Simplifying Advocacy: How Special Education Leaders Shape Policy in Michigan

[Re-Release] 50 Years of IDEA: From Segregation to Belonging | A Legacy Panel with MAASE Leaders

Why must special education remain rooted in the Department of Education? In light of recent federal announcements, removing the administration of IDEA from the Department of Education, remembering the civil rights foundation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is more critical than ever. IDEA is at its heart an education law—a civil rights landmark designed not to create separate silos, but to build bigger, stronger bridges so every child can learn, grow, and belong alongside their peers. With these important conversations unfolding, we are revisiting our most-listened-to episode of the Field Notes Podcast. The history of IDEA isn't just something we celebrate; it is something we are called to protect through our everyday work. In this powerful, multi-generational panel, MAASE Executive Director Abby Cypher brings together past, current, and vice presidents alongside respected legacy leaders Tom and Deb Koepke and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain. Whether you are commuting, walking between buildings, or enjoying your summer break, we invite you to listen to this defining conversation with fresh ears. Tune in to learn about: Before IDEA: Guests share firsthand, difficult stories of the era before the law's passage, when access to education was denied, and services often occurred in church basements. Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain shares the powerful story of her sister, Cookie. The Evolution of Practice: Legacy leaders discuss how IDEA mandates—like the IEP and required training—shifted special education from being a place to a service. Deb Koepke highlights the profound impact of programs like START and the intentional shift away from segregation. Access vs. Belonging: The panel reflects on the evolution of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), shifting the focus from location (which room or building) to ensuring authentic experiences and true belonging for every student. The Next 50 Years: Current MAASE leaders discuss strengthening IDEA's civil rights foundation through collaboration, innovation rooted in neuroscience and co-regulation, and fighting for sustainable funding to move beyond compliance to a culture of belonging. About MAASE: The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a professional organization dedicated to the development of inclusive leaders. We provide a space for stories, insights, and innovations that shape the future of special education leadership across Michigan. Get Involved: MAASE is a member-driven organization, and we want you at the table. Whether you are interested in joining a committee, participating in a Community of Practice (COP), or running for a board position, there is a place for you to lead. Check our weekly newsletter for the latest opportunities to connect and grow.

The Next Chapter: Shaping the Future of Special Education Leadership

What does it take to move a statewide organization from reactive to visionary? In this episode of the Field Notes Podcast, Abby Cypher, MAASE Executive Director, sits down with Ben Hicks, MAASE Associate Executive Director of Training and Development, to discuss the evolution of MAASE and the launch of its newest strategic plan. They share their journeys from first-year administrators to statewide leaders, reflecting on the mentorship and professional networks that got them there.   Together, Abby and Ben pull back the curtain on what it means to run a modern non-profit, the importance of the CAE credential for association executives, and how member feedback has directly shaped the new member benefits and offerings. Tune in to learn: * Broadening Your Impact: Why leadership within MAASE is a powerful way to serve students across the entire state. * The Strategic Shift: How MAASE moved from being a professional learning hub to a powerhouse for advocacy and systemic support. * Volunteer Engagement: Why modern leadership means creating structured, high-impact opportunities that respect the busy schedules of special education administrators. * The Power of Partnership: How "hosting the table" with other educational organizations is changing the landscape for Michigan students Volunteer With MAASE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IvfbL4GwBLDaHceHP665ukoZNm2tbMedFfOw9ZcyZjk/edit#responses MAASE's Vision: We envision an educational system that meets the needs of ALL students, ensuring that they achieve their full potential. MAASE's Mission: MAASE provides opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy. We do this in partnership with our members - to shape policies and practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Leading with a Students First Mindset: A Conversation with State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko

What does it truly mean to put students first in state-level leadership? In this episode of Field Notes, MAASE Executive Director Abby Cypher welcomes Michigan’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Glenn Maleyko, for an inspiring discussion on the future of education in our state. From his early days as a third-grade teacher to leading the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Dr. Maleyko shares how personal connections with students have shaped his professional mission. He dives into the importance of intentional outreach to education associations and his vision for a unified Michigan where literacy, special education, and leadership development are top priorities. Tune in to learn: * The Story Behind the Sign: How a third grader’s journal entry sparked a lifelong "Students First" philosophy. * Collective Capacity: Why collaboration between the MDE and associations like MAASE is essential for navigating the complex legislative landscape. * Innovation in Inclusion: Dr. Maleyko’s personal experience with co-teaching models and how they empower students with diverse learning needs. * The Literacy Focus: Updates on the department's restructuring to support the science of reading and high-quality instructional materials.

Simplifying Advocacy: How Special Education Leaders Shape Policy in Michigan

Think advocacy is too complicated or political? Think again. In this episode of Field Notes, Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Executive Director, Abby Cypher hands the hosting mic to MAASE Vice President Elect, Dr. Amanda Unger for a candid conversation about making legislative advocacy accessible. Joined by Dr. Erin Senkowski (Advocacy Committee Chair), Matt Kurta (Lobbyist, Karoub Associates), and Dr. Sheryl Kennedy (Consultant and former State Representative), the panel breaks down how true advocacy is simply about relationship-building and storytelling. Whether you are a veteran administrator or a first-year educator, this episode proves that you are the expert legislators need to hear from. Tune in to learn: * The Neighbor Metaphor: Why you should build relationships before you need to borrow the lawnmower. * The Power of the One Pager: Why busy legislators prefer concise visuals over dense reports. * Elevator Speeches: How to boil down complex issues like special education funding, Project SEARCH, and staffing shortages into a clear, unified message. Reference Links: * Special Education Legislative Summit 2026: https://specialeducationlegislativesummit.org/ [https://specialeducationlegislativesummit.org/] * MAASE Advocacy Committee: https://www.maase.org/advocacy-committee [https://www.maase.org/advocacy-committee]

From School to Success: The Power of Project SEARCH in Michigan

What happens when you stop seeing a student’s disability and start seeing their potential? In this episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, host Sarah Winslow sits down with Susie Rutkowski, co-founder of Project SEARCH, and a panel of Michigan leaders to explore this life changing school to work model. Project SEARCH isn’t just a classroom program. It is a full immersion experience where interns spend their entire day at a host business like Meijer or Corewell Health. Susie shares the incredible news that Michigan programs are currently performing 13 points above the national average for employment outcomes.   Quick Links:  * About Project Search Michigan [https://www.maase.org/project-search] * History & Research [https://www.maase.org/history] * Sites In Michigan [https://www.maase.org/sites-in-mi] * Start A Site [https://www.maase.org/start-a-site] * Professional Learning & Events [https://www.maase.org/project-search-professional-learning-and-events]