Aspiring: Exploring Leadership Pathways
For educators considering a future in school leadership
MASSP’s Aspiring level supports educators who are exploring the principalship and considering leadership as their next step. Through accessible modules, practical experiences, and guided reflection, participants gain a deeper understanding of the role and develop a clearer path toward future leadership opportunities.
- Aspiring Principals: Exploring School Leadership
- Who: Educators interested in exploring school leadership
- What: 15 on-demand modules, a leadership case study, and one in-person workshop
- Cost: $25 per module + $50 for in-person workshop
- Path to Leadership: Certification for New Administrators
- Who: Educators seeking PK-12 administrator certification
- What: A 12-month certification program featuring eight asynchronous modules and a field experience
- Cost: Maximum program cost of $7,825
Emerging: Launching Your Leadership Journey
For new administrators building foundational skills
The Emerging level provides structured support for early-career building administrators. Whether you’re an assistant principal, dean, or new principal, this multi-year induction experience combines monthly coaching, cohort-based learning, and aligned mentorship to help you build confidence, competence, and capacity in your role.
- Launch: Induction, Mentoring and Coaching for New Building Leaders
- Who: Assistant principals, deans of students, and principals in their first three years in a building-level administrative role
- What: Three-year induction, mentoring, and coaching experience for early-career building leaders
- Year 1: Monthly cohort-based Zoom sessions + monthly 1:1 mentor coaching
- Year 2: Bi-monthly cohort-based Zoom sessions + bi-weekly 1:1 mentor coaching
- Year 3: Quarterly cohort-based Zoom sessions + bi-weekly 1:1 mentor coaching
- Cost: $3,000/year per administrator (fully reimbursable through 27h funds)
Advancing: Deepening Leadership Impact
For experienced leaders pursuing equity, innovation, and expanded roles
MASSP’s Advancing level is designed for administrators with leadership experience who are ready to expand their impact. Programs in this tier focus on inclusive practices, innovation, and career advancement—offering application-based fellowships, in-depth coaching, and powerful learning communities.
- MI Leadership Fellows: Advancing Toward the Principalship (in partnership with MCAN)
- Who: Assistant principals aspiring to the principalship
- What: 18-month application-based fellowship, including monthly Zoom sessions, 1:1 coaching, quarterly in-person sessions, attendance at AP Summit and EdCon, and a capstone project
- Cost: $11,000 per fellow (District cost is $1,000; remainder funded by MCAN)
- Developing Inclusive Leaders: Advancing Equity and Inclusion (in partnership with MAASE)
- Who: Building-level leaders with 4 or more years of experience
- What: 18-month application-based blended learning program focused on inclusive leadership and special education
- Year 1: Nine on-demand modules, two in-person sessions, and monthly 1:1 coaching
- Year 2: One on-demand module, four in-person sessions, and monthly 1:1 coaching
- Cost: $5,500 (District cost: $0, fully paid for through 27j funds via MAASE)
Mastering: Sustaining Growth and Leading Others
For veteran leaders focused on mentoring and continuous improvement
The Mastering level is for experienced principals committed to refining their leadership and giving back to the profession. Through targeted coaching or service as a trained Mentor Coach, participants continue their own development while supporting emerging and advancing leaders across Michigan.
- Mastering the Principalship: Sustained Growth for Experienced Leaders
- Who: Building leaders with 6+ years of experience
- What: Quarterly cohort-based Zoom sessions and bi-weekly coaching
- Cost: $3,000/year per administrator (reimbursable through 27h if in the first three years of a new role, regardless of total years of experience)
- Mentor Coach: Leading Through Service
- Who: Experienced leaders seeking to mentor and coach Emerging or Advancing Leaders
- What: Application-based, 1-3 year mentoring and coaching role
- Year 1: 2-day induction workshop, quarterly Zoom sessions, and providing monthly 1:1 mentor coaching to Emerging or Advancing Leaders
- Year 2 and 3: 1-day tactical institute, quarterly Zoom sessions, and providing bi-weekly mentor coaching to Emerging or Advancing Leaders
- Cost: District cost: $0. Mentor Coaches receive a $1,000 stipend per protégé