MASSP Podcast

MASSP
  • 4.7 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals advances learning through educational leadership. For more information, check out our website: mymassp.com and follow us on Twitter @MASSP

  1. FEB 17

    Zero Hour

    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 students more choice. They also discuss early impact on attendance, engagement, and classroom culture.

    24 min

  2. FEB 6

    Bringing Students to the AI Table

    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 "getting work done" and truly learning. The discussion surfaces both the promise and the challenges of AI in education, ultimately offering a clear message for educators: student voice matters, guidance matters, and AI—when used intentionally—can be a powerful tool for personalization, feedback, and deeper learning rather than a shortcut to avoid it.

    40 min

  3. FEB 6

    The Academies at Romeo

    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 exploring and committing to CTE pathways. The conversation highlights measurable outcomes such as improved graduation rates and reduced math failures, while also surfacing key lessons around teacher collaboration, stakeholder involvement, and the importance of a clear "North Star" when redesigning the high school experience.

    36 min

  4. 11/07/2025

    MHSAA Fall/Winter '25 Update

    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 the role school leaders play in shaping a positive athletic experience for all students.

    34 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Risky Words with Portage West MS

    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 guided their journey, what they've learned along the way, and how any school can take similar steps to create a more inclusive and respectful environment.

    37 min

  6. 09/19/2025

    The Speed of Trust with Monte Kelly

    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 results, not only as evidence of credibility but as the fuel that sustains trust with students, parents, and communities. His reflections bring Covey's framework to life, showing that credibility is the foundation for trust at every level of school leadership.

    37 min

  7. 08/27/2025

    The Speed of Trust with Josh Wrinkle

    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-assessment, the challenge of balancing personal commitments with professional demands, and how leaders can restore credibility when they misstep. Josh's perspective highlights Covey's message that self-trust is the foundation for every other level of trust—and that a leader's character and competence set the pace for an entire school community.

    32 min

  8. 08/27/2025

    The Speed of Trust with Christian Manley

    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 where teachers feel trusted to lead learning. She reflects on how high-trust leadership reduces costs, speeds up progress, and frees principals from micromanaging while building ownership among staff. Her stories bring Covey's principle to life, showing that trust is not just a value but a skill leaders can model and grow in themselves and others.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals advances learning through educational leadership. For more information, check out our website: mymassp.com and follow us on Twitter @MASSP

Information

  • Creator
    MASSP
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals
  • Show Website
    MASSP Podcast