MITTIN: Collaboration, Innovation & Expertise

This edition highlights the remarkable work of MITTIN educators sharing their expertise and driving innovation through powerful collaborations that support students, families and organizations throughout Michigan.

In this issue, you will:

• See how educators seeking ideas and support are being recommended MITTIN resources by colleagues from around the state,
• Read a national publication featuring Michigan's innovative approaches to addressing the teacher shortage,
• Watch a podcast where an expert panel reflects on the history and support of special education programs and services,
• Learn how a leader is expanding resource accessibility through assistive technology,
• View a virtual agency bus tour designed to connect students, families, and educators to essential local services, and
• Explore a newly published book focused on building practical and sustainable systems for growth.

What unites all these accomplishments is that they are led and supported by MITTIN educators: a community proving that we are stronger, wiser and more impactful when we learn and lead together.

As we close out 2025, we want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, MITTIN is expanding opportunities, strengthening connections and shaping meaningful learning experiences for students across Michigan.

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

In the ATPS listserv, an educator asked for assistance... "I have a 18-26 case manager (MoCi) that has reached out for ideas. She is interested in running a "Home Maintenance/Home Skills Fair." She is thinking of stations where students rotate to learn/practice skills...."

Ellen George from Southfield replied,

"We have not run a "fair" but this is an integral part of our program. She needs to use MITTIN, get some Swiffer-like products from Family Dollar, and create challenges like races to sweep, mop, and dust, etc. Use coffee grounds and flour if you don't have dirt, or use real dirt. Family Dollar has great, cheap products for cleaning. If she uses MITTIN, she can just articulate the cleaning steps in written form. We love MITTIN, it is saving time and money."

Dr. George continued by sharing, "There is great value in using MITTIN, especially for our population, where some students are apprehensive about trying things out. MITTIN teaches the concepts of life skills. Students can put these actions into real life. Hence, no wasted products and limited convincing is needed."

Deep Dive // IDEA at 50

MITTIN Committee Chair & Godwin Heights Public Schools Special Education Director, Dr. Derek Cooley and MAASE Executive Director Abby Cypher share their passion and advocacy for special education in the featured article titled, 'Teacher shortages hinder special educator progress. What are the solutions?'

In this article, Derek speaks to the need for mentoring, training and leadership support to address the challenge of teacher shortages. Abby emphasizes that these shortages are a civil rights issue, underscoring that under-staffed classrooms undermine the promise of a free and appropriate public education guaranteed by IDEA. Through their efforts and in collaboration with educators throughout the state, Michigan and districts are pursuing innovative solutions through programs that expanded paraprofessional training, principal development and grow-your-own pipelines. These early efforts are showing promising results in building a quality special educator workforce.

Thank you to Derek and Abby for all their efforts in supporting MITTIN and all the innovative projects making a difference in the lives of students and families in Michigan.

Advocacy, learning, & leadership for all.

MAASE Podcast

Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership

In the podcast, '50 Years of IDEA: From Segregation to Belonging | A Legacy Panel with MAASE Leaders' a group of special education leaders provided a personal journey through the impact of IDEA. MITTIN Committee Member and PLC facilitator Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain highlighted how early aspiration for inclusion became the expectation we hold today. Dr. Lois shares a historical perspective for younger educators, recalling a time when inclusion was a dream fought for by trailblazers in special education.

Also included in the panel is Kirsten Myers, MAASE Board President; Tina Lawson, MAASE Vice President and Former MITTIN Committee Member; Lauren Eardley, MAASE Past President; Tom Koepke, MAASE Leader; Deb Koepke, MAASE Leader; and Abby Cypher, MAASE Executive Director.

Featured in the MACUL December 2025 Newsletter

Pamela Cunningham was highlighted in the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) Newsletter in December 2025. As a MACUL Member, MITTIN Committee Member and Assistive Technology Consultant/Special Education Consultant at Wayne RESA, she was recognized for her contributions as a co-auther of a recent article publication, 'Michigan Transition to Independence (MITTIN): Strengthening Transition Services Through Accessible Digital Resources.' Pam's insightful contributions to module design and development, enhances MITTIN accessibility to students and families throughout Michigan.

MAISD Transition Council Agency Tour

Shannon DeLora, Transition Services Specialist for the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and MITTIN Subject Matter Expert (SME) and PLC member, hosted the 4th annual Transition Council Agency Tour. In this video, Shannon narrates and shares the goals and impact of their annual agency tour.

Through this immersive experience, twenty-nine attendees traveled by bus to visit local agencies, gaining valuable insights into available resources, services and effective ways to access support for students and families within their community.

Business Systems & Profitability

Karen Hairston is the Director of Education Services at Great Lakes Reality Labs, a MITTIN partner organization. In this role, she leads the development of interactive, real-world digital learning experiences designed to help students build essential skills for employment, community participation, and independent living. She works closely with educators, transition specialists, and statewide partners to ensure each MITTIN module reflects strong instructional design, aligns with classroom needs, and supports meaningful student growth across Michigan and beyond. Karen also serves on the MITTIN Leadership Team and the MAASE VR Committee.

In addition to her education work, Karen is a Profit Strategy Specialist and Cash Flow Advisor, bringing a strategic, systems-oriented lens to how programs and organizations operate. This perspective supports her commitment to creating learning tools that are sustainable, practical, and easy for teachers to integrate.

She is also the author of the newly released Stop Growing Broke, Start Growing Profits. Across all her work, Karen is dedicated to practical solutions, thoughtful collaboration, and helping learners—and the educators who serve them—thrive.

Virtual Learning Lab

We are excited to introduce our newest professional development series: MITTIN's Virtual Learning Lab which is scheduled on Mondays throughout the year. These drop-in online sessions are designed for new users -- educators, parents and agency personnel who support learners in developing independent living skills. Participants will learn how to access and explore MITTIN's innovative digital modules, lesson plans and curricular resources.

Our next MITTIN Monday is scheduled to meet by zoom @ 4:30 pm on February 23rd. For more infomation on how to get involved, visit: mittin.org and click on the ‘How to Get Involved' tab or use the QR code at the end of this memo to sign up.

Our survey is closing soon and we would like to invite you to share your perspective in shaping our next chapter.

MITTIN is nearing the completion of our current strategic goals, we are proud of the progress we have made. This momentum positions us perfectly to look ahead and plan for the future. In the coming months, MITTIN will be refreshing our strategic plan to guide our vision for the next 3-5 years. To ensure this plan reflects the needs, experiences and priorities of those we support and serve, we need to hear from you.

Your input is essential in helping us determine what is working well, where we can grow and what new opportunities we might pursue. Please take 7 minutes to complete our Strategic Planning Survey and lend your voice and perspective to MITTIN's future. Your feedback will help shape the impact we make.

Thank you for helping us move forward... together.