Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

MITTIN has wrapped up the virtual PLCs for the 2023-2024 school year. Under the energetic and expert facilitation of Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain, 4 cohorts with 43 educators explored MITTIN resources and created additional materials and lesson plans to support the module topics. All this work is currently being edited and will soon be found on 'curricular resources' tab on the MITTIN website.

In this edition we are also highlighting the MITTIN Project Impact, and the legislative / policy work being supported by MAASE on behalf of MITTIN. Whether it is connecting with legislators and staffers at the Mackinaw Policy Conference or bringing aboard Alexis Patterson our new intern, who is a second year doctoral student studying special education and policy at MSU -- we are continuously evaluating our impact while keeping our focus on supporting and advocating for educators, families and students with special needs.

Thank you for your interest in MITTIN.

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

The Mackinac Policy Conference is a gathering of legislators, business owners, and leaders throughout Michigan who come together to dialogue about the issues that are impacting Michigan's residents and to plan for sustainable change. MAASE's Executive Director Abby Cypher, Assoc. Executive Director Ben Hicks, Advocacy Committee Chair Erin Senkowski, Project Manager Cheryl-Marie Manson and lobbyist Matt Kurta were able to attend the event this year to advocate for issues important to MAASE's members and to the field of special education at large.

Throughout the week, MAASE staff met with a variety of legislators, including Elissa Slotkin, Gary Peters, Mary Kavanaugh, Jennifer Conlin, Sean McCann and staffers from other offices. Along with advocating for funding for MiSERC and Project Search, the group extended gratitude for the continued support of MITTIN in the school aid budget and were able to describe the impact that the development of MITTIN modules and related professional learning has had on the field. The introductory and ongoing support for MITTIN from our legislators exemplifies the benefits of advocacy efforts such as these and, equally important, is the high quality implementation efforts that result in demonstrated success that can be shared back with our supporters.  

MITTIN's PLC at Work: An Instructional Framework for Special Education Practitioners

Guest Columnist: Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain

In the pursuit of educational excellence, stakeholders in the educational community are increasingly turning towards Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) as a framework for collaboration and growth. Within this context, MITTIN’s PLCs have emerged as a beacon of innovation, fostering a culture of shared learning and support for teachers planning for the needs of their diverse learners. Through the integration of virtual and in-person PLCs, MITTIN has empowered educators, social workers, transition coordinators, and assistive technology consultants to collaborate, learn, and inspire one another in their quest to promote independent living skills and community participation among students with disabilities. The essence of MITTIN’s PLCs lies in their ability to transcend geographical boundaries, allowing practitioners to engage in collaborative inquiry, resource sharing, and reflective practice. By harnessing the power of technology, MITTIN has created a vibrant community of practice where stakeholders unite to design age-appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities. The testimonies of educators underscore the tangible impact of MITTIN PLCs on teaching practices and student outcomes.  

Post-Secondary Teacher, Carrie Montreuil of Lake Orion Community Schools, enjoyed the PLC structure;

“The facilitation of the PLC itself was engaging. I appreciated the energy level, the different resources in the form of books and videos shared with us.” 

Educator Kory Goumas of Lighthouse Connections Academy states,

“I have loved being a part of this year’s PLCs and truly think it is so important for educators to collaborate. These modules have improved my teaching tremendously!” 

Central to the success of MITTIN’s PLCs is the collaborative development of module lesson plans, materials, and resources. Through this co-creation process, experts ensure that instructional materials are not only relevant but also accessible and responsive to the unique needs of each learner. The emphasis on task analysis, as highlighted by Teacher Consultant Jessica Lucke of Ann Arbor Public Schools, reflects a commitment to effective pedagogy that addresses the diverse learning profiles of students.

As well as,  Transition Consultant, Kelly Higgins of Washtenaw ISD, acknowledged her love of networking with others;

“Love talking with colleagues and becoming inspired how they are using the modules. And using the MITTIN Modules has added dimension to teaching and learning

in a safe environment. Repetition of skill within the classroom

helps transfer skill outside the classroom.”   

MITTIN empowers and inspires educators to champion educational inclusivity and drive positive change in students' lives. As we navigate the complexities of the academic landscape, MITTIN’s PLC model serves as a pathway to engage educational stakeholders and increase their network as they share innovative ways of creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

This inspiring vision of the future of education is what drives us all. 

2024 MAASE Summer Institute