Uncategorized

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Supporting School Leaders in a Time of Change

As we close the chapter on the 2024–25 school year, I’m proud to reflect on how the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals has evolved in both vision and action to meet the needs of building leaders across the state. This was a year of planning, possibility, and purpose—a year defined by our commitment to supporting school leaders as they face an ever-changing educational landscape. We know the job of the principal…

Headlines

MHSEL Celebrates Record Growth and National Recognition

Since its inception in the 2020–21 school year, the Michigan High School Esports League has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a premier platform for competitive gaming in the state. MHSEL launched with only 24 schools and 34 teams. Now entering its sixth year, the league boasts participation from more than 200 schools, 840+ teams, with more than 3,700 student participants across Michigan. MHSEL offers a diverse array of 15 popular game…

Headlines

From Vision to Action: MASSP Board Explores the Future of AI in Education

Last week, members of the MASSP Board of Directors and staff joined me at the ASU+GSV Summit—an international gathering of more than 13,000 education leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers focused on the future of learning, technology, and equity. At the center of this year’s summit was a powerful and timely theme: How artificial intelligence is reshaping education and how school leaders must lead the charge to ensure that transformation is thoughtful,…

Headlines

Call to Action – New Standards for the Preparation of Special Education Teachers

The State Board of Education has received proposed new standards for the preparation of special education teachers in Michigan. These standards are out for public comment until Feb. 27. MASSP has participated on the OPTIMISE Task Force and has been briefed regarding concerns with the change in credentialing for special education teachers. The standards were presented to the State Board of Education on January 14, as a prerequisite to a change in…

Headlines

Innovative Instruction at Forest Hills Northern High School

This year, I’ve been fortunate to visit schools across Michigan to learn about innovative practices that reimagine how students engage with learning. For me, innovation means improving existing practices —whether or not technology is involved. My recent visit to Forest Hills Northern High School perfectly captured this definition, showcasing programs that are personalized, hands-on, and deeply engaging for students. The innovation journey began several years ago when Jon Gregory, former Principal of…

Headlines

Leading Through Change: Our Commitment to You

The results of the election have brought out diverse emotions and questions across the nation, our state and our communities. In times of uncertainty and change, one thing remains clear: Our work as school leaders is vital to ensuring students are supported, valued and prepared to succeed in a complex world. Leadership in education is about remaining steadfast in our mission, regardless of external changes. By focusing on creating inclusive, equitable and…

Headlines

The Future is Now

It was as if I peered over a wall to see the future of education when I attended the ASU+GSV conference in San Diego in April. I was able to test drive Khanmigo to see how awesome the lesson planning features are and how the AI bot works alongside both teachers and learners. I put on Oculus goggles to see how history and biology lessons can be transformed with virtual reality. I visited a…

Headlines

Wendy’s Weekly – with Christian Talbot – April 29, 2024

Wendy attended the ASU+GSV Conference in San Diego. During the event Wendy recorded three interviews with attendees and this is the second of the three. In today’s video Wendy talks with Christian Talbot, President and CEO of the Middle State Association. Middle States is a global leader in accreditation and school improvement. They developed RAIL which their website refers to as, “A comprehensive implementation framework for AI in schools and systems. It’s like accreditation for the adoption of AI.…

Uncategorized

Why Should Principals Care About Population Decline?

You have four classes without subs, a parent angry about an article used in a social studies class, your incoming grade level is visiting campus for lunch and a mini-orientation today, and there was a car/bus accident in the bus loop this morning. When your day looks like this you probably don’t have time to expend much mental energy thinking about how Michigan ranks 49th out of 50 in terms of population…

Headlines

The Support Principals Need to Succeed

Strengthening Leaders – Coaching/Mentoring Educator pipeline issues do not just impact teachers in the classroom, we are also seeing a shortage of those interested in being school leaders. Not only is the applicant pool shallow for Assistant Principal and Principal positions but those stepping into the roles tend to have less experience than ever before. Under-resourced mentoring programs and coaching services have contributed to our state's struggle to attract, train and retain…