Apply for MASA’s Horizon Leadership Academy+SE by Aug. 15
The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators’ (MASA) Horizon Leadership Academy+SE (HLA+SE) is available to Michigan educators and administrators who want to move into a new leadership role.
MASA in partnership with the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, has developed the HLA+SE mentoring program. It prepares candidates for roles such as superintendent, central office administrator and special education administrator.
Horizon Leadership Academy+SE applications due August 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 cohorts. Apply Here.
This program is based on the Recommendations in OPTIMISE’s SE Administrator Credentials Action Team.
Leadership Helps Needs of Staff, Students and Families
HLA+SE helps districts build that leadership capacity from within. By preparing experienced educators and administrators for central office and special education leadership roles, the program can strengthen succession planning, reduce gaps when key positions become vacant and create a stronger pipeline of professionals ready to lead.
The special education pathway is especially important because these roles require leaders who understand compliance, instruction, staffing, family engagement and services for individuals with disabilities, Birth to 26 years.
For school administrators, supporting employees through HLA+SE can be a practical way to retain talented staff while preparing them for greater responsibility.
What Candidates Can Earn
Depending on their qualifications and career goals, participants may earn:
- A School Administrator Certificate
- A Central Office endorsement
- Special Education Director full approval
- Up to 150 SCECHs
All candidates complete the 12-session core academy. Those pursuing special education approval complete seven additional days of specialized coursework.
HLA+SE Connects Coursework to Real Work
Candidates complete district-based projects, build a digital portfolio, work with a mentor and complete a 240- or 300-hour internship or clinical experience.
The program is aligned with Michigan central office leadership standards, district-level national leadership standards and applicable MARSE requirements.
Successful completers may also receive articulated credits toward an Ed.S., Ed.D. or Ph.D. program at Western Michigan University or Northern Michigan University.
Who Should Apply
HLA+SE is a good fit for:
- Certified administrators seeking a Central Office endorsement
- Educators who need both an administrator certificate and endorsement
- Qualified professionals pursuing special education administrator approval
- Experienced special educators and related service providers who want to advance into leadership
Eligible special education candidates also include:
- Special Education Teachers
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- School Psychologists
- School Social Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Current special education supervisor or administrator
Candidates seeking special education approval must satisfy the applicable Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). Requirements for director and supervisor approval include specific education, approval and professional-experience qualifications.
Candidates must have a qualifying degree and at least three years of successful professional practice or administrative experience in special education, or an eligible combination of practice and experience.
Candidates must also be accepted into the full HLA academy before enrolling in the +SE coursework. Individuals who completed the Horizon Leadership Academy in 2020 or later may be eligible to return for the +SE curriculum if they meet the applicable requirements.
Build Your District’s Leadership Pipeline–Fall 2026 Details
Candidates may choose an in-person or virtual cohort. In-person sessions are held at the MASA office in Lansing.
Program costs include:
- Application fee: $150
- Core tuition: $9,500
- Tuition with +SE: $12,500 total
- Additional textbook or make-up session costs may apply
Key dates:
- Applications due: August 15, 2026
- Half tuition due: September 14, 2026
- Refund deadline: October 15, 2026
- Remaining balance due: March 1, 2027
