'Strengthening a Learner's Transition to Independence'

Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

December has been a busy month for MITTIN. From talking with Legislators, mapping out our implementation locations around the state, and visiting classrooms utilizing MITTIN resources -we continue to expand our reach in service of students, families and educators.

2025 will be a year of growth for MITTIN. We will be launching three new module topics: Cleaning the Sink, Tub and Shower, Washing Dishes, and Sorting and Doing Laundry. We will also be moving all of our modules to a web-based platform -- allowing for more access on more devices.

If you are interested in learning more about MITTIN, joining virtual PLCs or having a MITTIN facilitator provide an onsite workshop, please contact Kristine Gullen, our MITTIN Project Manager at kristinegullen@maase.org. There is also a QR code below to connect you to this work.

Wishing you a wonderful 2025.

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus

On Monday, December 9th, MAASE was invited by Representative Sharon MacDonell to present at the monthly meeting of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus (MLDC). With 43 participants on the call, Abby Cypher, Executive Director provided an overview of the many amazing projects and collaborations MAASE is supporting throughout Michigan.

Included in the presentation was Laurie VanderPloeg and Kathy Fortino sharing the work of OPTIMISE; Ben Hicks and Cheryl-Marie Manson showcasing the Building Inclusive Leaders Program; Sarah Winslow and Michael Zivsak updating Project Search; and Kristine Gullen providing an overview and implementation stories of MITTIN.

Thank you to the MLDC for their time and attention to these projects and allowing MAASE to share the great work that is happening throughout the state, for Michigan's students, families and educators.

MITTIN Implementation Map

A very appreciative 'thank you' to Cheryl-Marie Manson for her expertise in creating a MITTIN Implementation Map which illustrates the places around the State of Michigan which have families and educators who have participated in MITTIN PLCs, a MITTIN Workshop or a MITTIN Conference Presentation. If you are interested in scheduling a MITTIN professional learning event, below you will find a QR code to contact us.

CEC State of the Profession: Your Feedback is Critical

As leaders in education, MAASE Members' insights and experiences shape the future of our profession. That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in promoting their State of the Profession Survey—a vital opportunity to amplify the voices of educators like you.

Your participation will provide critical data to inform policy decisions, professional development offerings, and resources that directly impact special education professionals and the students we serve. It’s a simple way to contribute to the larger conversation and help us advocate for meaningful change in our field.

We encourage you to not only complete the survey yourself but also to share it widely with your colleagues in schools and districts. Together, we can ensure the diverse perspectives of Michigan’s educators are represented in this national effort. CEC hopes to hear the voices from teachers, administrators and other education professionals in both special and general education positions.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing excellence in education. Click the link below to take the survey today, and let your voice be heard!

Take the survey here

Transition Tips Newsletter

A thank you to Joy Taylor, Transition Teacher Consultant Countywide and Kelly Higgins, LRE Teacher Consultant for Transition at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) for the 'Shout out for those Utilizing MITTIN" in their Transition Tips Newsletter.

The recognized the MITTIN implementation being done in WISD Programs and classrooms by Jasen King at Chelsea Young Adult, Terry Weaver, Maggie Valle, Claudia Dowdney, and Matelyn Yarbrough at Red Oak Young Adult.

And also Ann Arbor School District Staff: Summer Duel (SCI) and Erika Daman (ASD) at Forsythe Middle School, as well as Mary-Rayford Palmer (MOCI) and Colleen Colegrove (Resource) at Clague Middle School. These teachers along with Jessica Lucke, Secondary Compliance/Transition Coordinator are all participating in MITTIN's PLC.

It is wonderful to see MITTIN innovative resources supporting the strengthening of a learner's transition to independence.

The SLIP Winter Conference supports the needs of supervisors of low incidence programs and center-based programming.

Why Attend?

Gain insights from industry-leading professionals.
Explore innovative approaches to education, advocacy, and compliance.
Connect with a vibrant community of educators, administrators, and specialists.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and collaborate with peers who share your passion for education! Join MITTIN at the SLIP Winter Conference.

Click here to learn more

85th Annual Michigan CEC Conference

Registration is now open for "Michigan Celebrates Every Child." Join hundreds of educators from across Michigan on February 26, 27 and 28 for the 85th Annual Michigan CEC Conference.

Choose from eight different Wednesday Workshop opportunities or over 90 sessions throughout the conference. MITTIN will provide a 1/2 day session on Wednesday and provide a booth for at-the-elbow support. We hope to see you there!

MITTIN Implementation & Networking

Over the next few weeks you can find us connecting with parents, agencies and educators to strengthen a learner's transition to independence at:

MITTIN PLC - New Cohort

December 18, 2024

SLIP Conference - Lansing, MI

January 13th & 14th, 2025

MITTIN in person PL - Lansing, MI

January 31th & February 1st, 2025

What is MITTIN?

MITTIN – MIchigan Transition To INdependence is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available to all parents, schools, educators and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA). These resources can be found at: maase.org/mittin

Safety and Independence at Home

MITTIN currently has twelve topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence at home.

Change a Light Bulb
Clean Flat Surfaces
Clean the Bedroom
Put Away Groceries
Use a Microwave
Use an Oven
Use a Stove
Sweeping
Mopping
Taking out the Trash Bins
Selecting Appropriate Clothing
Recycling

Safety and Independence in the Community

MITTIN currently has four topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence in the community.

Cross the Street
Shop for Groceries
Walk Through a Parking Lot
Use Self-Checkout

For more information, visit our website: mittin.orgor use the QR code below to contact us