Member Spotlight | If You See It, You Can Be It – This is What Can Happen when a Visual Learner Becomes a Principal
While sitting in an interview for an assistant principal candidate, Evan Winkler, Brandywine Middle/Senior High School Principal (then a phys ed, health teacher and coach), heard what the person up for the role was talking about and thought “I feel like that's what I love about teaching.” After seeing that same person be successful as an administrator, and with some encouragement from building leaders, Evan pursued his certification through MASSP’s Path to…
June 2026 Board Quick Tips | Time for Communication, Reflection & Preparation
Take time in the coming weeks to celebrate your school community's achievements and reflect on the year's successes and challenges. Remember that after the last school bell rings, there's still a bit of work to do. Families are looking for clear communication at the end of the school year and throughout the summer. School websites and social media platforms can be some of the most powerful tools schools have to keep families…
May 2026 QUICK TIPS | Prepare to Wrap Things Up & Celebrate
May is frequently the busiest month of the year for school administrators, encompassing ceremonies, staffing decisions, and financial planning. The MASSP Board has compiled the following tips to support effective planning and a smooth conclusion to the school year. As you approach the end of the year, remember to savor the final moments with your graduating seniors. Jeff Dykhouse, Principal, East Grand Rapids Middle School Make a plan for wrapping up the…
April 2026 QUICK TIPS | Spring to It
Many schools are kicking off April with spring break – let it be a reminder that you need to take care of yourself in order to lead your school through the final quarter of the academic year. Whether you're traveling or experiencing a staycation, please find time to rest and find joy each day. Check out these tips from your Board to help you when you return to school. Nicole Carter, Principal,…
MARCH 2026 Quick Tips | Spring into End of Year Planning
As we move into March, our board members have shared timely, practical ideas to help you lead with intention and momentum. From continuing to share MiLEAP’s financial resource toolkit with graduating seniors, to beginning soft rollouts of initiatives for next fall, these insights are designed to make your work more strategic and manageable. Aaron Romoslawski, Assistant Principal, Forest Hills Northern High School Use Notebook LM for weekly staff emails to provide a…
Explore MACUL 2026 with AI: A Quick Tutorial for Educators
MACUL has released a short tutorial showing how to use Google’s NotebookLM, an AI tool that helps educators make sense of complex information using trusted sources. In this tutorial, you’ll: Learn how NotebookLM works Use real MACUL 2026 Conference data to explore sessions, speakers, and topics See how AI can support decision-making—not just content creation MACUL also provides the same source documents used in the video so you can create your own AI-powered notebook and explore…
Member Spotlight | The Spotlight’s Not Big Enough
When I was a journalism and social studies teacher, friends and I used to talk about how great it would be if we could develop a Creative Arts Academy in the building. On a recent site visit to Centerline High School to see the Academy Model in action with members of the Innovative Leaders Network, I saw how making that dream come true might have been a possibility. Guided by well-informed student…
QUICK TIPS | Senior Activities & Commencement 2026
Senior activities such as prom, awards night, and commencement are yearly reminders of why we all get into the business of education. If not executed correctly, they can also quickly become a scene from one of our worst administrative nightmares! Below, you will find an assortment of “quick tips” and “think abouts” from a pair of MASSP veteran administrators, to help guide you through some of the most significant activities your building…
Stay Ahead with the Michigan AI Statewide Workgroup
Artificial intelligence continues to move quickly, and school leaders are being asked more and more often to guide conversations, set expectations, and support staff and families as new tools emerge. One easy way to stay informed is by connecting with the Michigan AI Statewide Workgroup and subscribing to their monthly resource newsletter. The workgroup, supported by Michigan Virtual and partners across the state, curates practical tools and guidance for educators, families, and…
QUICK TIPS February 2026 | Midwinter Momentum: Planning Ahead While Re-Energizing Your School Community
February is a pivotal month to lead with intention and momentum. As planning for next year ramps up, energize students and families with opportunities to engage and showcase your school programs. Celebrate CTE Month by giving 9th–10th graders a firsthand look through field trip experiences or “Day in the Life” videos. With midwinter dips common, double down on attendance outreach, creative spirit boosters, and a visible, supportive presence that re-energizes students, staff,…