your voice matters too.

The FCC is considering significant changes to the E-Rate program and is asking schools, libraries, educational service agencies, and other stakeholders to share how E-Rate works in their communities.

AESA has pulled together resources to make it easier to understand what’s being proposed and submit comments, including a comment template, FCC proposal summary, FAQ, and step-by-step guidance.

➡️ Learn more and take action: https://www.aesa.us/2026/08/20/protect-e-rate/

And please share these resources with the school districts and education partners you serve. Local stories and real-world examples can make a difference.

FCC comments are due October 13.

08/26/2026

🌎 Take Your Professional Learning Beyond Borders!

In summer 2027, AESA Global is heading to Portugal and South Korea, and we’re inviting ESA staff and the educators you serve to come along!

Learn alongside educators and institutions, experience education and culture firsthand, and bring fresh ideas and perspectives home to your schools and communities.

Consider sending a team from your region and choose your adventure!

🇵🇹 Portugal: https://www.aesa.us/portugal-2027/
🇰🇷 South Korea: https://www.aesa.us/southkorea-2027/

08/25/2026

AESA Global wrapped up its 2026 Gifted Education Training Series in China with five days of learning and exchange at Shandong SDU Basic Education Group, engaging more than 200 teachers and school leaders.

AESA Chief Global Officer Jason Hiruo and Director of Projects Meimei Zou were joined by Dr. Leigh Ann Putman, Executive Director of Metropolitan RESA and Dr. Joshua Wenning, Executive Director of Region 8 Education Service Center

The August 19–23 program was a true two-way learning experience, with Chinese and U.S. educators sharing practices, perspectives, and ideas and bringing new learning back to their schools and students.

Jason Hiruo