Learning with Intention in the Age of AI
I had the chance to hear Vriti Saraf present at the ASU+GSV conference last spring, and her focus on AI literacy and redefining 21st-century skills has stuck with me. In her piece, she describes certain uses of AI tools as “counterfeit humans.” They can crank out lesson plans, worksheets, or essays that look fine on the surface, but they can’t replace the deeper value of a real teacher: building relationships, connecting learning…
From the Classroom to the Office, and Back Again
Principal Jessica Vanderbrook left Lake City High for MSU as a teenager and discovered some students had an advantage: AP classes. Returning to LCHS as a teacher, she vowed that wouldn’t happen to other Trojans. The school offers six AP classes – and she teaches one of them. Walking from the office to the conference room her five senior AP Calc students call home, kids say “Hi!” as they pass by after…
Tell Your Story – If you don’t, someone else will
If you do a quick scroll through the headlines of a news website, whether it is local or national, you are bound to stumble across a story about education or a school district. Sharing stories about students and schools is popular reading material! Unfortunately, many of the stories about schools that you will find in the news are not always, or sometimes ever, positive stories. I believe that every district and every…
MiCAREER: The Grant-Funded Solution for Addressing Rural Staffing Shortages
The Michigan Consortium for Addressing Rural Education Expansion and Retention (MiCAREER) is asking to connect with MASSP members, offering a vital resource to help fill vacant teaching and administrative positions, particularly within rural school districts. Funded through a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) grant, MiCAREER provides no cost pathways to credentials. This collaboration network actively partners with districts, ISDs, and ESDs to assist in recruiting efforts. MiCAREER helps districts staff critical roles by seeking…
Stay on the Right Track with Student Searches
When school officials understand the rules and follow best practices with student searches, they can stay on the right side of the law. Knowing what constitutes a search, the “reasonable suspicion” standard school officials must meet at the outset, and how to tailor the search based on the items sought will help school officials stay legally compliant. At school, students generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their personal items, such…
MDE Concludes Public Comment on Updated Health Education Standards
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recently concluded its public comment period on the proposed Michigan Health Education Standards Framework, marking a significant step toward modernizing Michigan’s nearly 20-year-old health education standards. The updated framework reflects today’s health landscape and places greater emphasis on topics such as mental and emotional health, safety, healthy relationships, nutrition and physical activity, and digital wellness—all designed to better support the overall well-being of Michigan students. As…
Strengthening Leaders: Growing Through Mentorship
Can you recall your first years as an administrator characterized by the promise of possibility, the weight of responsibility, and those quiet moments of doubt? Most principals describe that season as both energizing and overwhelming. That’s where MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders Program steps in. By pairing new principals with seasoned administrators, the program ensures that while the job can feel lonely, leaders are never alone. This month, we spotlight the partnership of Joe…
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…
Student Voice in Action | From Titles to Tools: Turning Student Leaders into Stakeholders
Here’s the truth: One of the most overlooked resources in your building isn’t a grant, a new program or the latest tech. It’s your students. Specifically, your student leaders. Too often, we hand them a title and some merch, maybe a seat at a table, but not the real tools or responsibility to do meaningful work. The result? Student leadership looks good on paper, but doesn’t move the needle in your school.…