MITTIN - Educator Impact

This issue highlights the powerful impact MITTIN is having on educators across Michigan. Through reflections from teachers and findings from Public Policy Associates’ research, you will see how MITTIN’s professional learning opportunities and virtual PLCs are strengthening teacher practice, deepening connection, and supporting retention. Below are a few quotes from participants who shared how this work has shaped their confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose:

“I have already talked to my principals and staff about trying to make some changes in my own building. So, it's like I'm working on my sphere of influence right now, and the work through the PLC is giving me that confidence to be able to do those types of things.”

“.. those experiences changed how I felt about me, which changed the trajectory of my career. I don't think, had I not participated in MITTIN, that I would've ever left the

classroom. I don't think that I would be looking at an administrative position in my future

the same way. … I think I would've stayed where it was comfortable and probably been

frustrated for a lot of my career. Whereas now I feel a lot of hope and excitement and I

still have that passion for the students and developing those skills, but it fundamentally

changed me as a person.”

“I feel more empowered. Not just professionally, but personally as well. It taps into,

‘Okay, what's my mindset? What are my goals? What are my objectives?"

"The networking that came out of it was amazing… All of a sudden it opened up the door

to people all across the state that had different things. One of the teachers we were

working with at the time was in Copper Harbor in the UP. I never would've met her in

any other context ever. We don't even attend the same conferences. But she said

something I implemented in my classroom that had an amazing transformational effect."

I'm sitting in the room with decision-makers at my county. … So, you're getting a lot of

benefit from being a part of this PLC because those people who work at those levels are

sitting in an audience as you. They may be leaders in terms of their positions, but they're

sitting in a learner's capacity just as you are when we are at these MITTIN PLCs. At the

same rate, every singular person there has the opportunity to be heard, to present. You

can switch authority at any time. You get in a place of a learner or you could be

developing something. The way they are holding these PLCs, they're constantly giving

you the floor, allowing you to contribute. So, you can see yourself and improve...."

Together, these voices tell a clear story: MITTIN is more than innovative resources and professional learning—it is a catalyst for growth, leadership, and belonging. By creating spaces where educators are empowered to learn, share, and lead, MITTIN is helping teachers reimagine what is possible for themselves, their students, and their communities.

If you are interested in learning more about MITTIN professional development opportunities you can scan the QR code at the end of this memo or contact our project manager, Kristine Gullen, at kristinegullen@maase.org.

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

Charles L. Lipscomb, Jr.

Hello, my name is Charles Lipscomb, Special Education teacher at Ecorse Public High School. I have been with the MITTIN Group for about three years now. As a member of the MITTIN team I have had the opportunity to learn and accomplished a lot. My students have had the opportunity to benefit from MITTIN as well. In the beginning my students had the opportunity to be the first to use the modules and assist me with feedback on how the modules work or what we can do to enhance them. As they have learned daily learning skills, I have seen their confidence grow from the modules. They also see their feedback has helped enhance the modules as well. They look forward to working with new modules and they love assisting new students with maneuvering through them. Overall MITTIN has really opened the doors and minds of my students and using MITTIN is something they look forward to using on a daily basis. 

From a personal perspective, MITTIN has placed me in positions to meet other like-minded people and collaborate on many different levels and develop new relationships. The workshops and knowledge have helped me in my career with future opportunities I might be interested in pursuing. Our retreats have been fun and don't feel like work at all when we come together and brainstorm ideas to make this program better every chance we can. Overall this has been a great opportunity. It is non stop learning and it challenges me to make the program better and make myself a better teacher & professional…..

Thanks MITTIN!

Caleb Smith

I teach students with moderate cognitive impairments for young adults ages 18-26. We strive to teach our students the importance of learning transition skills needed to become successful members of their community. The MITTIN modules provide interactive engagement activities to meet the needs of all students. Students can practice modules which relate to independent living and employability skills.

Every Wednesday our class picks a MITTIN module to complete. The modules provide a guided and independent mode. The best part is, now the MITTIN project provides lessons for each module. The lessons were written by other educators throughout Michigan to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. You can review and pick a lesson that best meets the needs of your students. 

I have been using the MITTIN modules in my classroom for almost two years. The modules provide a fun, exciting, and engaging interaction with all learners. The modules can be accessed from any device connected to the internet. I have students who use the modules at home on their cell phones/iPads. This is a great way for caregivers and families to see what their student is learning at school.

With more new modules on the way, I believe all educators should at least give the MITTIN project a chance to be a part of their classroom curriculum. I have witnessed firsthand the skills learned in the modules being generalized into the community setting with our students.

Conni Sharp

I teach middle schoolers with moderate cognitive impairments at a center-based school. We use the MITTIN modules as a way to prepare for real world experiences. My students range in ability levels. We have nonverbal students who use AAC devices, students with autism and students with limited mobility, ALL students love using the modules! They are very comfortable with the gaming aspect of the modules, which allows them to focus on the content instead of making the game work the way they want it to. We use MITTIN modules in various classrooms in my school. My administrative team has observed my students using MITTIN and were amazed at the comfort level of ALL users. We will be introducing the modules to all transition teachers ISD wide in February. I can’t wait to share with them the potential this tool holds for ALL students! 

Advancing Research & Impact for MITTIN

Since 2020, Public Policy Associates (PPA) has partnered with MITTIN to strengthen research, evaluation, and evidence-building efforts. Throughout the year, PPA provided support through four core areas: ongoing consulting, literature reviews, evaluation, and original research to help document MITTIN’s impact and guide future growth.

This year, PPA:

• contributed to two peer-reviewed manuscripts and a conference presentation highlighting MITTIN and the MITTIN PLC as innovative models for educator support, leadership development, and transition outcomes. MITTIN research and leadership were also featured at the 2025 MAASE Summer Institute.
• expanded MITTIN’s research foundation by delivering a searchable literature review spreadsheet with more than 130 sources, including new research on professional learning communities and leadership development.
• updated the MITTIN logic model.
• revised educator and parent/guardian surveys designed to strengthen future evaluation efforts. And,
• conducted in-depth interviews with early MITTIN participants to better understand how participation influenced professional growth, leadership development, and career pathways.

Together, this work reinforces MITTIN’s unique value: a project grounded in educator voice, strengthened by research, and committed to continuous learning and improvement. PPA’s Phase Six contributions help ensure MITTIN’s impact is not only felt across the state—but clearly documented, understood, and shared with the broader special education community. Special thanks to Dr. Meg Chamberlin, Dr. Dan Quinn & Calandra Reichel for their amazing work with MITTIN.

SLIP Conference

MITTIN was proud to sponsor and participate in the SLIP Conference, reinforcing its commitment to supporting high-quality transition practices and educator leadership across Michigan. The conference provided an opportunity to learn and connect with educators, leaders, and partners from across the state who share a focus on improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Through sponsorship and active participation, MITTIN helped elevate conversations around innovation, collaboration, and real-world readiness, while also increasing awareness of MITTIN’s professional learning opportunities and statewide PLCs. MITTIN team members engaged in meaningful dialogue with practitioners, shared resources, and learned alongside others working to strengthen transition systems.

MITTIN’s presence at the SLIP Conference reflects its ongoing dedication to building connections, amplifying educator voice, and supporting continuous learning within Michigan’s special education and transition community.

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.