Learning Forward: North Ed Career Tech
Inside North Ed’s Evolving Approach to Career Tech Teaching and Learning What makes a learning opportunity worth leaving home before 5:30 each morning, five days a week? For one sophomore I met during my recent visit to North Ed Career Tech, the answer is the Engineering Academy, a two-year program that brings together engineering, English, mathematics and science. Students apply what they learn across disciplines through work involving computer-aided design, construction, machining,…
Romeo Community Schools Administrator Named Michigan’s 2027 Middle School Principal of the Year
MASSP honors Romeo Middle School Principal Brad Martz for reimagining middle school learning, strengthening school culture and creating opportunities for students to make a difference beyond the classroom. Brad Martz, principal of Romeo Middle School, has been named Michigan’s 2027 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Martz was surprised with the award by MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster during a celebration in Romeo’s media…
Lansing School District Administrator Named Michigan’s 2027 High School Principal of the Year
MASSP honors Everett High School Principal Amy Boyles for her transformational leadership and positive impact on students and educators. Amy Boyles, principal of Everett High School in Lansing, has been named Michigan’s 2027 High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Boyles was surprised with the award by MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster during a school-wide celebration in Everett’s gymnasium attended by students, teachers, Lansing School…
Member Spotlight | Bustard Believes in Change and has Seen the Change
If you’ve ever seen Mona Shores High School Principal Jennifer Bustard with students, you’ve seen her beaming smile and what looks like the personification of joy. Since she’s in her 19th year in the role, you might wonder if her contagious enthusiasm is real. I asked – though jokingly, because I suspected it was. “Is it real? Yes, of course it is,” she said. “You know, I think it goes back to…
Lessons from Yale: How a Conversation Sparked Regional Synergy
When Yale High School Principal Brad Dykstra and I recently sat down with MASSP Associate Director of Digital Learning & Platform Strategy Ryan Cayce to record an episode for the MASSP podcast, I knew we would have a good conversation. As neighboring principals separated by just twelve miles of rural two-lane roads, Brad and I often hop on the phone to bounce ideas back and forth. But sitting down for this dedicated…
Learning Forward: Jackson High School
Where You Are Is Where You Begin Walking through Jackson High School with Principal Monica Pierce feels a little like walking through the history of a community. Old class photographs line the walls. Displays recognize people who came through Jackson before today's students. Murals reflect the identities and experiences of the young people who walk the halls now. Even the building itself carries its history alongside newer additions. Monica is part of…
No One Should Have to Lead Alone
The Leadership “Island” One of the things no one fully prepares you for when you become an administrator is how much your relationships change. As a teacher, you have colleagues you laugh with, problem-solve with and turn to when you need advice or just someone who understands your day. You share stories about your families, celebrate successes and work through frustrations together. Those relationships become part of what makes your school feel…
The Hardest Part of Being Experienced Is Learning How to Be New Again
I have been an administrator for almost 15 years. I have worked in three buildings at multiple levels, and I have spent the past 10 years as a high school administrator. I know how to lead a staff meeting. I know how to start a school year. I know how to navigate the inevitable challenges of leading a school. And then I started in a new building. There is something humbling about…
Learning Forward: Jackson High School
Where You Are Is Where You Begin Walking through Jackson High School with Principal Monica Pierce feels a little like walking through the history of a community. Old class photographs line the walls. Displays recognize people who came through Jackson before today's students. Murals reflect the identities and experiences of the young people who walk the halls now. Even the building itself carries its history alongside newer additions. Monica is part of…
Learning Forward: West Ottawa High School
Pathways to Prosperity Walking through West Ottawa High School, it would be easy to start counting. Alongside a comprehensive core curriculum and a variety of world language offerings, students can pursue AP courses and the IB Diploma Programme, career and technical education, dual enrollment, early middle college and work-based learning. Applied, fine and performing arts give students room to discover and deepen their interests and passions, while athletics, clubs and other extracurricular…