Dear MAISA Members,

From sharing our story to professional learning and collaboration, the fall of 2025 was marked by continual impactful work across our association, ensuring a successful end to the calendar year. This edition is another excellent example of many of our InSiDe Updates, which showcase your exceptional work. As we conclude 2025, we aim to sustain the momentum and remain focused on supporting Michigan's ISDs, educators, students, and families. Thank you for everything you do!

Here are my Three Things:

1 - Telling Your Story: A Glimpse Inside the Impact Our Members and Our Association have across Michigan. Every ISD, Network/Project Leader, and Team Member has an incredible story to tell. The work you do daily to serve Michigan students is truly remarkable. This edition of the InSiDe Update is another example of the collective power and dedication of all our MAISA members. It also has excellent examples of one-pagers you can use in your ISD to Tell Your Story. 

2 - Showcasing Your Successes

We are thrilled to once again dedicate important space to showcasing your incredible work. The examples you'll find here aren't just articles—they are snapshots of the tangible, student-focused progress driven by all of us working together:

• Early Childhood & Early Math: This story highlights the innovative programs your ISDs are implementing, directly supported and amplified through our vital MAISA networks and project funds. They demonstrate how local efforts translate into statewide impact.  We Value thinking. Leverage diversity. Embolden mathematical minds! Math Essentials Value #1, Essential #1, and Essential #3.
• December Literacy Partnership Highlights: Capturing the success of the work with MEMSPA and the impact of how literacy coaching has strengthened the instructional leadership skills of elementary principals to further enhance positive outcomes for students. 
• The MiGreat Data Lake Story: Be sure to catch Episode 4, which truly tells the story of this ambitious initiative. It's a powerful narrative of collaboration, featuring the many dedicated people—including MAISA members and network advisors—who are building and guiding this work. All for the purpose of enhancing the use of data to increase student achievement. Also note that Mr. Doug Leisenring, Project Director of the MiGreat Data Lake and former ISD Superintendent of Delta-Schoolcraft, shares his personal reflections on the use of data and superintendent leadership. You don't want to miss it!
• MiCoach Compass: Check out our latest update demonstrating how the enhanced version allows ISDs to analyze coaching cycles. We now have 27 ISDs who have adopted the tool, with over 260 literacy and math coaches participating. If you would like a demonstration or more information, please contact Mrs. Erin Pell at epell@gomaisa.org.  

3 - A Call to Connect and Collaborate

We also celebrate the work of our valued partners and members:

• We extend our sincere thanks to our friends at MAASE for their pivotal work in expanding their statewide Paraeducator Program—a critical initiative that directly supports your local staff.
• The update also includes a fascinating piece from MEERA that highlights inspiring programs in Manufacturing and Engineering.
• Plus, let's celebrate Dwight Levens (Oakland Schools' Chief Technology and Information Officer) being honored with AESA's Exemplary Service and Innovation for Technological Advancement Award!

To all MAISA members and Network Leaders: These stories are happening because of you. As you navigate the busy month of December, please know that we are here to support you. We have a wealth of expertise within our membership, and the leaders featured in these articles are also always willing to share their knowledge. Please get in touch with them directly to learn more about their programs.

Share Your Chapter!

The InSiDe Update is also a membership platform to tell your story. If your ISD or network has had a recent success, innovation, or celebration—no matter how big or small—please share your story with me! We want to amplify your achievements and inspire others in our MAISA community. 

We are Better Together!

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• Philanthropic, business, and community donations support Early Childhood Initiative in the Eastern Upper Peninsula 
• December Literacy Partnership Highlights
• Using Games to Increase Math Fact Fluency
• MiCoachCompass Winter 2025 Newsletter
• Java With John: Episode 4 with MiGDL's Doug Leisenring
• MEERA Center Ignites Future Innovators in Manufacturing & Engineering
• Trust & Transformation: Why Local Intermediaries Are the Key to Education’s Future
• Oakland Schools' Dwight Levens, Jr. Honored with AESA’s Exemplary Service and Innovation for Technological Advancement Award 
• Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) 2025-26 Professional Development Sessions
• Grow Your Own Funds Approved for MAASE to Expand Michigan’s Paraeducator Workforce 
• LETRS Power Hours with MiMTSS TA Center
• MAISA Office closure

Note: Please click "View entire message" at the bottom of this email to view the full newsletter!

Previous InSiDe Updates

Want to view the previous edition of the InSiDe Update? Click here to view the October 2025 edition.

MiCoachCompass has released its Winter 2025 update!

The latest edition features the following information and more:

• Enhanced Cycle Documentation
• Upcoming Data Unpacking Workshops
• Updates regarding MiCoachCompass Implementation

Now serving 27 ISDs, MiCoachCompass, a MAISA platform, is designed to empower instructional coaches by utilizing data for growth, providing documentation and collaboration spaces, and by centering coaching around essential, research-based practices.

View the full newsletter here.

Welcome to episode 4 of Java With John, hosted by MAISA Executive Director Dr. John Severson.

In this episode, John is joined by Doug Leisenring, MiGreatDataLake (MiGDL) Project Director and former ISD Superintendent of Delta-Schoolcraft.

Together, they delve into MiGDL initiatives that are shaping education in Michigan.

Java With John is designed as a collaborative space for Michigan’s ISD leaders—fostering a statewide network of peers and thought partners. Each episode offers valuable insights, strategies, and discussions that navigate the complexities of educational leadership. 

Listen now: Java With John: Episode 4 with MiGDL's Doug Leisenring

We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Email us anytime at javawithjohn@gomaisa.org.

• Java With John: Episodes 1-4

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All (MEERA) Regional Teacher Training Center at Kent ISD. Photo Credit: Kent ISD

This fall, Kent ISD opened the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All (MEERA) Regional Teacher Training Center, an innovative learning hub supporting nearly 330 middle school students across Kent ISD, Muskegon Area ISD, and Ottawa Area ISD.

MEERA brings STEM learning to life for students in grades 6–8 by immersing them in real-world experiences — from operating advanced equipment to exploring automation, design, and other fast-growing career pathways in modern manufacturing and engineering.

Read the full story here.

CEI Leadership facilitating a learning session for Colorado leaders at one of the state's innovation schools. Photo Credit: CEI

Getting Smart and the Center for Innovation in Education recently released a new article, “Trust & Transformation: Why Local Intermediaries Are the Key to Education’s Future,” highlighting the critical role regional service agencies and intermediate school districts play as the connective tissue between vision and practice—helping translate policy into meaningful classroom impact.

Two MAISA members were featured for their leadership in the following areas:

• Eaton RESA — Elevating both stability and innovation by aligning professional learning with career readiness.
• Muskegon Area ISD — Advancing personalized learning and championing 3P (place-, project-, and problem-based) approaches.

Eaton RESA and Muskegon Area ISD demonstrate how MAISA members are transforming compliance into opportunity—and driving the future of education for Michigan learners.

Read the full story here.

The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) has released its 2025–26 Professional Development Guide, featuring a wide range of training and learning opportunities designed for the out-of-school time (OST) workforce.

Whether you’re new to OST programming or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find free, high-quality opportunities to strengthen your skills, earn credentials, and connect with peers across Michigan.

Explore the guide at miafterschool.org/professional-development-guide.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is proud to announce that the organization has been approved for funding through the Michigan Department of Education’s Grow Your Own (GYO) initiative to expand its statewide Paraeducator Program — a comprehensive, research-aligned system of training that builds and strengthens Michigan’s educator workforce from the ground up.

The MAASE Paraeducator Program provides a high-quality, standards-aligned learning pathway that supports paraeducators in their current roles and creates a pipeline into the teaching profession. With this re-allocated funding, MAASE will significantly increase access to training for current and future paraeducators across Michigan. Superintendent Dave Manson shared “Van Buren ISD is honored to partner with MAASE through Grow Your Own funding to expand high-quality training opportunities for paraeducators across Michigan, strengthening the state’s educational workforce.”

Advancing Michigan’s Workforce & Students’ Success

The MAASE Paraeducator Program strengthens recruitment and retention by:

• Delivering just-in-time professional learning rooted in inclusive, evidence-based practices
• Removing financial and access barriers for paraeducators
• Creating a clear, scaffolded pathway toward teacher certification
• Expanding the diversity and stability of Michigan’s educator workforce

Ben Hicks, Associate Executive Director for MAASE said “We are thrilled to partner with Van Buren ISD and to access Grow Your Own funding to support the ongoing training of paraeducators statewide. This funding will reduce the financial barrier and ensure that every paraeducator in the state has the opportunity to access high quality training directly related to their role in supporting students."

Already in partnership with ISDs the program has proven success:

• 4,800+ paraeducators trained statewide since March 2025
• 379 certified trainers delivering training locally since January 2025
• Statewide infrastructure established for rapid scaling

What the Funding Supports



The awarded $3.28 million investment supports:

• Seat licenses for current and future paraeducators completing Bootcamp and advanced tracks
• Stipends for participants to remove financial barriers to professional learning
• Trainer certification to ensure long-term, sustainable statewide delivery

Training Opportunities

Long-Term Benefits for Michigan

Through educator preparation partnerships and statewide collaboration, this investment:

• Increases classroom-ready future teachers
• Improves student access to skilled support
• Strengthens local workforce pipelines
• Builds long-term stability in hard-to-staff roles

“Grow Your Own funding allows us to support paraeducators today while building the next generation of teachers Michigan students deserve,” said Cheryl-Marie Manson, MAASE Project Manager. “This is a win for schools, a win for communities, and most importantly — a win for students.”

About MAASE

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education leads statewide collaboration to advance effective, equitable outcomes for students with disabilities. MAASE supports leaders through professional learning, statewide initiatives, and innovative systems development across Michigan’s education system.

Learn more: www.maase.org

How can you get involved?

• Become a trainer by signing up here (no cost)
• Find a trainer and reach out to schedule your training

MAISA’s office will be closed from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. We will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season!

Visit the MAISA Event Site to view monthly calendars and upcoming meetings and events