MASSP Podcast

What happens when schools rethink how students experience learning? In this episode, Brad Dykstra from Yale High School and Brad Hale from Brown City share how they're bringing authentic learning to life through innovative courses that connect math with construction, manufacturing, and real-world business experiences. They discuss how these approaches are helping students find greater purpose in t...

Supporting student mental health continues to be a growing priority for schools, but what does meaningful support actually look like? In this episode, Matt Alley and Samantha Ellis join MASSP's Nina Davis for a conversation to explore the challenges surrounding student mental health and the important role school leaders and educators play in creating supportive learning environments. From recogniz...

Aaron Romoslawski, Director of AI Strategy and Instructional Innovation at Forest Hills Public Schools, joins the podcast to discuss how AI in education has evolved since 2023 and what districts are learning along the way. The conversation explores when AI can strengthen teaching and learning, when it may be better to leave it out, how schools can support both early adopters and more hesitant staf...

Dr. Theresa Stager joins the podcast to share what her doctoral research revealed about the power of effective PLCs. The conversation explores how meaningful collaboration can strengthen collective efficacy, improve professional learning and lead to deeper conversations about student learning. Theresa also shares practical lessons on building trust, structuring PLC time, avoiding compliance-driven...

In this episode, we welcome back MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl to reflect on the close of the winter sports season and the transition into spring athletics across Michigan. Mark shares highlights from the winter season, previews the debut of boys volleyball as a new MHSAA tournament sport, and provides helpful context around recent headlines—including the expansion of personal branding opportu...

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Urbanski of Godwin Heights Middle School to discuss their innovative "Zero Hour" model, a twice-monthly 70-minute enrichment block built into the school day to increase joy, relevance, and student voice. Kim shares the why behind the program, how they adjusted the master schedule, built staff buy-in through shared leadership, and evolved the model to give stud...

In this episode, students take the lead in an honest conversation about how AI is actually being used in schools today—from tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to real classroom expectations that range from full bans to thoughtful integration. Students share how they use AI for everything from emails and test prep to college applications and creative projects, while also unpacking the tension between "g...

In this episode, Jennifer McFarlane shares the story behind Romeo High School's academy model and how it has evolved to create more personalized, student-centered learning experiences. She walks listeners through how the model began in 2015–16, expanded across grade levels, and now uses intentional structures like card sorts, small learning communities, and teacher teams to support students in exp...

As the fall season wraps up and winter sports begin, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl joins us to share updates from across Michigan athletics. We discuss the organized chaos of overlapping seasons, what's new for winter competition, and continued efforts to improve sportsmanship for players, coaches, and fans alike. Mark also reflects on participation trends, including post-pandemic recovery and...

In this episode, we sit down with Portage West Middle School Principal Jason Messenger and Assistant Principal Sidney Bailey IV to explore how their "Risky Words" initiative is reshaping school culture. What started as a response to rising reports of offensive language has grown into a proactive, schoolwide effort to teach empathy, kindness, and accountability. Hear how student voice and data guid...

In this episode, Monte Kelly, Principal of Fruitport Middle School, explores Covey's 4 Cores of Credibility—integrity, intent, capabilities, and results—and how they shape leadership in schools. Monte shares stories of building consistency between words and actions, aligning intent with transparency, and developing the capacity of staff to lead with confidence. He highlights the importance of resu...

In this episode, Josh Wrinkle, Principal of Rochester High School, unpacks Covey's First Wave: Self Trust and the critical role credibility plays in leadership. Drawing from his journey as a teacher, assistant principal, and now principal, Josh reflects on how integrity, consistency, and follow-through earn the trust of staff, parents, and students. He discusses the humbling process of self-assess...

In this episode, Christian Manley, Principal of the Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center, helps us dive into Covey's reminder that "you can do something about this." Trust isn't out of our control—it begins with self-trust rooted in both character and competence. Christian shares her journey as a teacher and leader, offering powerful examples of stewardship, empowerment, and creating a culture wher...

In our kickoff episode, Dave Myron, Principal of Perry Jr/Sr High School, helps us unpack Covey's idea of trust as "the one thing that changes everything." With more than two decades in education, Dave reflects on how credibility, consistency, and follow-through shape the culture of a school and accelerate progress. He shares candid insights from leading through innovation—like piloting Khan Acade...

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Wyn from CS for Michigan to break down the key requirements of House Bill 5649, discuss staffing and training solutions, explore budget-friendly curriculum options, and highlight best practices. If you're an administrator looking for practical steps to ensure compliance and create meaningful computer science opportunities for students, this conversation is a...

Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, joins once again to discuss how the winter sports season has been shaping up, what's ahead for spring sports, and the process of sanctioning boys volleyball and girls field hockey as official MHSAA sports.  We also talk about the growing trend of multi-sport athletes and what the future holds for high school athletics i...

This episode of The MASSP Podcast features a conversation with Aaron Baughman, formerly of Northville Schools and now with Michigan Virtual, on the impact of AI in education. The discussion covers Northville's success in AI integration, common challenges schools face, and standout districts leading the way. Aaron also shares key mistakes to avoid, best practices for getting started, and insights o...

In this episode of The MASSP Podcast, 2024 Michigan Principal of the Year Jon Wilcox from Petoskey Middle School shares insights from his experience at the National NASSP Conference. He discusses connecting with other state award winners, key challenges and successes in education nationwide, and important conversations with legislative representatives.

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns again to discuss athletic season updates, the MHSAA 100-year celebration, participation rate increases and more.  

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast once again to discuss the upcoming spring season. We discuss working with senior spring athletes, multi-sport athlete data, the Rep Council and their new AD Mentoring/Coaching program.

In this episode, East Grand Rapids MS Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member Jeff Dykehouse, joins the podcast to discuss his building's flexible schedule that they are running this school year.  The schedule allows for additional time each day to focus on SEL lessons and support time that is teacher- and student-driven.  Listen and learn what tools they are using and the feedback he's receiv...

In this episode, we focus on ways to build culture and rapport with staff and students.  Todd Simmons, Cedar Springs HS Principal and 2023-24 MASSP President, joins us to discuss the Secret Super Staff Spirit Week and Every Student Known initiatives aimed at creating an environment of trust and relationships in his building.  Listen in to learn how it's done and what it's meant for the school comm...

MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns to the podcast to give a winter season update. Topics covered include a few changes to the basketball season, as well as some interesting announcements from MHSAA regarding student participation numbers, tournament attendance records, legislative bills impacting retirees and more.

In this episode, Traverse City Central Asst. Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member, Ben Berger, joins the show to talk about their TIE Program which features a special class block for a large group of freshmen to receive US History, English 9 & Biology curriculum all at once with a group of teachers.  Ben shares the history of the program, what's changed in Year 2, and some unexpected positi...

In this episde, we are joined by Bill Jones (Principal at Hillsdale MS), Aaron Romoslawski (Asst. Principal at Forest Hills Northern) and Tom Lietz (Associate Director at MASSP) as we talk about the role of Artificial Intelligence in education.  All three are passionate learners of AI and have seen the benefits of how this magnificent tool can impact the lives of administrators, teachers and stude...