The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) has earned national recognition as the winner of the Innovation Lab & Pilot Showcase competition at the 2026 ASAE Great Ideas Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Selected as one of five finalists from across the country, MAASE was recognized for its innovative Paraeducator Professional Learning initiative, designed to strengthen the preparation, professional learning, and ongoing support of paraeducators who play a critical role in serving students with Disabilities.
The Innovation Lab & Pilot Showcase highlights forward-thinking initiatives that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and the potential to drive meaningful change within associations and the communities they serve.
Representing MAASE, Cheryl-Marie Manson, Associate Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, delivered the organization’s finalist presentation on Monday, October 19, showcasing the team’s collaborative approach to addressing critical needs within special education.
“This recognition is an incredible honor for MAASE and a testament to the innovative thinking and collaboration that drive our work,” said Abby Cypher, Executive Director of MAASE. “Paraeducators are essential members of the special education workforce, and we recognize the importance of ensuring they have the tools, training, and support needed to succeed. To see this work recognized on a national stage reinforces the impact we can make when we come together to develop meaningful solutions for educators and students.”
Advancing Innovation in Paraeducator Professional Learning MAASE’s Paraeducator Professional Learning Series was developed to address the growing need for consistent, accessible, and high-quality professional learning for paraeducators across Michigan.
The initiative originated from a recommendation by OPTIMISE, which works with education leaders to turn recommendations into action to address special educator shortages across Michigan. Building on that recommendation, MAASE developed statewide professional learning courses designed to strengthen the paraeducator workforce and expand access to meaningful training opportunities.
Aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Paraeducator Core Competencies, the professional learning courses provide evidence-based training designed to equip paraeducators with practical strategies to support students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings.
A key component of the professional learning courses is its innovative Train-the-Trainer model, which prepares educators from intermediate school districts (ISDs) and local school districts to deliver professional learning within their own communities. This scalable approach expands access to training while helping districts build sustainable professional learning capacity.
The initiative also offers flexible learning opportunities and specialized training pathways, including foundational and advanced paraeducator bootcamps, early childhood education, transition services, transportation, and general education support. Together, these resources create a comprehensive approach to strengthening Michigan’s paraeducator workforce and supporting improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
“Having the opportunity to share our work with association leaders from across the country was an incredible experience,” said Cheryl-Marie Manson, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at MAASE. “This project represents the dedication, expertise, and creativity of an entire team committed to making a difference in special education. What began as a recommendation has grown into an initiative with the potential to create lasting change for paraeducators and the students they support. This recognition is a celebration of the collaboration and commitment that made that vision a Reality.”
Celebrating Collaboration and National Recognition The achievement represents a significant milestone for MAASE and highlights the organization’s commitment to advancing special education through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation.
“Winning national recognition in the ASAE Innovation Lab & Pilot Showcase is a monumental achievement for MAASE. This honor reflects the visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and creative energy of our Executive Director, Associate Executive Directors, and the entire MAASE team, who continually push the boundaries of innovation in our field.” said Tina Lawson, MAASE Board President. “Across the state of Michigan, this work is making a profound impact on thousands of paraeducators, equipping them with the training and support they need to ensure students with disabilities thrive. Together, this team is not only driving meaningful change across our state, but setting a benchmark for excellence on a national stage.”
MAASE extends its appreciation to the paraeducator project team for its dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts, as well as OPTIMISE for its recommendation that helped lay the foundation for this initiative. To learn more about the Paraeducator Learning Series and explore ways to get involved, visit maase.org/paraeducator-learning-series.
As MAASE celebrates this national recognition, the organization remains focused on expanding opportunities for professional learning, strengthening special education leadership, and advancing innovative solutions that support educators and students throughout Michigan and beyond.
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About MAASE
The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide professional organization dedicated to supporting and empowering special education leaders. Through professional learning, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership development, MAASE works to strengthen special education systems and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
For more information about MAASE, visit: www.maase.org
