MASSP Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Wyn from CS for Michigan to break down the key requirements of House Bill 5649, discuss staffing and training solutions, explore budget-friendly curriculum options, and highlight best practices. If you're an administrator looking for practical steps to ensure compliance and create meaningful computer science opportunities for students, this conversation is a must-listen!

Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, joins once again to discuss how the winter sports season has been shaping up, what's ahead for spring sports, and the process of sanctioning boys volleyball and girls field hockey as official MHSAA sports.  We also talk about the growing trend of multi-sport athletes and what the future holds for high school athletics in Michigan. 

This episode of The MASSP Podcast features a conversation with Aaron Baughman, formerly of Northville Schools and now with Michigan Virtual, on the impact of AI in education. The discussion covers Northville's success in AI integration, common challenges schools face, and standout districts leading the way. Aaron also shares key mistakes to avoid, best practices for getting started, and insights on the future of AI in Michigan schools.

In this episode of The MASSP Podcast, 2024 Michigan Principal of the Year Jon Wilcox from Petoskey Middle School shares insights from his experience at the National NASSP Conference. He discusses connecting with other state award winners, key challenges and successes in education nationwide, and important conversations with legislative representatives.

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns again to discuss athletic season updates, the MHSAA 100-year celebration, participation rate increases and more.  

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast once again to discuss the upcoming spring season. We discuss working with senior spring athletes, multi-sport athlete data, the Rep Council and their new AD Mentoring/Coaching program.

In this episode, East Grand Rapids MS Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member Jeff Dykehouse, joins the podcast to discuss his building's flexible schedule that they are running this school year.  The schedule allows for additional time each day to focus on SEL lessons and support time that is teacher- and student-driven.  Listen and learn what tools they are using and the feedback he's received from students, staff and parents.

In this episode, we focus on ways to build culture and rapport with staff and students.  Todd Simmons, Cedar Springs HS Principal and 2023-24 MASSP President, joins us to discuss the Secret Super Staff Spirit Week and Every Student Known initiatives aimed at creating an environment of trust and relationships in his building.  Listen in to learn how it's done and what it's meant for the school community. 

MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns to the podcast to give a winter season update. Topics covered include a few changes to the basketball season, as well as some interesting announcements from MHSAA regarding student participation numbers, tournament attendance records, legislative bills impacting retirees and more.

In this episode, Traverse City Central Asst. Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member, Ben Berger, joins the show to talk about their TIE Program which features a special class block for a large group of freshmen to receive US History, English 9 & Biology curriculum all at once with a group of teachers.  Ben shares the history of the program, what's changed in Year 2, and some unexpected positive outcomes beyond just student achievement.

In this episde, we are joined by Bill Jones (Principal at Hillsdale MS), Aaron Romoslawski (Asst. Principal at Forest Hills Northern) and Tom Lietz (Associate Director at MASSP) as we talk about the role of Artificial Intelligence in education.  All three are passionate learners of AI and have seen the benefits of how this magnificent tool can impact the lives of administrators, teachers and students.  Listeners should hear some interesting ways that AI can positively impact teaching and learning in their schools. 

In this episode, former Principal of the Year and current leader at North Farmington High School, Mr. Joe Greene, shares with us a beginning of the year tradition for his seniors centered around their Student ID cards.  If you have ever seen the photos on social media or via a news article, you will notice students dressing up like your favorite musicians, movie starts, characters and more.  It's a lot of fun and Joe explains how the process works and how the senior class takes ownership to ensure the tradition runs smooth while holding each other accountable for their choices.

MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast to share updates and changes coming to fall sports this school year.  We discuss new rules, finals locations & qualifiers, team travel tweaks and more as Mark shares the rationale behind these new changes.  

In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Mr. Marty Bulger, Region 11 rep and principal of East English Village Prep Academy in Detroit Public Schools Community School District. Marty talks about how he has returned full circle to the district and community that not only educated but nurtured him into the person he is today.

In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Ms. Tiela Schurman, Region 4 rep and principal of Midland High School. Tiela talks about her "why" and what drives her passion for education.

In this episode, we are joined by the Assistant Principal team from Granville High School that includes Ashley Buchholz, Matt Cook & Michael Kennedy, as they share their journey using a MTSS program to work with students on both academic and behavior improvements.  They share who is on the team, what the components look like and lessons learned over the last decade.  This is a great episode for anyone wanting to implement or improve their MTSS systems this year so let's give it a listen.

In this episode, former MASSP President & Principal of the Year, Jim French (ret.), joins the podcast to share his passion and experience on RTI programs to help support academic achievement for students.  Learn the approach used at Portage North HS and the positive impact a successful RTI program had on their school.

In this podcast, Nina talks with region 10 Board of Director representative, Principal Jay Vesperman. Jay talks about his transition from Assistant Principal of Woodhaven High School to being recently named the new building Principal.

In this episode, Nina talks with Sharon Malaga and Monica Lowe, both clerical staff from L'Anse Creuse Middle School East about what a day in their life looks like.

This episode features a handful of aministrators from a couple of school districts as we focus on how to keep are hallways safe and make sure students are where they are supposed to be.  We are joined by Assistant Principals from both Grand Haven High School and Holland High School and learn about their different strategies for keeping track of where kids are and how to ensure hallways are safe and secure, and just as important, we are maximizing the time students are spending in the classroom for instruction.

Are you interested in learning about alternative discipline methods? In this episode, Torrie Maas of East Middle School (Farmington) talks about how they have implemented creative methods to help their middle school students learn from their mistakes and poor judgment. She explains how students can learn and have less punitive consequences when a school community works together towards this common goal.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of "onboarding" new clerical staff. Retired Administrative Assistant Sheri Whipple and newly hired Madeline McDonnell talk about how shadowing and overlapping at Cedar Springs High School was beneficial and key in a successful transition for both.

Looking for a unique field trip idea for your students? Listen as Nina chats with Andrea Glynn and Justin Hauser, both principals in L'Anse Creuse Public Schools as they talk about their combined end-of-the-year field trip to Metro Beach with all 1000+ middle school students from both of their buildings!

Brad Bush, Asst. Director for MHSAA, joins the podcast to spread the word about a legacy program that offers some new and exciting features.  Juniors and seniors in you buildings can be trainined to become registered officials and help ref your school's sub-varsity contests.  Learn how the curriculum resources and new, online modules work to help prepare the students and why schools should offer this opportunity.

Listen as Nina interviews Teresa Banish and Emily Spica, clerical staff at Traverse City Central High School about end-of-the-year celebrations. The ladies talk about hoe they plan these events and prepare year-round for culmination ceremonies.

Nina talks with our first Middle-Level Rocket League Esports Champion, East Grand Rapids Middle School about their involvement in the middle-level esports league. Principal, Jeff Dykhouse and coach, Casey Smith, talk about how providing an esports club has created a space for students who may not be involved in other extracurriculars or athletic clubs in school.

Nina talks live from the AP Summit with first-year Assistant Principal, Megan Henry. Megan shares her experience as a new administrator at Troy Athens High School, what she's learned, and what advice she offers to those aspiring to administration in the future.

Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, Tracy Wilson, returns to the podcast to discuss their Parent Learning Walks program which allows parents into their building during the school day for a tour and classroom visits.  The walks have been occuring for years and it not only gives valauable insight to parents as they learn about the school, but creates trust and cultivates meaningful conversation within the community.

In this episode, Tracy Wilson, Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, joins us to discuss the Shadow a Student Program.  Each semester, a group of teachers is selected to shadow a mix of students for the entire school day.  Teachers then debrief at the end of the day to share their takeaways.  Tracy shares how long the program has been running, the benefits it provides to the school culture and the changes it has brought to the school from experiences gained through the lens of a student.

In this podcast, Nina interviews Craig Blower, the new ML Central Board Rep. Listen in as Craig talks to Nina about his tenure as an administrator throughout Michigan. Craig also shares new information with Nina about the growth of MASSP over the years!

Listen to Paula and Sarah, two Anchor Bay Middle-North teachers and student council advisers share their experience in participating in middle-level MASC/MAHS programming.

Nina talks with Jenni Thunberg from Bay City Central about being an AP/AD. Jenni reveals how she's grown to love the meshing of the two roles and previews a breakout session she plans to lead on the same topic: balancing the roles of AD/AP.

In this podcast, Nina talks with Assistant Principals Ben Berger from Traverse City Central and Andy Wares from Traverse City West about being the scheduler AP in their respective buildings. Both preview a breakout session on scheduling that they plan to lead at the '23 AP & Dean's Summit.

For this podcast, Nina has the opportunity to interview new CTE Board of Director, Natalie Davis. Natalie passionately explains why CTE has her heart and why she feels all students can benefit from a CTE experience.

Listen in as Nina interviews Brad Hale, Principal of Brown City Jr./Sr. High School. Brad talks about the community mentality in Brown City (the very city where he grew up) and the initiatives they have implemented to continue to support that environment.

Listen in as East Grand Rapids MS Principal, Jeff Dykhouse, shares how his students, staff, parents and community come together for a massive fundraising event called the Regatta.  Classrooms compete to create handmade, cardboard boats and compete all day long at a local park and lake.  Students learn how to communicate, work as a team and more in this beginning of the year activity.  

In this episode, Nina interviews Traverse City Central High School Assistant Principal and new AP Central representative, Ben Berger. Listen as we get to know Ben better and hear about the great things happening at Traverse City Central High School. Ben talks about the importance of change and how we must always be progressive and forward thinking in the business of education. Ben and Nina realize how much they have in common while discussing their education philosophies throughout the interview.

In this episode, Nina interviews Saline High School Principal and new Region 8 representative, Theresa Stager. Listen as we get to know Theresa better and hear about the great things happening at Saline High School. Theresa talks about her non-linear path to becoming a building administrator and how it's never "too late" to take the path towards leadership.

In this episode, we talk to three, long-time administrators who recently have moved to new roles or new districts. We are joined by Theresa Stager, Principal at Saline HS, Brad Robbins, Principal of Croswell-Lexington MS, and Todd Simmons, Principal of Cedar Springs HS.  Topics discussed include what challenges and opportunities occurred as they made job changes, advice for others considering a change, and how previous administrator experience played a factor.

In this back to school edition, Nina interviews 30 year veteran clerical staff member, Ms. Denise Sheneman of Sparta Schools.  Denise talks about the lessons she has learned over her long tenure, her favorite parts about working in schools and gives helpful advice to newer clerical members across the state

There's no better way to start the '22-'23 Membership Spotlight series than to highlight the very principal taking over the building where Nina served for nine years in the same capacity. In this interview, Nina chats with none other than Justin Hauser, the new principal of L'Anse Creuse Middle East, where Nina was previously principal before joining the MASSP staff. While using his favorite genre of music to serve as a soundtrack, Justin tells his story as an educator and why hip hop music resonates with him.

Catherine Woolman, Asst. Superintendent of Instruction for Port Huron Area School District, joins the podcast to share her district's approach to year long, new teacher orientation and induction and its impact on retaining staff.  

In this episode, Nina interviews Caledonia High School Assistant Principal and new AP West representative, Danelle Scott. Listen as we get to know Danelle better and hear about the great things happening at Caledonia High School. Danelle references MASSP's Path to Leadership program. To read more about this successful program, click here.

In this episode, Nina interviews Howell High school Principal and new Region 6 representative, Jason Shrock. Listen as we get to know Jason more and hear about the great things happening at Howell High School. Jason references his previous podcast where we discuss Howell's “Senior Survivor” Fundraiser. To hear more about this program, you may listen to the previous podcast here.

In this episode, Nina reunites with a fellow Macomb County Administrator, who at one point was her daughter's middle school principal! Listen in and meet Chippewa Valley High School principal and new Region 9 representative, Todd Distelrath. Get to know Todd more and hear about the great work he continues to do in Macomb County in this newest podcast episode.

Are you building a social media administrator presence?  If no, why not?  Social Media is a great way to connect to your school constituents and build your "brand".  In this video interview, Nina talks with Mr. Sidney Bailey IV, Assistant Principal of Portage West Middle School, who has become a social media "influencer" in the world of education.  Mr. Bailey describes how he got started on social media and why he feels it is such an important tool in today's society.

Listen in as Nina interviews participants at EdCon 2022. Hear 4 administrators talk about their excitement being back face to face for the conference, what they've enjoyed most (as well as what their families enjoyed most!), how they plan to implement their learning back at their buildings and why you should be sure to attend EdCon 2023!

In this podcast, Nina talks to North Farmington High School Principal Joe Greene, MASSP's 2020-21 Principal of the Year.  During the interview Joe talks about the experience of being named Principal of the Year, traveling to DC to represent Michigan, the benefits of his MASSP membership and he also gives words of encouragement to fellow educational leaders. 

Listen in as Michigan's 2022 Principal of the Year, Nicole Carter of Novi HS, shares her strategies for reflecting on the school year and using that practice to plan for the future.

In this episode, the team from Howell High School explains how the Senior Survivor event, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, cultivates a culture of giving back while honoring seniors.

In this episode, Nina interviews Trayc Cunningham, secretary at Beecher High School about her experience over the last 28 years as an employee in various roles throughout the district.  Trayc shares how she loves her students, showing them love as a mother away from home, but also how she's able to show them tough love too; while switching hats and shifting to become "Aunty" Trayc.