MASSP Seeks Next Executive Director
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) is searching for its next Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of impact and innovation. MASSP, a 1,800-member strong nonprofit established in 1911, represents Michigan’s high school, career technical education, and middle-level principals and assistant principals. For more than a century, MASSP has been the premier educational association in the state—advancing school leadership, advocating for system-wide improvements, guiding curriculum, and…
New Assessment Replacing WorkKeys in the Michigan Merit Exam
Beginning in Spring 2026, Michigan schools will be administering a new work skills assessment as part of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME): the WIN Work Readiness Assessment. This assessment was recently selected through the state's competitive bidding process and will replace the ACT WorkKeys. This is the same sort of rebidding process that resulted in Michigan's switch from the ACT to the SAT as our statewide college entrance exam a decade ago.…
Leadership in Motion | Early Wins, Lasting Momentum: Shifting from Hustle to Leverage for a Strong, Sustainable Start to the Year
Opening Reflection August is already in the rearview mirror. The welcome-back breakfasts are finished, the to-do lists checked off, the PD slides clicked through. What remains now is something more enduring. The first-week buzz is settling (or already has), and the rhythm of the real work is taking hold. By now, you’ve answered a thousand questions, reset expectations, and reminded yourself once again that you can’t do it all. But here’s the…
Student Voice in Action | Start Early, Listen Often
Culture. The word we all throw around but rarely pin down. Everyone’s favorite catch-all, because it can mean everything … and sometimes nothing. We know it drives learning, behavior and the overall feel of a building. But it doesn’t come from motivational posters or quick-fix initiatives – it starts with the students who walk your halls every day. Instructional leadership is about more than data and curriculum; it’s about shaping an environment…
MDE Announces New State Superintendent of Public Instruction, MASSP Executive Director and Members React
As reported last week by the Michigan Department of Education, Dr. Glenn M. Maleyko has been selected to be Michigan’s next state superintendent. As the current superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, he works directly with many MASSP members and served on an EdCon panel in 2024. MASSP Executive Director Wendy Zdeb said she could not be happier with the State Board of Education's decision to name Dr. Maleyko as our next Superintendent…
New Course: Practical AI Tools for Building Leaders
School leadership has never been more complex, and time has never felt more limited. That’s why MASSP’s Digital Learning Network (DLN) is excited to launch a brand-new course designed just for building leaders: Practical AI Tools for Principals and Teacher Leaders. This 4 SCECH course is all about helping you make AI work for your daily practice. Across four engaging modules, you’ll explore how to streamline everyday tasks, sharpen your communication, and…
From Ford Field to the Faculty Lounge: AI, Lions Lessons and a Staff Icebreaker
It’s been said that good teachers borrow cool ideas, and great teachers steal them outright and make them their own. AI has made it easier than ever to synthesize and personalize great ideas. This year, I had the opportunity to provide the back-to-school address to the district staff. As I shared with our team members during that message, having been given this opportunity I knew I had to do something different. Something…
QUICK TIPS September 2025 | School is in Session
Whether you've already had students in your buildings this week or the focus has been on working with your staff to prepare for the year ahead, September is the month when school is fully back in session. Let your Board of Directors help you focus on what needs to be done next month with your September Quick Tips. Todd Distelrath, Principal, Chippewa Valley High School Make sure that all 504 and IEP…
Leadership in Motion | The Season Isn’t Over: Writing the Next Chapter of Your Leadership Story
Navigating Change, Shaping Culture and Driving Impact Opening Reflection The first bell has rung. The halls are full. The plays you planned are now in motion. But the season is long. A great opening drive does not guarantee a strong finish. The real work begins now, in the daily grind where culture is tested, not just celebrated. The Detroit Lions know this well. Their transformation wasn’t defined by one draft, one press…
Start Strong: Practical Tools to Tackle Student Vaping in Your School
Vaping is showing up in every school, and principals are being asked to lead the response. Three free webinars through our Partners at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this September will give you practical tools and resources to support students right away. Helping Students Break Free from Vaping: Two Free Webinars for Principals The start of a new school year is always filled with energy, but it also brings…