MAASE

What does it look like when a business finds a shared heart? In this highlight from the Field Notes Podcast, Brendan Birchmeier shares the unexpected ways Project SEARCH has strengthened the culture at Meijer. Beyond providing jobs, the program has acted as a bridge, connecting

What happens when a student moves beyond just dipping a toe into the workforce? In this highlight from the Field Notes Podcast, Marianne Owens discusses the decision to enroll her son, Mitchell, in Project SEARCH. For Mitchell, the key was full immersion. This program is design

Making its debut tomorrow on the Field Notes Podcast, guest host Sarah Winslow sits down with Project SEARCH co founder Susie Rutkowski and a panel of Michigan leaders. Susie shares the incredible news that Michigan programs are currently performing 13 points above the national

In case you missed it, this month’s Field Notes episode is live and focused on reimagining independence. Beyond the Classroom: How the MITTIN Project Is Reimagining Independence for Michigan Students. youtube.com/watch?v=Ppz3Ie…

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we’re reminded that justice cannot be selective. In education, that means inclusive schools where students with disabilities are supported and empowered. MAASE remains committed to equity for every learner. #MLKDay

📣 Save the date! What’s happening in D.C.—and how will it impact special education in your district? Join us for a FREE, members-only federal policy update with CASE & CEC experts. Feb 19, 2026 | 1–2:30 PM ET 🔗 Register: maase.org/events/from-dc… #MAASEAdvocates

January is School Board Recognition Month! MAASE thanks our school board members for their leadership, service, and commitment to ensuring quality education and support for all students, including those with disabilities.

Michigan has achieved the unthinkable. In the latest MAASE Field Notes Podcast episode, we highlight how the state trained thousands of frontline staff in record time. With each educator reaching up to 20 students every day the ripple effect across Michigan schools is unbelievab

A training model built by the people who know Michigan classrooms best. In this clip from the latest MAASE Field Notes Podcast episode, Karlie Parker explains why this initiative has been so successful. This is not a pre-packaged program from an outside vendor. It is a system de

Thanks to the Grow Your Own grant Michigan paraeducator training is now completely free. But the benefits do not stop there. Districts will now receive $100 back for every single paraeducator trained to help offset costs like substitute pay and time. Watch the full episode to fi

Agile Leadership How Michigan Is Solving The Paraeducator Shortage This is not your average professional development program. In this clip from the latest MAASE Field Notes Podcast episode Cheryl-Marie Manson reveals the secret behind Michigan's record breaking success in speci

Our students deserve more than a sink or swim approach. In this clip from the latest MAASE Field Notes Podcast episode Cheryl Marie-Manson breaks down the urgent reality facing Michigan schools today. With classrooms sitting unstaffed for months and current staff feeling underre

Happy New Year, MAASE! 🎉✨ We’re so grateful for our members and the incredible work you do for students, families, and schools across the state. Can’t wait to keep supporting you in 2026—here’s to a powerful year ahead! 💛🎆

As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of IDEA and the Promise of IDEA campaign, we are inspired by the stories of those whose lives have been transformed. One parent shared that IDEA has a new meaning now that they have a child with autism. Fifty years ago, families l

Happy Holidays from all of us at MAASE! 🎉✨ Please note our offices will be closed December 24–January 2 as our team takes a winter break. We’re grateful for you and look forward to reconnecting in the new year. Wishing you a restful, joyful holiday season! 💛🎆

In honor of the 50th anniversary of IDEA and as part of the Promise of IDEA campaign, we recently asked MAASE members how IDEA has shaped special education and the lives of the children, youth, and adults they serve. The stories we’ve heard so far are inspiring. IDEA has given c

What an incredible moment for Brandon School District as they hosted their first-ever Unified basketball game. Congratulations to everyone involved, and a big shoutout to Clio for a great matchup. Thank you for inviting members of the MAASE team to be part of such a special miles

Reflecting on a prior episode of the MAASE Field Notes Podcast, Abby Cypher, CAE and Sheryl Kennedy unpack the often complex process behind Michigan’s state budgeting, beginning with the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC). Their conversation sheds light on how state

Reflecting on a prior episode of Field Notes, Lauren Eardley and Kirsten Myers discuss how MAASE presidential themes build upon one another, connecting Collaborative Courage: Embracing the Power of We with United Today, Stronger Tomorrow. Their conversation highlights the import

Join us as we revisit September's Field Notes podcast episode with Renee Thelen, exploring what makes a transformative leader in special education. MAASE Executive Director, Abby Cypher talks with Renee Thelen, two-time MAASE past president, professional learning steering commit