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,…
Rethinking What’s Possible: An Invitation to Middle Level Leaders
What if the next breakthrough in your school is already sitting in your building … just waiting for the right space, the right support, and the right conversation? Across Michigan, middle schools are navigating a familiar set of challenges: student engagement that ebbs and flows, staff who are stretched thin, schedules that never seem to allow enough time for meaningful collaboration, and a constant push to meet the evolving needs of young…
10 Things Michigan Principals Should Know Before the First Administration of the WIN Work Readiness Assessment
This spring marks the first statewide administration of the WIN Work Readiness Assessments as part of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The new assessment replaces ACT WorkKeys and will be administered to Michigan 11th grade students between April 6 and May 1. Over the past several months MASSP has shared information about the structure and policy context surrounding the transition to WIN. As the testing window approaches, school leaders are now turning…
MDHHS Tobacco Youth Focus Groups: Please Share with Students
The MDHHS Tobacco Control Program is partnering with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) to conduct virtual focus groups with high school youth about their insights related to youth use of commercial tobacco and nicotine products. The focus group will consist of up to a 90-minute Zoom call with an MPHI facilitator and note-taker. Participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card as compensation. Focus group results will help answer key questions to improve Michigan’s commercial tobacco prevention and…
Administrator Mentor Coaching Requirements and Available Grant Support
Michigan now requires districts to provide mentor support for all school administrators, excluding superintendents, within their first three years in a new position. With dedicated grant funding from MDE becoming available soon, districts have an opportunity to align compliance with meaningful leadership development. MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders Program is ready to partner with you to provide mentor-coaches and support building confident, capable leaders. As districts and school leaders begin planning for the 2026–27…
NOT® Facilitator Training Scholarships Available for Michigan Schools
The Tobacco Section is offering full scholarships for Not on Tobacco (NOT®) facilitators' training. NOT® is an interactive K-12 school-centered tobacco/vaping education and tobacco dependence treatment/cessation program that gives students the help they need to break their dependence on nicotine. Applicants must complete INDEPTH training prior to taking Not on Tobacco, both training modules roughly take about 7-10 hours. Rolling scholarships will be available up to September 28, 2026, based on funding…
Certificate Renewal Season is Here!
Spring Break is approaching, which means the certificate renewal deadline is just around the corner. For Michigan educators and school leaders, June 30, 2026 marks the next renewal deadline for teaching and administrator certificates. Taking a few minutes now to check your status can help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure everything is in order before the end of the school year. The Michigan Department of Education recommends that educators regularly…
Aaron Baughman Joins MASSP as Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals is pleased to announce Aaron Baughman will be joining the staff as Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, starting July 1, 2026. This new role strengthens MASSP’s capacity to support school leaders navigating a rapidly changing educational landscape. As innovation, artificial intelligence, and new learning models continue to shape secondary education, principals across Michigan are seeking practical guidance on implementation, governance, and responsible use…
Women Lifting Women: A Legacy of Leadership and Encouragement
In the journey of professional and personal growth, we often hear the phrase "It takes a village." For me, that village has been built and sustained by the incredible women who have lifted me up, encouraged me and shown me what true leadership looks like. This isn't just about climbing the ladder or the next position; it's about a foundational belief in the power of women building other women leaders up. My…
Recognition Without Risk: Legally Compliant End-of-Year Awards and Activities
As the end of the school year approaches, calendars fill up quickly with recognition events. These celebrations are an important part of school culture, but schools are limited on how they may use public funds for such activities. Understanding these restrictions can help you celebrate confidently and legally. Legal Framework As a general rule, schools may not spend public funds for private purposes unless a statute specifically permits it. Revised School Code…