Massp Podcast

Listen as Nina interviews Teresa Banish and Emily Spica, clerical staff at Traverse City Central High School about end-of-the-year celebrations. The ladies talk about hoe they plan these events and prepare year-round for culmination ceremonies.

Nina talks with our first Middle-Level Rocket League Esports Champion, East Grand Rapids Middle School about their involvement in the middle-level esports league. Principal, Jeff Dykhouse and coach, Casey Smith, talk about how providing an esports club has created a space for students who may not be involved in other extracurriculars or athletic clubs in school.

Nina talks live from the AP Summit with first-year Assistant Principal, Megan Henry. Megan shares her experience as a new administrator at Troy Athens High School, what she's learned, and what advice she offers to those aspiring to administration in the future.

Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, Tracy Wilson, returns to the podcast to discuss their Parent Learning Walks program which allows parents into their building during the school day for a tour and classroom visits.  The walks have been occuring for years and it not only gives valauable insight to parents as they learn about the school, but creates trust and cultivates meaningful conversation within the community.

In this episode, Tracy Wilson, Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, joins us to discuss the Shadow a Student Program.  Each semester, a group of teachers is selected to shadow a mix of students for the entire school day.  Teachers then debrief at the end of the day to share their takeaways.  Tracy shares how long the program has been running, the benefits it provides to the school culture and the changes it has brought to the school from experiences gained through the lens of a student.

In this podcast, Nina interviews Craig Blower, the new ML Central Board Rep. Listen in as Craig talks to Nina about his tenure as an administrator throughout Michigan. Craig also shares new information with Nina about the growth of MASSP over the years!

Listen to Paula and Sarah, two Anchor Bay Middle-North teachers and student council advisers share their experience in participating in middle-level MASC/MAHS programming.

Nina talks with Jenni Thunberg from Bay City Central about being an AP/AD. Jenni reveals how she's grown to love the meshing of the two roles and previews a breakout session she plans to lead on the same topic: balancing the roles of AD/AP.

In this podcast, Nina talks with Assistant Principals Ben Berger from Traverse City Central and Andy Wares from Traverse City West about being the scheduler AP in their respective buildings. Both preview a breakout session on scheduling that they plan to lead at the '23 AP & Dean's Summit.

For this podcast, Nina has the opportunity to interview new CTE Board of Director, Natalie Davis. Natalie passionately explains why CTE has her heart and why she feels all students can benefit from a CTE experience.

Listen in as Nina interviews Brad Hale, Principal of Brown City Jr./Sr. High School. Brad talks about the community mentality in Brown City (the very city where he grew up) and the initiatives they have implemented to continue to support that environment.

Listen in as East Grand Rapids MS Principal, Jeff Dykhouse, shares how his students, staff, parents and community come together for a massive fundraising event called the Regatta.  Classrooms compete to create handmade, cardboard boats and compete all day long at a local park and lake.  Students learn how to communicate, work as a team and more in this beginning of the year activity.  

In this episode, Nina interviews Traverse City Central High School Assistant Principal and new AP Central representative, Ben Berger. Listen as we get to know Ben better and hear about the great things happening at Traverse City Central High School. Ben talks about the importance of change and how we must always be progressive and forward thinking in the business of education. Ben and Nina realize how much they have in common while discussing their education philosophies throughout the interview.

In this episode, Nina interviews Saline High School Principal and new Region 8 representative, Theresa Stager. Listen as we get to know Theresa better and hear about the great things happening at Saline High School. Theresa talks about her non-linear path to becoming a building administrator and how it's never "too late" to take the path towards leadership.

In this episode, we talk to three, long-time administrators who recently have moved to new roles or new districts. We are joined by Theresa Stager, Principal at Saline HS, Brad Robbins, Principal of Croswell-Lexington MS, and Todd Simmons, Principal of Cedar Springs HS.  Topics discussed include what challenges and opportunities occurred as they made job changes, advice for others considering a change, and how previous administrator experience played a factor.

In this back to school edition, Nina interviews 30 year veteran clerical staff member, Ms. Denise Sheneman of Sparta Schools.  Denise talks about the lessons she has learned over her long tenure, her favorite parts about working in schools and gives helpful advice to newer clerical members across the state

There's no better way to start the '22-'23 Membership Spotlight series than to highlight the very principal taking over the building where Nina served for nine years in the same capacity. In this interview, Nina chats with none other than Justin Hauser, the new principal of L'Anse Creuse Middle East, where Nina was previously principal before joining the MASSP staff. While using his favorite genre of music to serve as a soundtrack, Justin tells his story as an educator and why hip hop music resonates with him.

Catherine Woolman, Asst. Superintendent of Instruction for Port Huron Area School District, joins the podcast to share her district's approach to year long, new teacher orientation and induction and its impact on retaining staff.  

In this episode, Nina interviews Caledonia High School Assistant Principal and new AP West representative, Danelle Scott. Listen as we get to know Danelle better and hear about the great things happening at Caledonia High School. Danelle references MASSP's Path to Leadership program. To read more about this successful program, click here.

In this episode, Nina interviews Howell High school Principal and new Region 6 representative, Jason Shrock. Listen as we get to know Jason more and hear about the great things happening at Howell High School. Jason references his previous podcast where we discuss Howell’s “Senior Survivor” Fundraiser. To hear more about this program, you may listen to the previous podcast here.