MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders framework provides a tiered, research-based system of leadership development designed to meet school leaders where they are—whether they’re just beginning, growing in their role, or guiding others. Through structured induction, personalized mentoring, and targeted coaching, the program empowers administrators to build strong cultures, lead meaningful learning, and sustain effective leadership across Michigan’s schools.
Building Culture. Leading Learning. Sustaining Leadership.
Why This Matters
Knowing that expertise can’t be given—only developed—MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders program is designed to support aspiring, emerging, and advancing administrators through cohort-based induction, personalized mentoring, and one-on-one coaching.
Educator shortages continue to impact schools across Michigan. Fewer individuals are entering the profession, and many leave soon after they begin. These challenges extend beyond classrooms and into the principal’s office. Applicant pools for Assistant Principal and Principal roles are not only shrinking—they’re increasingly less experienced. Under-resourced mentoring programs and the absence of sustainable coaching structures have left many new administrators without the support they need to succeed—and stay.
While informal mentorships can be helpful, today’s educators require more than the listening ear of a colleague. They need coordinated, well-designed, and well-supported systems of development. Through high-quality mentoring and coaching, school leaders are better equipped to leverage their strengths, identify blind spots, and build the leadership capacity necessary to shape positive culture and drive instructional improvement.
A Tiered System of Support
MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders continuum offers a comprehensive system of leadership development for Michigan educators. Whether an individual is exploring a future in school leadership, stepping into a new administrative role, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, the program provides personalized, research-based support. Programs are organized into four progressive levels—Aspiring, Emerging, Advancing, and Mastering—each aligned to leadership experience, role responsibilities, and available state funding.
Statewide Alignment
Beginning July 1, 2024, Michigan law (MCL 380.1249b(1)(o)) requires districts to assign a mentor or coach to each school administrator during their first three years in a new administrative position. To help meet this need, MASSP has trained a statewide cadre of Mentor Coaches prepared to support new administrators with high-impact, standards-aligned development.
Core Beliefs That Guide Our Work
- Expertise can’t be given; it must be developed.
- Leaders can’t lead what they are unwilling to learn.
- Behavior is a choice.
- Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress—take the next best step to build culture and lead learning.
For more information please contact Michelle Blaszczynski at michelle@massp.com.