Are We Truly Advancing, or Just Being Led in Circles?
As school leaders, we are in the business of progress. We work tirelessly to move our schools forward, improve student outcomes, and equip young people with the tools they need to succeed. But as we chase the next initiative, the next data point, or the next reform, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly advancing, or just running in circles? I grew up in two competing worlds. I spent extended time with…
Quick Tips | May 2025
In less than two months, the school year will be a wrap – and there's a lot happening between now and the last day. Prepare for celebrations, recognitions and big moments with advice from your Board of Directors. Michael Mulligan, Principal, Dickinson-Iron ISD Take time to enjoy the awards nights and end of year concerts. It is an excellent way to remind yourself of why it is great to be a principal. Assemble…
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…
Getting the Right “IDEA” About Child Find
To fulfill its child find requirement, a district must refer for evaluation those students who—because of their disabilities—need, or are believed to be in need of, special education or related services. An evaluation is required before the initial provision of services under the IDEA and Section 504 and before any subsequent significant change in an eligible student’s placement. Notably, child find places an affirmative duty on school officials and teachers to identify…
Classroom & Board: Considerations for Renting Out School Facilities
Allowing organizations from outside of the district to rent school facilities or grounds can provide a community benefit, maximize use of amenities, and in some cases, establish an additional stream of income. Opening facilities to the public can, however, lead to increased risks and liability. Administrators receiving facility use requests must be mindful of board policies and legal requirements prior to approving or rejecting such requests. Review Board Policies and Requirements If…
April is Career Exploration and Awareness Month: Empowering Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow
As part of April’s statewide Career Exploration and Awareness Month, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are spotlighting critical tools, programs, and initiatives that help Michiganders prepare for rewarding careers in today’s evolving workforce. For our members, as principals, this is a valuable opportunity to deepen career readiness efforts and connect students to the many pathways Michigan has to offer—college, credentials, career technical education, and more.…
Embracing Discomfort, Overcoming Mental Blocks, and Unlocking Creative Growth
In the dynamic world of education leadership, discomfort isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. Whether you’re navigating shifting policies, leading staff through change, or reflecting on your personal growth, discomfort often signals an opportunity for transformation. The ability to sit with discomfort is what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck. Rather than viewing discomfort as a barrier, successful leaders see it as the gateway to breakthroughs in creativity, leadership, and personal…
Gathering Meaningful Feedback from Students: A Key to Effective School Leadership
As educational leaders, we collect feedback from a wide range of stakeholders - district leadership, building staff, parents, community members and more. Sometimes we request this feedback and sometimes it’s offered unsolicited! But how often do we collect the most critical feedback - feedback from our students? Now in my tenth year as a building administrator, I’ve come to view student feedback as one of the most essential tools for leading a…
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,…