John Speer is the chief administrator for the Grant Wood Area Education Agency, a role he has held since 2017.

John leads Grant Wood AEA that includes more than 500 employees who provide special education and school improvement services in Eastern Iowa. Prior to his leadership role at Grant Wood, Speer was the superintendent of the College Community School District. He was also the superintendent for Ballard Community School District and Allamakee Community School District, and held administrator positions at Independence Community School District and East Buchanan Community School District. He began his career as a high school language arts teacher.

John earned a bachelor’s degree in English education, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in education, all from the University of Northern Iowa.

Term: 2022–2024