Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership

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]

Beyond The Classroom: How The MITTIN Project Is Reimagining Independence For Michigan Students

Independence is more than a goal. It is a skill that can be practiced, refined, and mastered. In this episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, Executive Director Abby Cypher welcomes guest host Dr. Derek Cooley, Director of Special Education at Godwin Heights, for a deep dive into the MITTIN Project. This statewide initiative is revolutionizing post secondary outcomes for students with disabilities by providing a free library of innovative digital resources, curricular tools, and professional development. Derek is joined by a powerhouse panel of leaders who have been at the heart of this work: Dr. Kristine Gullen, MITTIN Project Manager Dr. James Nuse, Director of Special Education at Ionia Public Schools Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain, MITTIN PLC Facilitator In this episode, we explore: * Power of Partnership: How MAASE, the Michigan CEC, Great Lakes Reality Labs, and Public Policy Associates joined forces to build a sustainable ecosystem. * Innovation in Action: The shift from simple navigation to immersive, web based modules and now sign language integration that allow students to practice daily living and employability skills in a low risk environment. Research and * Results: Why the MITTIN model is gaining international attention through peer reviewed journals and how it is being used to bridge the theory to practice gap in rural and urban districts alike. * The Statewide PLC: How Michigan educators are moving from isolation to collaboration, sharing lesson plans and best practices that are freely available to every practitioner in the state.   Whether you are a veteran administrator or new to the field, this conversation provides a blueprint for how professional learning and digital design can work together to strengthen student outcomes.

The Impact Is Massive. Solving The National Paraeducator Shortage.

In less than a year Michigan has successfully trained over 4,600 paraeducators through a powerhouse initiative that is officially setting a new national standard. In this high energy episode of Field Notes Abby Cypher joins Cheryl-Marie Manson and Karlie Parker to reveal the exact framework they used to move the needle from critical vacancies to a system of support that actually works.   Learn how this state funded model provides high level training for free while also awarding $100 back to districts for every participant who completes the program. This is more than just a local win it is a scalable revolution featuring specialized tracks for early childhood transition and transportation launching on February 19.   If you are looking for a real solution to staffing shortages and student success you cannot afford to miss this conversation about these 4,600 success stories. Find out why leaders across the country are already asking how Michigan achieved these record breaking results so quickly.   Quick Links:  * Become A Trainer [https://www.maase.org/become-a-certified-paraed-trainer] * Find A Training Near You [https://www.maase.org/find-a-paraed-training-] * MAASE's Certified Training Resources [https://www.maase.org/Error/RestrictedPage?ReturnUrl=~%2Fcertified-paraed-trainer-resources] [MEMBERS ONLY] * K12 Article, "Teacher Shortages Hinder Special Education Progress. What Are The Solutions? [https://www.k12dive.com/news/teacher-shortages-hinder-special-education-progress-what-are-the-solutions-IDEA-50-years/806220/]"