Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership

What turns a standard professional development session into a movement that drives lasting change?
In this episode of the Field Notes Podcast, host Ben Hicks (Associate Executive Director of Training and Development) is joined by Cheryl-Marie Manson (Associate Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives), Sarah Winslow (Michigan Statewide Director of Project Search), and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain (PLC Facilitator for MITTIN).
Together, the panel pulls back the curtain on how MAASE has expanded its professional learning portfolio from five annual sessions to over 50 targeted offerings designed around distinct member personas.
From leveraging AI to reduce administrative loads to empowering paraeducators, supporting CTE career pathways, and facilitating parent engagement, the team explores how intentional design and continuous touchpoints turn single-day events into sustainable, high-energy networks across Michigan.
1.) Designing for Member Personas: How MAASE tailors learning opportunities for early-career directors, veteran administrators, systems leaders, and specialized practitioners.
2.) AI as an Administrative Assistant: Cheryl-Marie Manson previews the new AI webinar series focused on giving leaders time back for core mission work.
3.) Sustainable Learning Networks: How Project Search, MITTIN, and cohort-based learning labs keep educators connected beyond single workshops.
4.) Expanding the Audience: Reaching principals, paraeducators, and families to support inclusive education across the entire system.
 
About MAASE: The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a professional organization dedicated to the development of inclusive leaders. We provide a space for stories, insights, and innovations that shape the future of special education leadership across Michigan.
 
Get Involved: MAASE is a member-driven organization, and we want you at the table. Whether you are interested in joining a committee, participating in a Community of Practice (COP), or running for a board position, there is a place for you to lead. Check our weekly newsletter for the latest opportunities to connect and grow.

Heading to the 2026 MAASE Summer Institute? Consider this your ultimate "Know Before You Go" guide!
In this episode of the Field Notes Podcast, incoming MAASE President Tina Lawson sits down with Summer Institute Committee Chair Renee Thelen to share insider tips, can’t-miss sessions, and everything you need to make the most of this year’s sold-out conference at the Grand Traverse Resort.
Host Abby Cypher also joins to kick off the episode and share what makes this annual gathering so special. Whether this is your 1st Summer Institute or your 20th, grab a notebook and get ready to gear up for an unforgettable few days of learning, connection, and community.
 
Get Connected & Stay Involved:
1.) Visit us at: https://www.maase.org
2.) Download the official event app to access maps, schedules, and the scavenger hunt!
3.) Don't forget to stop by the Get Involved Table during Sunday's Welcome Reception.
4.) Subscribe to Field Notes for new episodes dropping the first Friday of every month!
 
#MAASE #SpecialEducation #SummerInstitute2026 #FieldNotesPodcast #EdLeadership #InclusiveEducation

Why must special education remain rooted in the Department of Education?
In light of recent federal announcements, removing the administration of IDEA from the Department of Education, remembering the civil rights foundation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is more critical than ever.
IDEA is at its heart an education law—a civil rights landmark designed not to create separate silos, but to build bigger, stronger bridges so every child can learn, grow, and belong alongside their peers. With these important conversations unfolding, we are revisiting our most-listened-to episode of the Field Notes Podcast. The history of IDEA isn't just something we celebrate; it is something we are called to protect through our everyday work.
In this powerful, multi-generational panel, MAASE Executive Director Abby Cypher brings together past, current, and vice presidents alongside respected legacy leaders Tom and Deb Koepke and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain. Whether you are commuting, walking between buildings, or enjoying your summer break, we invite you to listen to this defining conversation with fresh ears.
Tune in to learn about:
Before IDEA: Guests share firsthand, difficult stories of the era before the law's passage, when access to education was denied, and services often occurred in church basements. 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 intentional 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.
About MAASE: The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a professional organization dedicated to the development of inclusive leaders. We provide a space for stories, insights, and innovations that shape the future of special education leadership across Michigan.
Get Involved: MAASE is a member-driven organization, and we want you at the table. Whether you are interested in joining a committee, participating in a Community of Practice (COP), or running for a board position, there is a place for you to lead. Check our weekly newsletter for the latest opportunities to connect and grow.

What does it take to move a statewide organization from reactive to visionary?
In this episode of the Field Notes Podcast, Abby Cypher, MAASE Executive Director, sits down with Ben Hicks, MAASE Associate Executive Director of Training and Development, to discuss the evolution of MAASE and the launch of its newest strategic plan.
They share their journeys from first-year administrators to statewide leaders, reflecting on the mentorship and professional networks that got them there.
 
Together, Abby and Ben pull back the curtain on what it means to run a modern non-profit, the importance of the CAE credential for association executives, and how member feedback has directly shaped the new member benefits and offerings.
Tune in to learn:
Broadening Your Impact: Why leadership within MAASE is a powerful way to serve students across the entire state.
The Strategic Shift: How MAASE moved from being a professional learning hub to a powerhouse for advocacy and systemic support.
Volunteer Engagement: Why modern leadership means creating structured, high-impact opportunities that respect the busy schedules of special education administrators.
The Power of Partnership: How "hosting the table" with other educational organizations is changing the landscape for Michigan students
Volunteer With MAASE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IvfbL4GwBLDaHceHP665ukoZNm2tbMedFfOw9ZcyZjk/edit#responses MAASE's Vision: We envision an educational system that meets the needs of ALL students, ensuring that they achieve their full potential.
MAASE's Mission: MAASE provides opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy. We do this in partnership with our members - to shape policies and practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

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.