Training Associates

Sue Schirmer has dedicated her career to supporting students, educators, school counselors, and leaders as they navigate the complexities of education. As the founder of Schirmer Consulting, she specializes in coaching, professional learning, and system-wide strategies for postsecondary success.

Previously, Sue served as a Professional Learning and Leadership Consultant at Heartland AEA, collaborating with hundreds of schools and districts to strengthen school counseling programs, postsecondary planning, and leadership development. She has also been a faculty member at Drake University, Buena Vista University, and Iowa College Aid, mentoring future educators and counselors. Her background includes roles as a Secondary Language Arts Teacher, K-12 School Counselor, and Alternative School Teacher/Counselor.

A Certified Thinking Collaborative Cognitive Coaching℠ Training Associate and Mentor, Sue helps individuals and teams enhance collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. Her contributions to education have been recognized with Iowa’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Advocate of the Year Award from the Iowa School Counselor Association.

Sue is deeply committed to guiding schools through meaningful change, empowering educators, and ensuring that both students and professionals thrive.