Keynote Speakers

Nothing is as Fast as the Speed of Trust
Gary McGuey, Franklin Covey
The ability to create trust is the single most important leadership competency for leaders today, and creating it is a learnable skill. In this interactive engaging session, we will discuss how trust is a function of your character and competence. Trust is not some soft, illusive quality that you either have or you don’t; rather, trust is a pragmatic, tangible, actionable asset that you can create-much faster than you probably think possible. Participants will learn about the 4 Cores of Credibility (Self Trust), which focus on “Who I am” as a leader plus the 13 behaviors of high trust leaders (Relationship Trust); what we “do” as a leader. Both Self Trust and Relationship are foundational to Organizational Trust.

Legal Update & Hot Topics
Kevin Sutton, Miller Johnson Attorneys
This legal update will help administrators make sense of the multitude of legal landmines out there – First Amendment, search and seizure, supporting LGBTQ students, Title IX, threat assessment, student discipline and more!

Legislative Update
Bob Kefgen, MASSP
MASSP's lobbyist Bob Kefgen will bring you up to speed on the latest happenings in Lansing.

Inspire the Hopeless, Empower the Dreamers
Phil Campbell, Jostens Renaissance Ambassador
Right now, more than ever, leading in the world of education is challenging, to say the least. In spite of everything being thrown your way, how do you continue to change lives and impact futures? With a focus on relationships and overall school culture, PC will share strategies and insights designed to put you, your staff, and your students in a position to be successful. 


Breakout Sessions #1

Amplify Student Voice with Podcasts
Ryan Cayce, MASSP
Have you considered starting your own podcast? What about for your staff or students? In this session, participants will learn how easy it is to create, edit and share their very own podcast using free resources and tools.  Whether you want to spread the great news happening in your buildings, interview special stakeholders around the school, or amplify student & teacher voices, podcasting is a great method.  Bring a laptop or mobile device so you can join the fun during this breakout!

Start Your Own Esports Team
Andy Kowalczyk, Bay City Central HS & Steve Forsberg, Ludington HS
Looking for low-cost and inclusive opportunities for your students? The Michigan High School Esports League: Champions Series has you covered! Learn about the emerging and exciting world of competitive esports and the college & career opportunities it offers from current Assistant Principals & Esports Coaches.

Creating a Restorative School Culture
Haley Street, Holly MS
Creating safe and supportive school communities for our staff and students is foundational to our role as educators. In this session, Haley Street from Holly Middle School, will share tips and tricks that support a restorative (relationships focused) school culture. Under the umbrella of Leader in Me, HMS has fused restorative practices and more intentional focus on SEL to move toward a school culture that fosters connection and relationship.

The School Culture Revival
Phil Campbell, Jostens
As we emerge from the pandemic, schools have the opportunity to rebrand their culture and climate. Join host, Dr. Phil Campbell, for a fast-paced, high-energy session focused on proven strategies and ideas to elevate staff morale, student motivation, and social emotional wellbeing in light of the challenges presented this year to the world of education.


Breakout Sessions #2

Making Sense of NWEA Data
Michelle Goaley, BAISD
The intentional use of NWEA MAP data by teachers to inform instruction can be overwhelming and frustrating. Setting up your structure to support teachers with this practice will alleviate those frustrations and empower teachers to find value in the data. In this session, we will look at the use of reports to reflect on growth, structures for teachers to access and plan with the data, and simple starting points for instructional planning.

Admin 101
Wendy Zdeb & Colin Ripmaster, MASSP
After 60 years of combined experience in public education the leaders of MASSP- Associate Executive Director Colin Ripmaster and Executive Director Wendy Zdeb have seen and heard it all. Based on their experience, Colin and Wendy will share the Top 10 Characteristics of Quality Administrators and tell some tales about the dos/don'ts for successfully working with students, staff, parents and your school community.

Supporting Staff & Student Mental Wellness
Amy Pashak, Howell HS & Danielle Schmidt, Parker MS
In this collaborative session, you will hear about different strategies that you can implement tomorrow to support staff and student mental wellness and morale while maintaining a positive school culture.  Given the high-stress climate we all face daily, this topic is more important than ever!  You will be hearing from a high school and middle school AP for differing perspectives and also have time to connect with one another. 

I Wish I Knew Now, What I Knew Then!
Andrew Brodie, Flat Rock Community Schools Superintendent & MASA President
Navigating the world of public school administration can be overwhelming. This session will help you to consider the multitude of administrative options as your career progresses forward. Join Andrew Brodie (Superintendent of Flat Rock Community Schools / MASA Executive Board President) as he speaks about the many opportunities that a public school administrative career can take, how to be prepared for each of them and ensuring that you are choosing the correct path for your personal journey.