Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

This week marked the completion of our 10th Growing Learning Lab Facilitators Course!

We are grateful for the incredible educators and leaders who continue investing in learning experiences that support Michigan students and strengthen instructional systems statewide.

A special thank you to Inland Lakes Elementary School for opening your classrooms to participants and allowing authentic learning to come to life. We also extend our appreciation to Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District (COPESD) in Indian River for generously providing a welcoming space for collaboration and learning.

We are especially thankful for the leadership and expertise of Samantha Keesling and Megan Kortlandt from Oakland Schools - Michigan, whose support helped make this course a meaningful and inspiring experience for all involved.

Here's to continuing to grow, lead, and learn together!

Join MAISA on May 26, 2026, for "Impactful Instructional Coaching: The Principal's Role," a virtual learning series focused on strengthening instructional coaching systems and leadership practices that improve student learning.

Session Options:
9:30–11:00 a.m. (EST)�or 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EST)�

Designed for principals, central office administrators, and instructional coaches.

Facilitated by Steve Seward. Registration is limited to 90 participants.

For more information, click the QR code or here: https://events.gomaisa.org/catalog/eventdetails/61

Literacy Essentials

Calling all educators, instructional leaders, and systems-level teams from across Michigan!

We have partnered with MEMSPA for upcoming professional learning opportunities designed to strengthen literacy and mathematics instruction for every learner.

These sessions will focus on collaborative leadership, effective instructional systems, and continuous improvement practices that support student success statewide.

To learn more and to register, click the QR code or head here: bit.ly/LLN-Register

LOCI Literacy Essentials

MiFamily Engagement Center – Region 7 recently hosted a powerful two-day professional learning experience at Michigan State University's Erickson Hall.

Held May 7–8, 2026, the event brought together providers, teachers, coaches, specialists, and family-facing professionals working with children from birth through Grade 5.

Across both days, participants engaged in practical, research-based learning aligned with the Essential Practices in Early Literacy ( #2– #9), with #1 and #10 thoughtfully embedded throughout the experience. The focus centered on strengthening authentic partnerships with families to deepen children’s literacy development.

Educators left with actionable strategies, ready-to-use tools, and renewed approaches for connecting classroom instruction with meaningful family engagement to support early literacy growth.

Now hiring! 📚✨

Gratiot-Isabella RESD is seeking an Early Literacy Coach to help support high-quality literacy instruction and student learning.

Click here to apply: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/.../gratiotis.../opening/170332

Join our Team! GIRESD has the following opening: Early Literacy Coach. To apply go to: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/gratiotisabellaresd/opening/170332

Big things are ahead for literacy learning at Lapeer County Intermediate School District- LCISD!

Lapeer County Literacy will be hosting two powerful professional learning opportunities later this year focused on strengthening literacy instruction and student outcomes.

Registration is now open!

To register for Bringing LETRS to Life, click here: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx...

To register for Structured Literacy, click here: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx...

Literacy Essentials

Registration is now open!

Bringing LETRS to life- https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0044-0031-97dbe04a3ffc4f939caff668a2c3fd02

Structured Literacy- https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0044-0031-d2c50eccd2a0484d920ae06f5cd5afac

Today, more than 100 math educators, leaders, and specialists gathered at Central Michigan University for MAISA's Statewide Early Math Project Showcase!

Attendees shared ideas and innovative strategies to strengthen math teaching, deepen learning, and improve student outcomes by making math meaningful for Michigan’s youngest learners.

A special thank you to the featured speakers, Dr. Alison Fox Resnick and Dr. Amy Noelle Parks, for sharing their expertise and insight.

And a huge shout-out to the MAISA Math Team — Rusty Anderson, Trish Dunn, Jess Tufnell, Sohnia Malik, and Nick Dauphin — for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing math education across Michigan!

Save the date!

The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) has announced its Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference for July 29–30!

Registration opens May 15! To register, click here: https://sites.google.com/macul.org/aimconf/home?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxrslleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaYnZsNDZDMWJnS0xUYlNKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrqFoBcniVyTuX9Yb6SCs9dL2fedHgByrUAi1z1a8VZATrw_Pdk9Rc9WRon8_aem_JBn-_zPauUxLiDT_GTWtmQ.

The future of literacy is here! Join us for the Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference this July at LCC West.

🗓️ July 29: Grades K–5 focus
🗓️ July 30: Grades 6–12 focus
💵 $29

Registration opens May 15! Don't miss out. https://zurl.co/A94WA

We are excited to see the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) continued investment in strong, future-focused learning for students with the launch of the new Office of Curriculum and Instruction!

The office will lead statewide efforts to strengthen instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while providing districts and educators with the tools, guidance, and support needed to expand meaningful learning opportunities for every student.

MDE's key priorities include:
• Implementing Michigan's new literacy and dyslexia laws
• Developing a statewide mathematics framework
• Expanding supports for science and social studies instruction
• Growing innovative and flexible learning options for students

To learn more, click here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/05/12/office-of-curriculum-and-instruction-priorities.

Literacy Essentials

Michigan students are getting a boost! The Michigan Department of Education has launched a new Office of Curriculum and Instruction, focused on improving literacy, math, science, and social studies learning across the state.

Key priorities include:
• Implementing Michigan's new literacy and dyslexia laws
• Developing a statewide mathematics framework
• Expanding supports for science and social studies instruction
• Growing innovative and flexible learning options for students

"This new office is providing support to local districts and educators to ensure that Michigan students have access to high-quality, evidence-based, innovative learning opportunities." — State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko

The office is guided by an Instructional Coherence framework — ensuring students experience seamless learning throughout their school day, across grade levels, and in all content areas.

https://go.mi.gov/5d3nj2515

Today, more than 500 literacy coaches from across Michigan participated in MAISA’s Coaching Quarterly, a day of meaningful learning, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Hosted by MAISA’s Literacy Essentials team, the event was held at regional sites statewide and highlighted a collective commitment to improving literacy outcomes for every student.

Coaches partnered with Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC) to deepen their understanding of the Reaching Every Reader initiative, focused on building more equitable and effective literacy systems. The collaboration and reflection throughout the day will continue to shape practice in classrooms and support student success across the state.