The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals is pleased to announce Aaron Baughman will be joining the staff as Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, starting July 1, 2026.
This new role strengthens MASSP’s capacity to support school leaders navigating a rapidly changing educational landscape. As innovation, artificial intelligence, and new learning models continue to shape secondary education, principals across Michigan are seeking practical guidance on implementation, governance, and responsible use of emerging technologies. Aaron’s work will help ensure MASSP continues to be the premier source for educational leadership in Michigan.
Aaron brings more than 25 years of experience across Michigan’s K–12 system, including service as a classroom teacher, building principal, district administrator and statewide innovation strategist. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping educators move from promising ideas to disciplined implementation that improves outcomes for students.
He began his career in Wayne-Westland Community Schools as an elementary and middle school teacher before transitioning into middle school leadership as an assistant principal and principal. Aaron later served in central office leadership as Director of Professional Development and Executive Director of Curriculum, where he led K–12 instructional design and professional learning initiatives.
In 2017, Aaron joined Northville Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. There, he helped design and launch one of Michigan’s earliest districtwide artificial intelligence governance and implementation systems, supporting more than 400 educators and 7,000 students through structured professional learning and policy development.
Most recently, Aaron served as AI Strategist for Michigan Virtual, where he worked with districts across Michigan to develop AI governance frameworks, professional learning systems, and responsible implementation models. He also co-chairs Michigan’s Statewide AI Steering Committee and collaborates with statewide organizations to align guidance and support for schools navigating emerging technologies.
Brad Hale, principal of Brown City Jr./Sr. High School and MASSP Board of Directors Region 5 Representative, has already experienced the impact of Aaron’s AI work firsthand.
“Aaron has been an inspiration for my own learning and innovation. Staff who attend his monthly AI integration workshops come back energized and eager to try new things. I believe his work [with MASSP] will create a ripple of momentum for principals and schools across Michigan” said Hale.
Across each stage of his career, Aaron has focused on translating innovation into sustainable systems that educators can use in their daily work. Grounded in both professional experience and his own upbringing in poverty, his approach to innovation centers on expanding access, building thoughtful governance, and ensuring new opportunities reach all students rather than a select few.
In his new role with MASSP, Aaron will lead work connected to innovation pathways, artificial intelligence leadership, district consultation, and strategic partnerships. This work will help translate emerging ideas and technologies into structured programs and services that support principals and assistant principals across Michigan.
The role will also help MASSP expand partnerships and develop new professional learning opportunities aligned with the evolving needs of school leaders.
“Aaron brings a rare combination of classroom credibility, system leadership and statewide innovation experience,” said Colin Ripmaster, Deputy Executive Director of MASSP. “What stood out most to me is his human-centered approach to innovation and his commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all learners. His work is grounded in structure, governance, and practical implementation. He helps educators move from possibility to practice.”
Aaron’s new role reflects MASSP’s ongoing commitment to supporting principals as they navigate the growing complexities of school leadership while preparing students for an ever-changing world. MASSP looks forward to the impact Aaron will have in working with districts across the state to address this critical need.