Leading from the Middle: Taking the ‘Big Picture’ to the ‘Boots on the Ground’
As principals, we’re often caught in the middle—sandwiched between the ambitious goals of our district, the needs and morale of our staff, and the expectations of parents and students. After more than a decade in this role, I’ve realized that being a principal isn’t just about implementing change; it’s about sustaining it. Most leadership conversations focus on what’s next—the next initiative, the next strategic priority, the next professional development focus. Principals exist…
Leading from the Middle: Taking the “Big Picture” to the “Boots on the Ground”
Written by Jason Schrock, Howell High School Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member As principals, we’re often caught in the middle—sandwiched between the ambitious goals of our district, the needs and morale of our staff, and the expectations of parents and students. After more than a decade in this role, I’ve realized that being a principal isn’t just about implementing change; it’s about sustaining it. Most leadership conversations focus on what’s…
Lean In and Step Up!
At EdCon this past summer the Executive Board and the MASSP staff challenged the Board of Directors to “lean in and step up” to spearhead the drive across Michigan to innovate and improve the quality of education for every stakeholder from the Ohio border to the UP and from Port Austin to Lake Michigan. Like every EdCon attendee we received the "Co-Intelligence" book and each of us signed up for the Michigan…
Michigan Leadership Fellows: A Pathway to Principalship
By Tom Lietz, edited by ChatGPT 4o As Michigan schools continue to evolve and confront diverse challenges, the role of a school leader becomes more crucial than ever. The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) are stepping up with a solution: the Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellowship. This unique 18-month program is designed to cultivate assistant principals (APs) and other school leaders…
October LegalEase | Student Displays
As the calendar turns to October in a presidential election year, there are a growing number of questions and concerns about the First Amendment rights of students. Student walkouts and armbands are the traditional fodder for student protest behaviors – but what about when a student wants to prepare a display on school property? Invariably, the discussion about a display will involve an allegation that the display is on “public property” and…
The New & Improved MASSP.Com – New Look, New Features, Same Great Resources!
MASSP is excited to unveil its revamped website which is now live at massp.com! With a fresh design, enhanced features and streamlined navigation, the new site is designed to provide an even better experience for our members and visitors. What's New: Modern Design: The website now sports a contemporary look and feel, consistent with other MASSP branding and features a web-accessible color scheme for improved readability. Enhanced "My Account": Members have greater…
MPSERS Reforms Signed Into Law Marks Big Win for Students, Schools
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed HB 5803 into law, making the changes to district MPSERS contribution rates and employee contribution reductions official, marking a significant win for Michigan’s public schools and educators. The new law will: Permanently reduce the contribution rate that traditional public school districts must pay into the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) by 5.75%, from 20.96% to 15.21%. Eliminate the 3% contribution to retiree health insurance for…
State Capitol Immersive Esports Experience Engages Nearly 100 Guests
Written by Maggie Helmer, Assistant Director of Esports – MHSEL Nearly 100 legislative and governmental guests gathered to experience the rapidly growing world of scholastic esports when the Michigan High School Esports League hosted an exciting and interactive Esports Day at the Michigan State Capitol on September 25. The event provided a firsthand look at the educational and developmental benefits of esports in Michigan schools, while showcasing the dedication of students, coaches…
Updated Principal Contract Guide Now Available
In light of the recent Michigan Supreme Court decision in the case of Batista v. ORS, MASSP has updated our Building Administrator Contract Guide to reflect important changes that address how compensation is credited for retirement purposes under the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). The decision affects both individual employment contracts and collectively bargained agreements and highlights the need for all Michigan school administrators to review and potentially revise their contracts and…
ABC, Easy as 1-2-3: Unlocking School Success with Themes and Innovation
Written by JoLynn Clark, Frankenmuth High School Principal and MASSP Board of Directors President Many principals use a theme to kick off the year in an effort to generate excitement and forward motion as staff return to the building. Themes are a great way to establish a unified focus for a staff team or for the whole school, and I’ve used a wide variety of themes with staff in my 16 years…