The hours and stress build up - you need your colleagues more than ever.  MASSP’s EdCon brings together principals from all over the state at the end of June.  Due to the pandemic we were not able to get that quality learning and networking time together.  The team at MASSP has been hard at work creating a highly relevant and interactive virtual conference to bring building leaders together- ReCon will take place October 19 & 20.  Although nothing can take the place of connecting face to face- this event will not disappoint!  The huge benefit of a virtual event is that you will have the chance to see EVERY session- not just the one you pick live. Every session will be recorded so you learn from five keynote speakers and 25+ breakout sessions.

We have five relevant, dynamic and impactful keynote speakers:

Dr. Michael Rice - State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Dr. Rice will share his thoughts about the current state of public education in Michigan and provide insights into where the Michigan Department of Education is heading in 2020-21.

Thomas Murray- Staying Personal & Authentic in the Midst of Adversity

2020 has brought uncertainty at every turn. Opening this school year in the midst of a global pandemic has created significant anxiety and a loss of sleep for all educators, regardless of position. As we lead through uncertainty, how can we create a culture where both students and staff can thrive? How can we work to overcome fear and fail forward when things don't go as planned? How can we best leverage the things that we still control? Regardless of what happens outside our school walls, together we can work to create meaningful opportunities for those we serve when we hyper-focus on the things that matter most. The work is hard, but our kids our worth it!

Vernita Mayfield- A Call to Action: Leading Amid a Social Justice Crisis

The compelling events of May 2020 that streamed into the streets, homes, and communities across the United States made it abundantly clear that ignorance of racial and cultural bias and how it manifests in educational practice is not something that schools can afford to ignore. Staff and students alike are experiencing the pain and frustration of racial inequity and the time for social justice in schools is now. Cultural competency cannot wait. Every educator needs to recognize, understand, and challenge implicit bias, structural racism, and privilege in schools. This session will outline a leadership path forward through which one can build cultural competency and systematically confront and redesign a more equitable, inclusive, and socially just school or district.

Attorney Kevin Sutton from Miller Johnson- Making the Correct Decisions

Attorney Kevin Sutton has been working with MASSP to create a number of legal scenarios that building administrators are likely to encounter.  In this interactive session you will be presented with challenging situations which will require you to make a decision...is that decision legally sound? You will soon find out!

MASSP’s Lobbyist Bob Kefgen- Legislative Update

You read Bob’s legislative updates, you see his posts on social media- now you will get a live legislative update with the opportunity to ask questions.  MASSP’s Executive Director Wendy Zdeb will chime in and help to moderate one of everyone’s favorite keynotes!

You will have four blocks of 25+ breakouts focused on the following topics:

Supporting Teaching & Learning. 

Educators have had to adapt everything they do and everything that's familiar to meet students' needs, all while dealing with the pandemic themselves. How can we support teachers and build their capacity, both emotional and pedagogical, to work in a flexible and changing teaching/school environment?  How do principals lead in a time of uncertainty? Breakouts will include some amazing teachers who will show how their classrooms have been adapted to meet the needs of students online as well as practitioner led sessions on how leaders can best support teacher growth in a mode that many have not taught in themselves.

Equity. 

With a variety of scenarios and learning environments in place this school year, one thing is certain: some students and families will face challenges in access and supports. How do we identify and plan to minimize—and strive to erase—the systemic inequities many in our school communities will encounter? Breakouts will include a panel of Superintendents discussing how they are addressing bias & equity as well as practitioner-led sessions focused on creating a culture of inclusion and equity.

Social-Emotional Learning & Student Support. 

We must recognize that some students, families, and communities will have experienced trauma and adversity during the pandemic. How can schools support these students?  How do we ensure that as leaders we are taking self-care to be mentally and emotionally ready to support students and staff? Breakouts will address the social-emotional needs of students, staff as well as self-care.

Strategy & Operations. 

Logistics. Technology. Communication. Schedules. Schools look—and run—very differently right now and will need to be ready to respond quickly as the situation changes. What processes have school leaders put in place that are helping things to run smoothly? Principals will share their schedules, learning platforms, teacher PD plans and how they connect/communicate with stakeholders.

Network & Connect

We have a number of great opportunities for this to happen. Attendees will have the choice of groups to network in: New Principals (those in years 1-3), Middle Level Principals, Assistant Principals and High School Principals will meet by MHSAA Classification- A, B, C or D.   

De-stress

Both days of the conference and in the evening in between we will have special de-stress sessions where you will learn some strategies for regaining your calm and releasing tension.

Please help to make MASSP’s first major membership virtual event a success.

Register Today


Written by Wendy Zdeb, MASSP Executive Director