Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership
Field Notes: Conversations in Special Education Leadership is the official podcast of MAASE, the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. It highlights stories, insights, and innovations shaping special education leadership across Michigan. Each episode features conversations with administrators, educators, advocates, and change-makers working to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The show is designed for both experienced directors and those new to the field, offering professional growth, inspiration, and peer connection. Listeners can stay connected to the pulse of special education in Michigan.
Episodes
Beyond the Awards: Lessons in Leadership, Belonging, and Systems Change
Awards celebrate outstanding work, but what sits behind the recognition? In this episode of Field Notes, host Cheryl-Marie Manson sits down with seven distinguished Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) award winners representing over 100 years of combined experience across Michigan's local districts and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs).
Together, they go beyond t
Beyond Content: Building Energy, Connection, and Community in Professional Learning
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
2026 MAASE Summer Institute: The Ultimate "Know Before You Go" Guide
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 Abb
[Re-Release] 50 Years of IDEA: From Segregation to Belonging | A Legacy Panel with MAASE Leaders
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 sepa
The Next Chapter: Shaping the Future of Special Education Leadership
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
Leading with a Students First Mindset: A Conversation with State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko
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
Simplifying Advocacy: How Special Education Leaders Shape Policy in Michigan
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 Kur
From School to Success: The Power of Project SEARCH in Michigan
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
Beyond The Classroom: How The MITTIN Project Is Reimagining Independence For Michigan Students
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 disabiliti
The Impact Is Massive. Solving The National Paraeducator Shortage.
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
50 Years of IDEA: From Segregation to Belonging | A Legacy Panel with MAASE Leaders
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 Mic
Beyond the Headlines: What Education Leaders Need to Know About the State Budget Process
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
United Today, Stronger Tomorrow: A Conversation with MAASE President Kirsten Myers
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 g
Field Notes: The Beekman Award and Renee Thelen's Journey
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 vision
Welcome to Field Notes: Your Space for Special Education Leadership Connection
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.
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