Massp Podcast

In this episode, Nina reunites with a fellow Macomb County Administrator, who at one point was her daughter's middle school principal! Listen in and meet Chippewa Valley High School principal and new Region 9 representative, Todd Distelrath. Get to know Todd more and hear about the great work he continues to do in Macomb County in this newest podcast episode.

Are you building a social media administrator presence?  If no, why not?  Social Media is a great way to connect to your school constituents and build your "brand".  In this video interview, Nina talks with Mr. Sidney Bailey IV, Assistant Principal of Portage West Middle School, who has become a social media "influencer" in the world of education.  Mr. Bailey describes how he got started on social media and why he feels it is such an important tool in today's society.

Listen in as Nina interviews participants at EdCon 2022. Hear 4 administrators talk about their excitement being back face to face for the conference, what they've enjoyed most (as well as what their families enjoyed most!), how they plan to implement their learning back at their buildings and why you should be sure to attend EdCon 2023!

In this podcast, Nina talks to North Farmington High School Principal Joe Greene, MASSP's 2020-21 Principal of the Year.  During the interview Joe talks about the experience of being named Principal of the Year, traveling to DC to represent Michigan, the benefits of his MASSP membership and he also gives words of encouragement to fellow educational leaders. 

Listen in as Michigan's 2022 Principal of the Year, Nicole Carter of Novi HS, shares her strategies for reflecting on the school year and using that practice to plan for the future.

In this episode, the team from Howell High School explains how the Senior Survivor event, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, cultivates a culture of giving back while honoring seniors.

In this episode, Nina interviews Trayc Cunningham, secretary at Beecher High School about her experience over the last 28 years as an employee in various roles throughout the district.  Trayc shares how she loves her students, showing them love as a mother away from home, but also how she's able to show them tough love too; while switching hats and shifting to become "Aunty" Trayc.

In this episode, Nina talks with Ms. Ebony Carter, Assistant Principal at Dakota High School about school safety protocols pre and post COVID.  Listen as Ms. Carter talks about the challenges they've overcome while trying to secure one of the largest high schools in the state. 

In this episode, Nina talks to two middle level secretaries about their job duties and how those have changed in the last few years.  The clerical staff talk about what keeps them motivated and the positives of their job.

Listen in as new Associate Director of Member Service & Outreach, Nina Davis, interviews attendees from the 2022 AP Summit in Crystal Mountain.

Travis Thomsen (Portage North MS) joins the podcast to discuss compassion fatigue awareness and the impact that this professional learning topic has had on his building staff.

In this episode, Amy Pashak, AP of the Freshman Campus at Howell HS, joined us to share about their new suicide prevention and awareness program called Hope Squads.  This nationally recognized initiative brings together student and teachers entrusted by their peers to train and help support students in need.

Michigan's  2022 Assistant Principal of the Year winner, Al Reickard (North Rockford MS), joins the podcast to share insight, tips and more from his career and experiences as an assistant principal and middle-level leader.

Principal Amy Hendry and Asst. Principal Stacey Ary of Carter Middle School (Warren Consolidated Schools) join the podcast to share their #DoKind initiative that has the entire school and community participating in random acts of kindness.  Listen and learn how they are utilizing social media to engage all stakeholders in this collaborative program to build positive school culture.

JoLynn Clark (Frankenmuth HS), Joe Esper (Traverse City West HS) & Tom Lietz (Utica HS) all join the podcast to share what has and hasn't changed with how their buildings are handling COVID-19 protocols at the start of the 2021 school year.  Mask mandates vs recommendations, contact tracing, quarantine protocols and more are all covered and their particular impact on HS students.

In this episode we welcome Regional Teacher of the Year and Khan Academy Student Ambassador, Erin Carlson of Sandusky Jr/Sr HS, to share insight about teaching in 2021.  We discuss what teacher's need, want administrators to know, and hidden gems that came from teaching and learning during the pandemic.

MASSP is joined by MCAN's Autumn Kearney, Strategy Manager for High School Innovation, to share details about their new grant programs.  This is a can't miss opportunity that will connect high schools with strategic partnerships, resources and financial awards from MCAN.  

In this episode, we are joined by middle-level leaders Nina Davis (L'Anse Creuse MS East), Tim Sanchez (Grayling MS) & Travis Thomsen (Portage Northern MS) as they discuss the return to school and what has and hasn't changed with how their buildings are handling COVID-19 protocols.  Mask mandates vs recommendations, contact tracing, quarantine protocols and more are all covered and their particular impact on MS students.

Being a strong building leader has been more important than ever during the pandemic.  Listen in as Tammy Jackson of MASSP talks about what skills are needed more than ever, how the leaders  adapt and what opportunities are available for prospective and new administrators to grow their practice.

Are you considering making the leap to the superintendent role?  Jay Bennett & Greg Sieszputowski of MASB's Executive Search Services share details on the current landscape of openings in the state, as well as the skills and experience that districts are looking for, interview tips to consider, and other important reminders.