Strengthening Leaders Across the Pipeline: MASSP’s Continuum of Support for Aspiring, Emerging, and Advancing Principals
The principalship is one of the most complex and critical roles in public education—and one of the most undersupported. In Michigan, we face growing shortages not only in our teacher pipeline, but in school leadership as well. That’s why MASSP developed Strengthening Leaders, a comprehensive, research-based suite of induction, mentoring, and coaching programs that support educators at every stage of their leadership journey. Whether you are preparing for your first leadership opportunity,…
Clearing the Air: Why School Leaders Must Lead the Fight Against Youth Vaping and Tobacco Use
The numbers are rising, the products are changing, and the stakes for student health and school culture have never been higher. Vaping and tobacco use among youth have become one of the most pressing public health challenges facing schools today. What was once a conversation about cigarettes has transformed into a complex web of e-cigarettes, flavored nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and marijuana-laced vape devices—all of which are easily concealed and widely misunderstood.…
Student Voices Take the Mic in Anti-Vaping PSA Contest
With the goal to empower students to educate their peers, raise awareness and shift harmful social norms that normalize vaping, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, was proud to sponsor this year’s statewide Public Service Announcement Contest — an initiative designed to elevate student voices in the fight against vaping and tobacco use. Unlike…
Stay Ahead in Uncertain Times: A Must-Attend Webinar Series for Michigan School Leaders
In today's rapidly evolving political landscape, school administrators are confronted with unprecedented challenges. With the current debates shaping national policies and Michigan's own legal expectations continually being refined, ensuring that your school policies are both compliant and forward-thinking is essential. This week’s L2L Legal Webinar: Hit Me With Your Best Shot PT 2 is a start to that conversation. At MASSP we know that principals and school leaders need a comprehensive look…
In Case You Missed It: 27h (Mentoring Coaching) Funds Are Available
District and school leaders emphasize the importance of mentor programs for new staff, highlighting their role in supporting successful onboarding and transition into the educational field. However, they have also expressed a need for additional resources to help establish, manage, and sustain these programs effectively. Section 27h of the State School Aid Act represents a significant investment in our education system—providing up to $10 million annually over five years, with a total…
Navigating Federal and State Policy in Light of Recent Executive Orders
The past two weeks have been intense for Michigan educators, evoking memories of the COVID era when schools were constantly adjusting to new executive orders. In an effort to stay ahead, districts may feel pressured to implement quick, seemingly compliant changes. However, rushing to act could inadvertently create conflicts with existing state and federal laws—especially since recent federal directives neither amend nor fully align with statutes like Title IX and the Elliott-Larsen…
Navigating Policy Changes for Undocumented Students: A Practical Guide for School Principals
As Principals, we often stand in the crossfire of political agendas. The most recent is immigration policy. Schools play a vital role in supporting undocumented students and their families, ensuring they feel safe, welcomed, and informed. As trusted institutions, schools can provide critical resources, legal guidance, and emotional support to students and families who may face uncertainty regarding their immigration status. This article was written in collaboration with our partners at Thrun…
The Evolving Challenge of Youth Vaping: What School Leaders Need to Know
Vaping trends are moving in a positive direction. Yet, despite falling use and purchase trends for e-cigarettes from its peak in 2019, nearly 1.63 million youth, mostly in middle and high school, use them. School administrators face an increasingly complex battle against youth vaping as manufacturers deploy sophisticated new technologies designed to attract young users. Recent research and developments highlight why traditional approaches to this challenge may need updating. Smart Vapes: A…
College Board L2L Webinar: PSAT Data
The 6th Session of the College Board Leader2Leader Webinar was about using data! Joined by CB Director Brad Brunner and Sandusky MS/HS teacher Erin Carlson, principals and school leaders were shown how to leverage PSAT School Day Data to lead learning in their schools. The webinar will include instructions on accessing and analyzing fall, 2024 PSAT data in the College Board’s K-12 Score Reporting Portal. The webinar will introduce principals to the new…
Keys to Unlocking Post-Secondary Success for Students with Disabilities
Written by Jessica Garber, Escanaba Middle and High School Assistant Principal, Michigan Leadership Fellow and Gina Schmitt, Grand Haven High School Assistant Principal, Michigan Leadership Fellow Let’s close the gaps and unlock opportunities! Assistant Principals are often critical advocates for students with disabilities. While the IEP process is often our focus, transition planning might be one of the most critical opportunities to close gaps and unlock opportunities. Students with disabilities in Michigan…