Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership

What does it truly mean to put students first in state-level leadership? In this episode of Field Notes, MAASE Executive Director Abby Cypher welcomes Michigan’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Glenn Maleyko, for an inspiring discussion on the future of education in our state. From his early days as a third-grade teacher to leading the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Dr. Maleyko shares how personal connections with students have shaped his professional mission. He dives into the importance of intentional outreach to education associations and his vision for a unified Michigan where literacy, special education, and leadership development are top priorities. Tune in to learn: The Story Behind the Sign: How a third grader’s journal entry sparked a lifelong "Students First" philosophy. Collective Capacity: Why collaboration between the MDE and associations like MAASE is essential for navigating the complex legislative landscape. Innovation in Inclusion: Dr. Maleyko’s personal experience with co-teaching models and how they empower students with diverse learning needs. The Literacy Focus: Updates on the department's restructuring to support the science of reading and high-quality instructional materials.

Think advocacy is too complicated or political? Think again. In this episode of Field Notes, Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Executive Director, Abby Cypher hands the hosting mic to MAASE Vice President Elect, Dr. Amanda Unger for a candid conversation about making legislative advocacy accessible. Joined by Dr. Erin Senkowski (Advocacy Committee Chair), Matt Kurta (Lobbyist, Karoub Associates), and Dr. Sheryl Kennedy (Consultant and former State Representative), the panel breaks down how true advocacy is simply about relationship-building and storytelling. Whether you are a veteran administrator or a first-year educator, this episode proves that you are the expert legislators need to hear from. Tune in to learn: The Neighbor Metaphor: Why you should build relationships before you need to borrow the lawnmower. The Power of the One Pager: Why busy legislators prefer concise visuals over dense reports. Elevator Speeches: How to boil down complex issues like special education funding, Project SEARCH, and staffing shortages into a clear, unified message. Reference Links: Special Education Legislative Summit 2026: https://specialeducationlegislativesummit.org/ MAASE Advocacy Committee: https://www.maase.org/advocacy-committee  

What happens when you stop seeing a student’s disability and start seeing their potential? In this episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, host Sarah Winslow sits down with Susie Rutkowski, co-founder of Project SEARCH, and a panel of Michigan leaders to explore this life changing school to work model. Project SEARCH isn’t just a classroom program. It is a full immersion experience where interns spend their entire day at a host business like Meijer or Corewell Health. Susie shares the incredible news that Michigan programs are currently performing 13 points above the national average for employment outcomes.   Quick Links:  About Project Search Michigan History & Research Sites In Michigan Start A Site Professional Learning & Events

Independence is more than a goal. It is a skill that can be practiced, refined, and mastered. In this episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, Executive Director Abby Cypher welcomes guest host Dr. Derek Cooley, Director of Special Education at Godwin Heights, for a deep dive into the MITTIN Project. This statewide initiative is revolutionizing post secondary outcomes for students with disabilities by providing a free library of innovative digital resources, curricular tools, and professional development. Derek is joined by a powerhouse panel of leaders who have been at the heart of this work: Dr. Kristine Gullen, MITTIN Project Manager Dr. James Nuse, Director of Special Education at Ionia Public Schools Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain, MITTIN PLC Facilitator In this episode, we explore: Power of Partnership: How MAASE, the Michigan CEC, Great Lakes Reality Labs, and Public Policy Associates joined forces to build a sustainable ecosystem. Innovation in Action: The shift from simple navigation to immersive, web based modules and now sign language integration that allow students to practice daily living and employability skills in a low risk environment. Research and Results: Why the MITTIN model is gaining international attention through peer reviewed journals and how it is being used to bridge the theory to practice gap in rural and urban districts alike. The Statewide PLC: How Michigan educators are moving from isolation to collaboration, sharing lesson plans and best practices that are freely available to every practitioner in the state.   Whether you are a veteran administrator or new to the field, this conversation provides a blueprint for how professional learning and digital design can work together to strengthen student outcomes.

In less than a year Michigan has successfully trained over 4,600 paraeducators through a powerhouse initiative that is officially setting a new national standard. In this high energy episode of Field Notes Abby Cypher joins Cheryl-Marie Manson and Karlie Parker to reveal the exact framework they used to move the needle from critical vacancies to a system of support that actually works.   Learn how this state funded model provides high level training for free while also awarding $100 back to districts for every participant who completes the program. This is more than just a local win it is a scalable revolution featuring specialized tracks for early childhood transition and transportation launching on February 19.   If you are looking for a real solution to staffing shortages and student success you cannot afford to miss this conversation about these 4,600 success stories. Find out why leaders across the country are already asking how Michigan achieved these record breaking results so quickly.   Quick Links:  Become A Trainer Find A Training Near You MAASE's Certified Training Resources [MEMBERS ONLY] K12 Article, "Teacher Shortages Hinder Special Education Progress. What Are The Solutions?"   

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Field Notes gathers a multi-generational panel of MAASE leaders—including Past, Current, and Vice Presidents, alongside respected MAASE legacy leaders Tom and Deb Koepke and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain. This emotional and insightful conversation explores the profound transformation of special education in Michigan and nationwide: Before IDEA: Guests share firsthand, often difficult stories of the era before the law's passage, when access to education was denied, and services often occurred in church basements or led to institutionalization. Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain shares the powerful story of her sister, Cookie. The Evolution of Practice: Legacy leaders discuss how IDEA mandates—like the IEP and required training—shifted special education from being a place to a service. Deb Koepke highlights the profound impact of programs like START and the shift away from segregation. Access vs. Belonging: The panel reflects on the evolution of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), shifting the focus from location (which room or building) to ensuring authentic experiences and true belonging for every student. The Next 50 Years: Current MAASE leaders discuss strengthening IDEA's civil rights foundation through collaboration, innovation rooted in neuroscience and co-regulation, and fighting for sustainable funding to move beyond compliance to a culture of belonging. The panel concludes with a shared wish for the future: that inclusion is simply who we are.

In this episode of Field Notes, Executive Director Abby Cypher sits down with former State Representative, Sheryl Kennedy, to explore the complex journey of the Michigan State School Aid Budget. They discuss what it means for schools to navigate the revenue reality as Sheryl, who has seen the budget process from every side (teacher, principal, legislator, and MDE staff), walks through this year's timeline, from the Governor's February proposal to the final October signature.   The conversation goes deeper, addressing the real-world impact of delays, the difference between per pupil funding and categoricals (like funding for special education), and the challenges when budgets are rushed. Sheryl and Abby use concrete examples, including the need to protect funding for Project SEARCH, to highlight why partnership and advocacy within the process matters. This episode is a call to action for every special education leader to become an informed advocate, ensuring that decisions made in Lansing truly advance meaningful outcomes for Michigan students and schools.

In this episode of Field Notes, guest host and past president Lauren Eardley sits down with our new president, Kirsten Myers, to explore her presidential theme: United Today, Stronger Tomorrow.   They discuss what it means to be united as an intentional community of special education leaders, leveraging a collective voice to overcome the isolation that often comes with the role. The conversation goes deeper, addressing the responsibility of building a "stronger tomorrow" by moving beyond the status quo, challenging ableism, and advocating for meaningful outcomes for students, families, and staff.   Kirsten and Lauren share personal stories about their leadership journeys, how they overcame initial intimidation, and how the relationships and collaborative courage within MAASE have shaped them. This episode is a call to action for every member to contribute their voice, ensuring that no one leads alone and that together, the community can advance what should be.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on this month's episode of Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership. Host Abby Cypher sits down with Renee Thelen, a two-time MAASE past president, professional learning steering committee chair, and the newest recipient of the prestigious Marvin Beekman Award. This episode goes beyond the award itself, exploring what it means to be a visionary and transformative leader in special education. Renee shares her deeply personal and professional reflections on receiving MAASE's highest honor. She discusses the surreal moment of the announcement, what the award means to her, and the profound legacy she now carries. The conversation highlights the importance of "everyday leadership" and the power of collaborative partnerships, drawing on Renee's extensive experience as the chair of MAASE's Summer Institute. She also co-authored the Guiding Principles, which are now the foundation for all professional learning within MAASE. This episode is a must-listen for both seasoned and aspiring special education leaders. Renee offers invaluable advice on: Cultivating leadership in others, regardless of their title. The importance of self-reflection and asking thoughtful questions. The profound impact of statewide partnerships in the field. Tune in to hear how MAASE is creating a stronger, more united future for special education in Michigan by equipping its members with the tools they need to succeed. And, in a fun surprise, find out how Renee prefers her s'mores. Stay curious, stay connected, and thanks for listening.

Join host Abby Cypher in the pilot episode of Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership. Discover the inspiration behind the podcast and how it supports connection and growth for special education leaders in Michigan. Get a sneak peek at Season One guests, including Renee Thalen, Lauren Eardley, and Kirsten Myers. Tune in to learn, grow, and connect because you belong here.