Celebrating Michigan’s Finest: MASSP Honors Four Educational Leaders as 2026 Administrators of the Year
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies, is proud to recognize four outstanding school leaders as the 2026 Michigan Administrators of the Year. Each year, MASSP honors exceptional secondary school administrators who demonstrate visionary leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to advancing education in Michigan. Tara Becker-Utess, Mason High School Assistant Principal On October 29, Tara Becker-Utess, Assistant Principal…
Michigan’s Mission: Turning 31aa Funds into Impact
With MASSP's Partner in Education, Navigate360 – join Navigate360 for a FREE Webinar on Wednesday, November 12 at 9 AM (ET) to see how to turn funding into outcomes. Must opt in to 31aa by November 16. Save Your Seat! Register Today This isn't just funding. It's Michigan’s mission. Michigan's education budget for FY 2025–26 invests a record breaking $321 million in school safety and mental health through Section 31aa of SB 166. Join Navigate360’s tactical session to see a clear path…
O.L. Smith Leaders Capture MI 2026 Middle School Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year Honors
History was made with a double surprise announcement when the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals recognized two outstanding administrators at O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn. Mark Rummel captured Middle School Principal of the Year and Maha Fayad won Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year in front of their colleagues, friends and families. “We’ve never had the principal and assistant principal from the same school win this recognition in a…
Mason Leader Named Michigan 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
Tara Becker-Utess, Mason High School Assistant Principal, was surprised by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies and her district during a staff meeting to announce she was selected as the award recipient for Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year. “As a member of the second cohort of Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows, Tara demonstrates what strong Assistant…
When You Thrive, Schools Thrive: How MASSP is Investing in You
It feels like we were just at EdCon yesterday and now it’s already October – how time flies! Happy Principal’s Month! At MASSP, we know your time and resources are invaluable. That’s why we’ve been reflecting, planning and investing to better meet the needs you’ve shared with us. Just a few years ago, MASSP had 11 staff members. Today, we’re 20 strong (including our office dog!); all here to serve you under…
They Can’t All Be TikTokers: Engaging Students in STEM Careers with Free Learning Blade Resources
By: John Mullin, Learning Blade State Manager From building submarines to tackling epidemics, Learning Blade missions immerse students in real-world challenges that spark curiosity and unlock pathways to STEM, CS, and CTE careers they may have never imagined. An Easy, Fully Funded Way to Power Up Career Exploration in Your School As a former administrator, I know firsthand that principals are always looking for resources that not only engage our students but…
The Heart of SEL Conference – October 3, 2025, at CMU
Educators from across Michigan are invited to join the Michigan Social Emotional Learning Alliance (MiSELA) for The Heart of SEL Conference, a statewide gathering dedicated to strengthening Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices and connections. This one-day event will provide space for SEL champions to convene, network, and share resources that support student well-being while also focusing on the adult practice of SEL. Conference Highlights: Keynote Presentation: Valerie Shapiro, PhD – University of…
The Detroit Lions Challenge You to Host Blood Drives this Summer
By Versiti Blood Center of Michigan When Michigan’s high school football players watch the Detroit Lions, they look up to the team in more ways than one. To these student athletes, the Lions are heroes not merely for their game-changing touchdown drives, but even more so for their difference-making blood drives. A Versiti Blood Center of Michigan program gives those hardworking student athletes a way to follow their favorite players’ footsteps –…
Connecting Michigan Students to Postsecondary Pathways
Written by: Emily Hurtado-Arboleda, from our Partner in Education, MI Student Aid The MI Student Aid team is focused on connecting with students and families, high school counselors, college access professionals, and others to increase awareness and access to State scholarship and grant programs. In Academic Year 2023-24, the State provided more than $350 million in financial aid to Michigan college students. With your help, we can assist more students in identifying…
Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation: Addressing the Readiness Gap
Written & Provided by Our Partner in Education: FranklinCovey Education High school graduation marks an important milestone, but are students prepared for what comes next? Explore how schools can address the challenges of preparing students with the leadership, life, and academic skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world. The Readiness Gap in U.S. Secondary Education Across high schools nationwide, a crucial question takes center stage: Are students genuinely ready to thrive after…